Assignment 2: State of America’s Children

In today’s global world, how do the children of the U.S. fare? Are they prepared to compete in the international arena? The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) is a nonprofit child advocacy organization that provides a voice for children who cannot speak for themselves. The State of America’s Children 2014 is the CDF’s report highlighting some crucial issues affecting our children today. Visit the CDF Web site and read the report:

Children’s Defense Fund (CDF). (2014). State of America’s children 2014. Retrieved from http://www.childrensdefense.org/library/state-of-americas-children/

Select a topic of interest to you from the report’s table of contents (after pulling up the website, you can scroll down to select a topic). Write a research paper on the topic. Be sure to include the following:

• Present the CDF findings on the topic in a table or graph that you create. Note how different populations are affected. For example, you might compare your state to national statistics or compare the top or bottom states on the topic you chose, compare racial/ethnic group data, etc.
• Research the selected topics using at least one additional resource. The data and research publication sections at the CDF Web site offer useful publications.
• Identify and analyze the main issues and discuss them in the context of relevant developmental theory, as well as societal influences. Why is this data and the information you researched important to understand in the context of child development?
• Present your conclusions and support them with research information. What recommendations would you offer to address this issue for future generations?

Write a 4-5 page research paper in Word format. Be sure to include introductory and concluding paragraphs in your paper, and a title page, an abstract, and a reference page. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

1. Question: What is the first step you will take in developing a strategy to respond to this situation?
2. Question: Based on the information provided, what specific recommendations would you make and why?

Discussion 1

Many organizations struggle to keep up with the rising costs of providing employee benefits. HRM professionals must be well versed in ways to contain those costs.

Salaries and benefits are usually the most significant expenses that organizations in all sectors of the economy encounter. Executives look to human resource management professionals for advice and guidance on the full spectrum of benefits considerations. This is an area in which HR actions can be clearly seen as affecting the organization’s profit statement. Selecting a reasonably-priced benefits program that fits employees’ needs is considered a key indicator of the success of an organization’s human resource program.

For this discussion, describe what HRM professionals can do to address the rising costs of employee health care. Support your recommendations with examples from the unit readings.

Feel free to also use examples from your personal work experiences with organizational benefits programs.

 

Discussion 2

This unit introduced the Society of Human Resource Management Code of Ethics. The SHRM Code of Ethics is a rich source of ethical conduct designed to guide the HRM professional navigate the many complex issues that present themselves in the organization. The SHRM Code is not a perfect vehicle of justice or decision making. It is a valuable framework of reference for HRM professionals to guide their organizations and membership towards an environment of just treatment and fair consideration. For this discussion, describe why employers are increasingly adopting consumer-driven health plans. Address the following questions:

• What is the difference between fairness and justice?
• How can each be applied effectively and under what circumstances?

Each answer must be 3 paragraphs with 2 references..

 

Imagine that you are the HR Director at your current organization or an organization with which you are familiar. As the HR Director, you must use different employment law requirements to create methods and policies that support the promotion of a diverse workforce. Select one (1) job opportunity that you have held or with which you are familiar within the same organization for this scenario.

(Note: You may create and / or make all necessary assumptions needed for the completion of these assignments. In your original work, you may use aspects of existing processes from either your current or a former place of employment. However, you must remove any and all identifying information that would enable someone to discern the organization[s] that you have used.)

Write a ten to twelve (10-12) page paper in which you:

