Free Essay

Business Methods

In:

Submitted By sangrf7
Words 1118
Pages 5
Business Research Methods, Part I Medicare is health insurance servicing people ages 65 or older, ages under 65 with certain disabilities, and any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or kidney transplant (Medicare, 2011). According to the US Census Bureau 65 years old and 85 years old population will increase significantly in 2030 and 2050 respectively. “The over 65 group will be twice as large. It will grow from 35 million, 12 percent of the US in 2000, to 71.5 million, and 20 percent of the total US population in 2030. The US Census Bureau projects that the population age 85 will grow from 5.3 million in 2006 to nearly 21 million by 2050” (Recht, 2009). In 2010 the U.S. Census Bureau reported an estimated population of 39 million for ages 65 and over (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012). Problem Statement The projected increase in the 65 years old and 85 years old population will have significant impact on Medicare. Will Medicare has enough resources or sufficient funding to cover the increase in the 65 years old population in 2030? Will Medicare has enough resources or sufficient funding to cover the increase in the 85 years old population in 2050?
Research Questions Will the Medicare system be able to provide adequate funding to cover both age groups through 2050 and beyond? According to the 2011 Medicare trustee report (CMS.gov, 2011), Medicare has a higher rate of income than expenditures through 2020 under current law; however, after 2020 a projected deficit in the Medicare systems presents government officials with some challenges to keep the system functional. The primary reason for Medicare’s lack of revenues and resources after 2020 comes from inflation rate medical costs and the increasing number of Medicare enrollees because of longevity. Medicare’s dilemma is how to prevent expenditures exceeding income and the following questions need be asked to fulfill the objectives of eliminating this dilemma: (1) How the government can ensure that Medicare program can support future Medicare enrollees? (2) What are the major issues of high Medicare expenditures? (3) How the government can secure enough funds to cover eligible Medicare enrollees in 2050 and beyond? (4) Should Medicare use competitive market system? (5) Should the government use foreign medical providers to save funds?
Data Needed A critical challenge is how to finance care for future generations without unduly burdening beneficiaries, taxpayers, or the general economy. Another pressing issue relates to the role of private plans in Medicare in light of rapid enrollment growth in recent years, and concerns about the current payment system for private plans. A third issue is the relatively new Medicare prescription drug benefit and how to address concerns about its current structure and further limit the burden of prescription drug spending. There is the challenge to make health and long-term care more affordable for beneficiaries.
Population and Sample The important decisions to make when making a sample are: determining the sampling population; determining the parameters of interest; determining the sampling frame; determining the appropriate sampling methods; and determining the sample size needed (Cooper & Schindler, 2006). The sampling population refers to the population that should be researched to gather data for the individuals over 65 years of age, etc. The parameters of interest are summary descriptors of variables of interest in the population e.g. perceived quality of care. Sampling frame refers to the list of elements from which the sample is drawn i.e., the correct list of population members age 65 and over. The Official US Government Medicare Bureau as well as requested Social Security Medicare Card provides this type of data. Sampling size refers to the size of the samples needed to complete the study as accurately and precise as possible (Cooper & Schindler, 2006).
Data Collection The looming depletion of Medicare funds is a topic of debate among old, young, Republican, or Democrat; each one has their opinion on the issue. The numbers are alarming and only bring the idea of a generation without Medicare more real. The data is everywhere. The idea is where to collect the data and additionally how to do it. The Census Bureau decides to take the method of surveying as a means of data collection for their researching purposes. The Current Population Survey (CPS) Annual Social and Economic Supplement (United States Census Bureau Health Insurance Data, 2011) both serve as the purpose of data collection and population focus for the Census Bureau and in this case the Medicare issue. Although time consuming and partially inconvenient for the participants, the surveys have proven to provide the most accurate of information amongst the different population for any given topic which in our case is healthcare (Medicare in particular). This form of data collection is most often distributed by means of the United States mail and collected in the same manner. For an increased response, there are representatives that come to households that have yet to provide the needed information. Once the data collected has been input in the systems database the information provided to the public like that of what we saw in the provided article is available for publication. Interesting how the data collection works.
Conclusion
According to the 2011 Medicare trustee report, Medicare can provide sufficient services to its beneficiaries through 2020 under current law; however, a projected deficit is foreseen after 2020 based on prediction of increasing numbers of Medicare enrollees and rapidly increasing expenditures. The Medicare officials' dilemma is how to reserve an adequate amount of funds without burdening the taxpayers and providing sufficient services to its beneficiaries at the same time or even find a way to reduce costs. Identifying the exact dilemma can lead to an opportunity; therefore, conducting research is the best option to eliminate the dilemma. Team D has developed a set of required steps to conduct research into identifying the underlining problems and will identify appropriate a solution(s) to eliminate the dilemma.

