Philosophy

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GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISCUSSIONS: Your contributions should be thoughtful and developed. Answer all parts of the question and use concepts from the course materials. Use a professional style of communication, with attention to grammar, spelling, and typos; cite your sources. Original posts must be between 350 and 500 words. Submit to assignment folder and Turnitin.com.

Make sure to read the resources and articles provided before CHOOSING ONE of the following topics to respond.

1. Consider the care-based claim that we are only morally obligated to those with whom we have relationships. Is there something appealing about this? Does it seem to violate the rule for impartiality? If it does not, how does it not? https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/impartiality/#ConImp

2. Consider the types of Cloning. Should all types be ethically/morally/legally permissible? Should some types be allowed, while other types are not? For a cloning fact sheet go to https://www.genome.gov/25020028/cloning-fact-sheet/.

3. In Vitro Fertilisation and Fertility drugs have been in use, for four decades. There are other kinds of Artificial Reproductive Technologies. Should all types be ethically/morally permissible? Why or Why not?

Analyzing Financial Statements Course

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This Portfolio Project has two parts:
calculations and a 4- to 6-page essay. While the calculation requirements of
this assignment are important, equally important are your discussion and
analysis of the quantitative results. You will submit two files: 1) a
spreadsheet containing your horizontal and vertical analysis (and perhaps your
ratios) and 2) a word document containing your essay.
Choose a publicly traded company and perform
an expanded analysis on the financial statements. Please use the most current
10K statements available or annual statements in finance.yahoo.com.
Part 1:Please
complete the following for your chosen firm in an Excel spreadsheet:
1. Horizontal and
vertical analysis of the Income Statements for the past three years (all yearly
balances set as a percentage of total revenues for that year).
2. Horizontal and
vertical analysis of the Balance Sheets for the past three years (all yearly
balances set as a percentage of total assets for that year).
3. Ratio analysis (eight ratios of your
choosing) for the past three years PLUS a measurement for the creditworthiness
of your firm as measured by Altman’s Z-score. Note that if you used your
chosen firm for our ratio-related discussion posts, then you MUST also present
industry-average ratios or current year competitor ratios for your ratio
analysis. Comparing your firm’s ratios to a close competitor or an
industry-average ratio makes your analysis much more meaningful.
Part 2:The Paper:
? 4-6 pages in length.
? Include a proper introduction and conclusion.
? Include a reference page.
? Your paper should provide
your reader with an overall understanding of the financial health of your
chosen firm including the following:
o Discussion of
the ratio analysis results, including rationale for the ratios chosen.
o Discussion of
all horizontal and vertical analysis.
o Discussion of four items from the
management discussion of the firm that support the conclusion formed in your
discussion of the financial results.
Much of this course has concentrated on
learning the financial statements, primarily because there was not an
accounting prerequisite. Because of this concentration, you may find this
assignment challenging. However, if you understand the financial statements, then
the horizontal and vertical analysis should (hopefully) be rather intuitive.
For example, if you see sales rise by 20%, then shouldn’t you also see net
income rise by 20% or more if the managers are effective at controlling costs?
If you see sales rise by 20% and assets rise by 40%, we have to ask why this is
happening. It would appear that assets have risen too far given the sales that
are generated from those assets—why did this occur? You may have to research
that type of question and discuss it in your analysis.
You’ve had some experience with financial
ratios through Discussion Board. I’d suggest that you start your ratio analysis
with the four ratios found in the DuPont equation. If you discover a weakness
in one component of the DuPont ratios, then it would make sense to look at
ratios that are closely related to the troublesome ratio. For example, if you
discover that the asset turnover is declining over time, then take a look at
some related ratios such as the inventory turnover rate or the average
collection period. If you discover that the equity multiplier is increasing
(indicating greater reliance on debt), then look at some related ratios such as
the debt ratio or Times Interest Earned. These ratios are discussed in our
textbook, even though you may not have been assigned to thoroughly read the
chapters.
Finally, please read through the rubric that
will be used to grade your assignment—you will get a feeling of expectations by
doing so. Your instructor is here to help you through this project. If you have
questions, please let your instructor know. He or she may be willing to take a
quick look at your horizontal and vertical analysis to give you feedback in
advance since you will not have had much experience on that calculation prior
to the project. Always communicate right away with your instructor when you
need assistance!

Who are the shareholders and stakeholders within a nursing home organization?