1. Develop three (3) recruitment methods for the job opportunity in question, and suggest two (2) ways that each method helps one to avoid discriminatory practices. Justify your response.
2. Outline an application process that details the organization’s method of accepting all applications, as well as its method of validating applicants’ attainment of the required credentials (e.g., reviewing resumes, collecting transcripts, verifying certifications, etc.) for the job opportunity.
3. Develop a five- (5) step procedure for the HR Department to use in order to maintain all applicants’ records in case a discriminatory charge occurs.
4. Decide on three (3) background checks that the HR Department must utilize, and justify the relevance of each background check for the job opportunity.
5. Choose three (3) employment tests (e.g., drug tests, medical examinations, HIV tests, generic tests, polygraphs, honesty tests, psychological tests, intelligence and skills tests, and physical fitness, etc.) that the HR Department should use. Justify the relevance of each selected employment test to the job requirements.
6. Formulate a policy for making both the hiring and promotional decisions related to the job opportunity. Specify the major challenges and potential adverse impact of using subjective criteria for assessing soft skills. Next, suggest one (1) plan to mitigate the adverse impact. Justify your suggestion.
7. Recommend two (2) types of reasonable accommodations for both disabled applicants and applicants needing special religious considerations. Argue two (2) legal reasons for not being able to sufficiently provide such reasonable accommodation for each group.
8. Select one (1) case in which a court charged an organization with an affirmative action violation and one (1) case in which a court charged the organization with not managing harassment issues more expeditiously. Recommend an action plan geared toward preventing the issues addressed in both cases within your selected organization. Justify your recommendation.
9. Choose three (3) work-life conflicts that the HR Director should consider within the selected organization. Then, outline a policy geared toward resolving each conflict through the use of related employment laws. Justify your response.
10. Use at least four (4) quality academic resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not qualify as academic resources.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

• Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

• Determine employment laws that apply to the selection, development, and management of employees.
• Evaluate policies and processes that promote a diverse workforce.
• Use technology and information resources to research issues in employment law.
• Write clearly and concisely about employment law using proper writing mechanic.

The first part of the assignment includes an informal assessment of your personal protective and risk factors associated with aging. This type of assessment could also be useful for your future client populations. In addition, you will look at how the response to death and dying varies widely among individuals and cultural groups. This second part of the assignment provides additional awareness and insight into these beliefs and practices.

Part A

Tasks:

Click here (ATTACHED) to download and complete the life expectancy questionnaire.

Write a 2- to 3-page response paper to your self-assessment. Address the following questions:

• What is your reaction to your estimated life expectancy?
• What lifestyle factors positively and negatively contributed to your estimate?
• How do your personal cultural variables contribute to your estimate?

In addition, specify any modifications you plan to make in response to your estimated life expectancy.

Part B

Tasks:

Conduct research to find cultures different from your own in terms of beliefs and practices related to death and dying.

In a 2- to 3-page paper, describe your personal cultural beliefs and practices related to death and dying. Choose a culture different from your own and describe the beliefs and practices related to death and dying in that culture. In addition, describe how these beliefs and practices differ from your own. Include two or three peer-reviewed journal articles to support your opinion.

Submission Details:

• By Monday, February 8, 2016, prepare a 5- to 6-page analysis paper. Your response should rely upon at least three sources from professional literature. This may include the Argosy University online library resources, relevant textbooks, peer-reviewed journal articles, and websites created by professional organizations, agencies, or institutions (.edu, .org, or .gov). Write in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrate ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources (i.e., APA format); and use accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

• This research-based assignment focuses on the latest available information about creating, organizing, and managing a total rewards program. Envision a service-based (insurance, telemarketing, or other) profit organization that employs 20,000 employees in 17 different countries. There are 2,000 management-level individuals who speak a variety of languages. The company employs diverse individuals who are governed by multiple regulatory environments.

  Write an eight to ten (8-10) page paper in which you:

 

1.     Create a brief overview of the company requirements for a total rewards system.

 

2.     Formulate a total rewards strategy to encompass the fundamentals of compensation and the regulatory environments.

 

3.     Explain the advantages of the total rewards strategy you are proposing and how it might satisfy the employees’ needs.

 

4.     Determine the key communication components of the total rewards system.

 

5.     Indicate your strategy for devising a competitive pay structure.

 

6.     Use at least five (5) quality academic resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not quality as academic resources.

 

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

 

·         Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.

 

·         Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

 

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

 

·         Define total rewards and describe the advantages of a total rewards approach.

 

·         Analyze an organization’s strategy, workforce, operating environment, and key stakeholders to identify critical factors in designing a total rewards strategy.

 

·         Evaluate the elements of a total rewards communication program.

 

·         Use technology and information resources to research issues in total rewards.

 

·         Write clearly and concisely about total rewards using proper writing mechanics.

 

For the Final Project, you will develop a strategic plan for a new non-profit or existing government organization. As you finalize your Final Project, be sure to incorporate any feedback that you have received from your Instructor and your colleagues, as a well-developed strategic plan can help support an organization in achieving its goals.