References:
CMS.gov. (2011). 2011 Medicare trustees report. Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/ReportsTrustFunds.
Cooper, D.R., & Schindler, P.S. (2006). Business research methods (9th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
Medicare, (2011). What is Medicare? Retrieved from http://www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/11306.pdf
Recht, Milton. (2009). The US Medicare Financial Problem. Retrieved from http://misunderstoodfinance.blogspot.com/2009/05/us-medicare-financial-problem.html
U.S. Census Bureau. (2012). Population: Elderly, Racial, and Hispanic Origin Population Profiles. Persons 65 Years Old and Over. Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2012/tables/12s0034.pdf
United States Census Bureau Health Insurance Data. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/hlthins/data/index.html

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Methods of Business

...Six Different Types of Business Research to find Your Leads Decision-making is a crucial aspect of any business venture. A business owner can make firmdecisions and stand by them, only when he is well aware of the surroundings of his marketplace.Along with the internal factors about your business, you also need to have completeunderstanding about the external factors affecting your products, services and overall business.Business research comes forward as the best solution to this dilemma. Business or industryanalysis is the systematic process of gathering all the relevant market data, which is thenorganized and analyzed to draw conclusions that are relevant to your industry. These reportscontain essential information about the market trends, segments, customer groups, demands,competitors and all the key players in the marketplace. Basic Types of Market Research for Your Business  Various business researchcompanies use different types of tools, techniques and methods for marketing analysis. These methods and types vastly depend on the particular requirements of the business owners and their research project. However, following are the basic types of industryanalysis that are commonly used by various study firms across the globe:    Quantitative Analysis : This method deals with collecting all the objective and numericaldata from various resources. Various statistical models and formulas help the experts tocollect market data about the features. Questionnaire is the basic...

Words: 577 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Business Research Methods

...Business Research Methods, Part I Nikkei Crowder, Jessica Thompson, Delores Winton QNT/561 Anthony Matias August 13, 2012 Business Research Methods, Part I There are elements needed when conducting research, such as developing a theory and hypothesis, determining an appropriate research design, collecting data, providing analysis of the data, and revising the theory upon results. This paper will develop a research design behind the auto industry bailout and identify a sample design used for collecting data. Organizational Dilemma What was the ultimate cause of the downfall of the auto industry resulting in a bailout? This research question arising from the dilemma in the auto industry is one that many American’s found him or herself asking after the government decided to bail them out of their financial crisis. In 2008, the auto industry found itself in a downward financial spiral. Gas prices reached over $4 a gallon and the credit debacle is only a couple of reasons for the dilemma the auto industry faced. The country was facing a recession and they blame up-and-coming technologies of distracting technologies to validate and continue the old routine and procedure to fill their pockets with money and bonuses to retain the status quo in the industry without any regard to others affected, even if this method compromises their long-term strategy.  Roche (2009), “This qualifies as failed management syndrome because they consider themselves royalty and...

Words: 766 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Quatitative Methods for Business

...1: Quantitative methods of business in Sociology research Abstract: The determination of this issue is to familiarize to you the essential features of scientific exploration which enable us to engender a thoughtful of the business world. The topic begins with a short-lived incursion into standards which provide us with a distinct set of lens through which we indicate to view social miracles around us. Next we sharpen the discrepancy between the two major paradigms – reckonable and qualitative approaches – while at the same time admitting that there are perhaps more alterations within each paradigm than there are between them. In other words, they are not polar inverses. In fact elements of both paradigms can be combined to bring about a diverse methods method to business research. Philosophies are the main head to scientific investigation and we will consider their configuration in terms of essential concepts, constructs and variables and how these are correlated to proposals. Finally, we take a look at the framing of inquiry hypotheses and the ways in which that progression differs from producing research questions. Scale of data measurement: Glaser and Strauss’s unique conceptualization of beached theory has undergone some changes. While numerous disparities of the innovative idea exist, as Charmaz notes, they all have the following apparatuses in mutual: (a) Immediate data collection and scrutiny; (b) search of growing themes through early data analysis, (c) discovery of...