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Who are the shareholders and stakeholders within a nursing home organization?
> How would the organization address these different parties? What view of
> social responsibility would the organization follows most
> closely to – stakeholder theory or shareholder theory?

What role did public health play in the historical decline in mortality rates?

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Access the Getting Started Folder Week One for the reading assignments for this Module. After you have completed the readings, complete and submit this assignnment.
You must submit written responses to these questions.
Assume that health production is subject to diminishing returns and that each unit of healthcare employed entails a constant rate of iatrogenic (medically caused) disease. Would the product of health function eventually bend downward? Explain.
What role did public health play in the historical decline in mortality rates?
Suppose you were hired as an adviser to a developing country and you were versed in the theory of production, the historical role of medicine, and the modern-day health production functions studies. Their government seeks advice on the wisdom of a relative emphasis on health and health investment versus other forms of economic investment. What would be your advice?
Contrast technical and allocative efficiency. How can technical and allocative inefficiency in healthcare firms affect patient welfare?
(B) a new computer-assisted scanning device that enables physician to take much more detailed pictures on the brain: (C) the introduction of penicillin earlier in this century; (D) greater emphasis on preventive care? Discuss.
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scenario based nursing care plan

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The written assessment task is related to Mr Peter Jones, your Inquiry Based Learning (IBL) case study patient in
week three tutorial. The first part of this assessment task should include brief evidence-based justification of the
three problems that have been used in the care plan. The second part is the care plan that must include a patient
problem statement, goal, interventions, rationale, and evaluation.
Further details:
As a nurse caring for Mr Jones on the third post-operative day, using clinical reasoning skills, what would you
identify as the top three priority problems for Mr Jones after a laparotomy and a newly created colostomy? You
also need to consider the fact that Mr and Mrs Jones also need to cope with a cancer diagnosis; therefore,
psychosocial implications of this new diagnosis should also be taken into consideration.
For the three high priority problems chosen from Mr Jones’s case scenario, you will need to produce a care plan
with a problem statement, goal, interventions, rationale, and evaluation. The tutorial discussion in week 3 will
enable you to do a detailed case analysis on Mr Jones that may help identify some of the priority areas in the postoperative
phase of his care. In addition, the week 1 lecture will help you understand the elements of care plan
writing.
Please note that the care plan submitted for this assignment needs to be an individual piece of work.
This is not an essay and therefore does not require an introduction and conclusion. Headings should be used in
the first section where you justify the three chosen problems. Answers should be written in a scholarly style. The
Nursing Care Plan must be referenced and related specifically to Mr Jones. You should include as many
interventions as you determine are necessary to fully manage the chosen problems. A simple problem may have
fewer nursing interventions than a complex problem. Each of the intervention provided should be accompanied
with a rationale and an evaluation. The nursing care plan can be set out in a table format. A proforma table has
been provided on VU Collaborate for you to follow, however its’ use is not compulsory.
All written assessments must align to scholarly standards.
Academic standards require:
· APA 6th edition for in-text citations and reference list;
· adherence to word count;
· a 12 size font in either Arial, Times New Roman or Calibri; and

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Assignment status: Solved by our experts

Organizational Values Presentation

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Organizational Values Presentation
BASED ON NURSING
Prepare a 10-minute presentation (10-15 slides, not including title or reference slide) on organizational culture and values.
Describe how alignment between the values of an organization and the values of the nurse impact nurse engagement and patient outcomes.
Discuss how an individual can use effective communication techniques to overcome workplace challenges, encourage collaboration across groups, and promote effective problem solving. Incorporate how system needs and the culture of health may influence the outcomes. How does this relate to health promotion and disease prevention in the larger picture?
Identify a specific instance from your own professional experience in which the values of the organization and the values of the individual nurses did or did not align. Describe the impact this had on nurse engagement and patient outcomes.
While APA style format is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected and in-text citations and references should be presented using APA documentation guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

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Assignment status: Solved by our Experts.