To complete the Final Project, you will write a paper that addresses the following:

1. Creating an Organization (Week 3)
   • Create a new non-profit organization with a global presence or identify a government organization at the local, state, or national level that works with multiple stakeholders.
   • Develop and explain the organization’s mission, values, and strategic initiatives.
   • Identify organizational stakeholders and conduct a stakeholder analysis.
2. Analyzing Organizations (Week 5)
   • Conduct a SWOT or Appreciative Inquiry (AI) analysis.
   • Evaluate the organization from multiple sustainable perspectives, including financial considerations, positive community outcomes, and innovation.
3. Strategic Goals (Week 7)
   • Develop 2–3 short-term goals (1–4 years) for the organization. Identify challenges that might impact these goals and explain how the organization might overcome them.
   • Develop 2–3 long-term goals (15–20 years) for the organization. Identify long-term trends (i.e., social, political, demographic, economic, ecological, technological, etc.) that might impact these goals.
   • Explain why it is important to define short-term and long-term goals. Identify resources that you might use to help you define your organizational goals.
4. Final Paper (Week 10)

   The Final Paper will include:

   • A 12- to 15-page paper (not including title page and reference list) that addresses steps 1–4 of the Final Project
   • Proper APA formatting, including the following in your paper:
     • A title page and running head
     • An introduction that states the purpose of the paper
     • Level 1 headings to define each part of the paper
     • A conclusion to synthesize the entire paper
     • A minimum of 10 scholarly sources to support your paper
     • In-text citations as appropriate
     • A reference list

PTSD

Over the past 10 years, the United States has been engaged in a series of conflicts around the world. There are more and more men and women of the armed services returning home with either physical or psychological wounds, sometimes both. PTSD is a serious disorder that affects many military personnel as well as police officers. While there is treatment for this disorder, many times the individual does not seek treatment until it is too late. For this Assignment, research PTSD and:

Explain the causations of PTSD
Describe the treatment options and outcomes
Predict the future research possibilities for PTSD

Submitting Your Assignment

Compose your 2 to 3 page paper in Microsoft Word and save your document in the following format: Last name First name Assignment. (Example: SmithJohn Unit 4 Assignment). Submit your Assignment by selecting the Unit 4: Assignment Dropbox by the end of Unit 4

 

1) “User Interfaces”  Please respond to the following:

• A) Consider at least two (2) software products that you use or have used in the past. Provide at least two (2) examples in which ease of learning conflicted with ease of use. Propose a solution to the conflicts that you have indicated. Justify your response.
• B) Examine at least two (2) instances where security conflicted with ease of use. Propose a solution to the conflicts you have indicated. Provide a rationale for your response.

 

 

2) “Disks and Printers” Please respond to the following:

• A) From the first e-Activity (Use the Internet to research the specific manufacturer and model of one (1) magnetic disk, one (1) solid-state drive, and one (1) optical drive. Weigh the performance, features, and retail cost of each.), identify the specific manufacture and model of one (1) magnetic disk, one (1) solid state drive, and one (1) optical drive. Evaluate the quality of each in terms of read and write speeds, access methods, storage capacity, longevity, and price. Recommend the device that would be the best suited for a home environment and the device that would be best suited for a business environment. Provide a rationale for your response.

• B) From the second e-Activity (Use the Internet to research the make and model of one (1) laser printer and one (1) inkjet printer that are similarly priced. Be prepared to discuss the performance, features, and retail cost of each.), identify the make and model of one (1) laser printer and one (1) inkjet printer that are similarly priced. Evaluate the quality of each in terms of print speed (i.e., pages per minute), resolution (i.e., dots per inch), memory, color capability, duplex printing capability, cartridge price, cartridge printing capacity, and longevity. Next, recommend the printer that would be the best suited for a home environment and the printer that would be the best suited for a business environment. Provide a rationale for your response.

1) “Predictive versus Adaptive SDLC”  Please respond to the following:

• A) Analyze predictive SDLC versus adaptive SDLC. Ascertain at least two (2) advantages and two (2) disadvantages of each approach. Provide a rationale for your response.
• B) Determine whether you would rather be part of a project that used predictive SDLC or adaptive SDLC. Justify your response.