Words: 1918 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Business Research Methods

...Business Research Methods Paper 603 Submitted By: Divjot Kaur 1.1 Type of Interview For the purpose of this research Alexander chose semi structured face to face interview with the board of directors of chamber of commerce. To collect the primary data Alexander has to plan a semi structured interview with the board. Steps * Draft a questionnaire which will be presented in front of the board of directors * Fix an appointed with the board of directors * Interview the board of directors Scope and benefits 1. Firsthand information for investment decision making purpose. 2. No technological distractions or interference 3. On spot clarifications on questions and comments or concerns 4. Reliability of data provided by industry experts and chamber of commerce 5. Sufficient information will be available in hand for decision making 1.2 Face to face Interview Key attributes of face to face interview 1. Adaptability: One of the key attributes of face to face interview is adaptability. The interviewer can adapt their questions according to the respondent’s answers and can sought clarifications on any given topic. This gives the interviewer an opportunity to probe which is particularly important when the interviewer need clarification on particular research topic. The interviewer can ask further questions and request the interviewee to be more detailed and explicit during the face to face interview. For example for evaluation the highest...

Words: 1584 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Business Research Methods

...Business Research Methods, Part II We have collected data to look at specific and appropriate waiting times for consumers in fast food drive-thru lines. The team was asked to collect a sample design and provide the collection methods to maintain our data validity. We prepared a survey for the appropriate wait times, and in doing so we came up with a customer questionnaire and an appropriate sample size to justify our decision. We were asked to classify the data in order of power. We first had to decide what our problem was, then create a question to base our research on. Research Question We first determined what type of research questions to ask and from what point of view. Looking at customer service we wanted to consider a place that deals with thousands of customers a day and is well known to make research easier. We decided on McDonald’s and the satisfaction customers have with their wait in drive thru and service. The research question is, “How can restaurants like McDonald’s lessen the wait time in the drive-thru to maintain or increase sells?” Research Design & Method After determining the research question it was time to determine the research design. We had to take a look at how we were going to go about retrieving the information and the method we were going to use to observe the results. The first part of our research design was to determine the objective. Our objective is to use a formal study due to the fact that we have already determined our research question...

Words: 875 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Business Research Method

...Business Research Methods Part One Dwayne Bell, Quorisa Handy, Pamela Williams, and Vernita Williams QNT/561 October 21, 2012 Matthew Radio Business Research Methods Part One Hospital Sunshine has experienced a 30% decrease in patient satisfaction scores. The hospital food services department received the latest scores. The management dilemma is related to the 30% of Medicare reimbursement tied to patient satisfaction (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 2012). The current poor scores place the contracted company at risk of losing the contract at Hospital Sunshine. The executives have discussed a plan to research and resolve the issues. The team has decided to why there has been a 30% decrease in patient satisfaction in their meals at Sunshine Hospital. Due to the numerous variables in the tray line and food service delivery the team reviewed the break down questions. The lowest scores of 70% out of 100% were seen in the temperature of the food delivered. The team has decided to research the lowest scoring variable. The research question is: How can we increase patient satisfaction by getting the food to the patient at the right temperature? Research Design –Que According to our readings, a research design is the strategy for a study and the plan by which the strategy is to be carried out. It specifies the methods and procedures for the collection, measurement, and analysis of data (Cooper & Schindler, 2011). The research design that is appropriate...

Words: 495 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Business Research Methods

...Business Research Methods – Part I University of Phoenix July 5, 2010 Introduction Business research is very important in solving business related problems. Business research, “is a process of planning, acquiring, analyzing and disseminating relevant data, information, and insights to decision makers in ways that mobile the organization to take appropriate actions, that in turn, maximize business performance” (Cooper & Schindler, 2006). Nonprofit organizations are currently having a tough time in this economy because of budget cuts. One place in particular suffering is the YMCA. This business research plan will form a research question, which arose from this dilemma as well as define the problem the YMCA is currently having. Along with the research question, an appropriate research design will be defined in order to try to fix the problem appropriately and then a sample design used for collecting data will be defined. Research Question Development When conducting research of any kind, it is crucial to address any potential problems that may arise to ensure that an organization is operating at its optimal level. Because of the turmoil in the economy, nonprofit organizations all over the nation are experiencing a tough time due to budget cuts. In addition to a lower budget there has been a significant decrease in employee satisfaction possibly due to a decrease in raises and incentives for YMCA employees. Finally, there has been an increase in employee absenteeism...

Words: 694 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Business Research Methods

...Programme in Management Course Outline Course Title | BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS | Instructors | Dr. Arun Abraham Elias | Course Credit | | Total no. of sessions | 8 | Session Duration | 75 minutes | Term | III | Year | PGP 17, 2013-2015 | Introduction Business research can be described as a systematic and objective process of gathering, recording, and analysing information that assist in managerial decision making. It comprises a series of steps including: identifying the problem or opportunity for research; undertaking a literature review; developing or extending a conceptual or theoretical framework; establishing the research objectives, research questions or hypotheses for testing; preparing a research design; gathering information and data; analysing and interpreting the data and findings; and providing results in a form that will help the manager deal with the situation and/or adds to the business and management literature. In essence, business research provides the needed information that guides managers to make informed decisions to successfully deal with problems or opportunities. This course provides an overview of the research process, and an introduction to a range of methods and approaches utilised in business research. Course Learning Objectives By the end of this course, students should be able to: * Appreciate the importance of the research process inherent in business and management decision-making; * Understand some...

Words: 562 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Business Research Methods

...Research Methods –STA630 VU Research Methods (STA630) Contents Lesson 1: INTRODUCTION, DEFINITION & VALUE OF RESEARCH ........................ 14 What is Research?................................................................................................................... 14 What is the value of Research? ............................................................................................... 14 Research helps in developing methodologies ......................................................................... 15 We are surrounded by research............................................................................................... 16 Lesson 2: SCIENTIFIC METHOD OF RESEARCH & ITS SPECIAL FEATURES ...... 17 Important Characteristics of Scientific Method ...................................................................... 17 1. Empirical......................................................................................................................... 17 2. Verifiable ........................................................................................................................ 18 3. Cumulative ..................................................................................................................... 18 4. Deterministic.................................................................................................................. 18 5. Ethical and Ideological Neutrality ............................................................

Words: 85920 - Pages: 344

Free Essay

Scientific Method and Business

...with other fossil fuels, have been used as a source of energy and have had an effect on our environment. The average amount of carbon dioxide produced per year is 21.3 billion tonnes and our environment can only displace half of that amount, which leads to the pollution of our atmosphere. If the human race continues on its use of heavy fossil fuels the global warming crisis will only become worse along with our living conditions. The process which is used in science is called the scientific method. The scientific method starts with making a hypothesis or a theory, then through testing and researching come to a conclusion about the research they have done. Along with testing and researching the experiment must be able to be reproduced to show that it is a reliable source to base the scientist’ conclusion on. Through the scientific method we are able to find answers and solutions to the problems, questions, and the effect we have on the human life. After reading an article on the Business Insider website I was able to find out that according to the EPA, “A human life...

Words: 769 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Research Method for Business

...Chapter 4 : The research process: theoretical framework and hypothesis development 1. ”Because literature survey is a time-consuming exercise, a good, in depth interview should suffice to develop a theoretical framework”. Discus this statement. at this juncture, its becomes easy to follow the progression of research from the first stage of managers sensing the broad problem area. to preliminary data gathering (including literature survey), to development of theoretical framework based on the literature review and guided by experience and intuition, to formulation of hypotheses for testing. 2.”Good models are complex. What’s more, a good model should include both moderating and meditating variables”. Discuss this statement. There is no relationship between the quality of a model and the complexity of a model. Recall that parsimony is one of the hallmarks of scientific research: Simplicity in explaining the phenomena or problems that occur, and in generating solutions for the problems, is always preferred to complex research frameworks that consider an unmanageable number of factors. A good theoretical framework identifies and defines the important variables in the situation that are relevant to the problem. Moderating and mediating variables may or may not be important to the problem. A good model does and mediating variables not necessarily include moderating. 3. “Academic researchers usually develop more complex and elaborate models than applied researchers...

Words: 3598 - Pages: 15

Premium Essay

Business Research Method

...e eBook Collection RESEARCH METHODS FOR BUSINESS A Skill-Building Approach Fourth Edition Uma Sekaran Southern Illinois University at Carbondale John Wiley & Sons, Inc. http://www.wiley.com/college ACQUISITIONS EDITOR MARKETING MANAGER SENIOR PRODUCTION EDITOR SENIOR DESIGNER PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES COVER IMAGE Jeff Marshall Ilse Wolfe Patricia McFadden Harry Nolan Hermitage Publishing Services José Ortega/Stock Illustration Source This book was set in 10/12 Garamond by Hermitage Publishing Services and printed and bound by Malloy Lithographing, Inc. The cover was printed by Von Hoffmann Press, Inc. This book is printed on acid-free paper. Copyright 2003 © John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise, except as permitted under Sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, (978) 750-8400, fax (978) 750-4470. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 605 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10158-0012, (212) 850-6011, fax (212) 850-6008, E-Mail: PERMREQ@WILEY.COM. To order books please...

Words: 136265 - Pages: 546

Premium Essay

Business and Research Methods

...Name: Billy (Management International Class 2013) Subject: Business Research method Student Number: B1024131009 Title: Capital Structure Effect on Indofood Financial Performance Problem Formulations: * How Indofood manages their Capital structure with their low cost carrier? * What are the Strategic Investment that the Indofood Company? * How was the Capital Flow of Indofood Company? * How was the Capital Structure affect the Performance and the profitability of Indofood? No. | Name of Researcher (Year of Research) | Tittle | Problem/aim of research | Methodology | Results | Company/Product | 1. | Sven-Olov Daunfeldt and Fredrik Hartwig, 2008. | What Determines the Use of Capital Budgeting Methods? Evidence from Swedish listed companies | Many methods can be used for Capital Budgeting that will affect the other variable such as leverage, etc. | Questionnaire was sent in 2005 and 2008 to the CFOs of all Swedish companies listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. From that we can conclude what determine it. | The total use of capital budgeting methods is lower in Swedish companies compared to U.S. and continental European companies | Companies listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange | 2 | Patricia A. Ryan and Glenn P. Ryan, 2002. | Capital Budgeting Practices of the Fortune 1000:How Have Things Changed? | Prior studies spanning the past four decades show financial managers prefermethods such as internal rate of return or non-discounted payback models over netpresent...

Words: 699 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Business Research Methods

...Jhanet Claros Section 03 Question 1 a. Yes I said it is an experiment because researchers were recording how much alcohol they consumed and found that even among women who consumed as little as 10 grams of alcohol a day, the risk of cancer of the breast, liver and rectum was elevated. b. Yes I will prefer sample survey to those women who have cancer instead to using women volunteer for a study. The variables they measured was how much alcohol they consumed how the body response to alcohol and if they help to get any sickness. Question 2 a. Observational study because the researchers were observing the players and see if they have been called for fouls more in home games or in away games. b. I would say sample survey, researchers were trying to gain information about the whole school by collecting data from sample students. c. It is an experiment because researchers imposed students to access to audio recordings of course lectures to measure their response and see if it have any change. Question 3 a. The individual of the data set are the make and model of the cars. b. The variables are the vehicle type, transmission type, number of cylinders, city mpg, and highway mpg. The city mpg and highway mpg take the numerical values, but the number of cylinders takes only the 4, 6, 8 values. Question 4 a. P1. Increase benefits will lead workers to be more diligent P2. Workers lack of skills and enthusiasm, products lack of quality and time P3...

Words: 501 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Business Research Methods

...BRM 1. What is a research paradigm?positivism?interpretivism? A research paradigm is a philosophical framework that guides how scientific research should be conducted. Positivism is underpinned by the belief that reality is independent of us and the goal is the discovery of theories, based on empirical research (observation and experiment).positivism is associated with quantitative methods of analysis. INTERPRETIVISM Interpretivism is underpinned by the belief that social reality is not objective but highly subjective because it is shaped by our perceptions. interpretivism focuses on exploring the complexity of social phenomena with a view to gaining interpretive understanding. interpretivists adopt a range of methods that 'seek to describe, translate and otherwise come to terms with the meaning, not the frequency of certain more or less naturally occurring phenomena in the social world'. 2. What is the ontological assumption? ONTOLOGICAL ASSUMPTION The ontological assumption is concerned with the nature of reality: * Positivists believe social reality is objective and external to the researcher. There fore, there is only one reality. * Interpretivists believe that social reality is subjective because it is socially constructed. Therefore, each person has his or her own sense of reality and there are multiple realities. 3. What is the epistemological assumption? EPISTEMOLOGICAL ASSUMPTION The epistemological assumption is concerned with...

Words: 1438 - Pages: 6