Source: © peakessaywriters.com

Nursing Services Delivery Theory: An Open System Approach Paper

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Nursing Services Delivery Theory: An Open System Approach Paper

Reflect on your organization or one with which you are familiar. Within a particular department or unit in this organization, identify a problem the staff is encountering.
Using Table 1 in the Meyer article as a guide, analyze the department or unit, identifying inputs, throughput, output, cycles of events, and negative feedback. Consider whether the problem you have selected relates to input, throughput, output, cycles of events, and/or negative feedback.
Think about how you could address the problem: Consider what a desired outcome would be, then formulate related goals and objectives, and translate those goals into policies and procedures.
Research professional standards that are pertinent to your identified problem.
Reflect on the organization’s mission statement and values. In addition, consider how addressing this problem would uphold the mission and values, while improving the organizational culture and climate.
Write a 3- to 5-page Nursing Services Delivery Theory: An Open System Approach Paper that addresses the following:

Describe a department or unit within a health care organization using systems theory terminology. Include a description of inputs, throughput, output, cycles of events, and negative feedback.
Describe the problem you identified within the department or unit using an open- systems approach, and state where the problem exists using the systems theory model (input, throughput, output, cycles of events, or negative feedback).
Based on this information, explain how you would address the problem as follows:
Formulate a desired outcome.
Identify goals and objectives that would facilitate that outcome.
Translate those goals and objectives into policies and procedures for the department or unit.
Describe relevant professional standards.
Explain in your Nursing Services Delivery Theory: An Open System Approach Paper how your proposed resolution to the problem would uphold the organization’s mission and values and improve the culture and climate.

Cellular Respiration

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Answer the following questions that pertain to the last phase, the Electron Transport Chain/System:

1. In the electron transport system, H+ ions are pumped across the mitochondrial membrane, and then they come back through what important protein/enzyme?

2. What is the job of oxygen?

3. How is water produced?

Stage

Glycolysis

Citric Acid Cycle

Transition

Electron Transport

Chain/System

Location Product that comes out of this stage

Reactant that enters this stage

# of ATP generated

(net)

# of NADH/FADH2

generated

Pyruvate

NADH and FADH2

Zero

N/A

Assignment 5: Cell Respiration

The video link of the embedded video in the assignment folder is also available here: https://vimeo.com/161758622 After watching the video, complete the table and three questions below by filling in the blank spaces provided. Then, save the file and upload to the assignment folder.

R1:
R3:
L2:
L3:
L4:
P1:
P2:
P3:
P4:
A4:
A3:
A1:
N3:
L1:
Q1: Answer:
Q2: Answer:
Q3: Answer:
N1:
N2:

Issues in Health Care Reform (Interview)

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According to the AACN (2006), “Political activism and commitment to policy development are central elements of professional nursing practice” (p. 13). Throughout this course, you will hone the skills and competencies required for this type of involvement in policy.

Research is an essential step in the process of acquiring the skills and competencies, and interviews are one form of research that can serve as a valuable source of information. As such, this Assignment (which you will start this week, and submit by the end of Week 9) provides an opportunity for you to identify a health reform issue of interest and discuss the issue with a state or national politician (or their aide).

To prepare:

Identify a state or national politician (state representative or legislator, senator, congressman, governor, etc.), or aide, whom you would like to interview regarding current issues in health care reform. (I live in the state of Maryland. The 2 states senators are Chris Van Hollen since 2017 and Ben Cardin since 2007; the Governor name is Larry Hogan. You can also google any of the information about the state of Maryland in the US)
As soon as possible, contact the individual’s office to request a meeting. Keep in mind that it may be difficult to get on their calendar, so plan accordingly. You may conduct the interview in person or by phone.
In advance of the interview, ask yourself:
What health care policy issue is important to me personally?
What issue do I want to bring to this person’s attention?
With this in mind, develop your list of questions for the interview around your selected health policy issue. In addition, you may wish to include questions related to health care reform:
What are your constituents most concerned about regarding health care reform?
What are the trade-offs associated with recent health care reform policy?
To complete:

Write a 3- to 4-page paper with at least 5 scholarly references providing a summary and analysis of the interview and the health care reform issues you discussed. Include an introduction and a conclusion.
Your written assignments must follow APA guidelines. Be sure to support your work with specific citations from appropriate Learning Resources and additional scholarly sources as appropriate (at least 5 references). Refer to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association to ensure that your in-text citations and reference list are correct.

This assignment is due by Thursday 04/26/18 by 10 pm.

Required Readings

Bodenheimer, T., & Grumbach, K. (2016). Understanding health policy: A clinical approach (7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Medical.

Chapter 5, “How Health Care is Organized – I: Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Care”

Chapter 6, “How Health Care is Organized – II: Health Delivery Systems”

McClellan, M. (2010). Accountable care organizations in the era of health care reform. American Health & Drug Benefits, 3(4), 242–244.

The PPACA of 2010 encourages the formation of accountable care organizations (ACOs) to improve the quality and efficiency of health care delivery. An ACO is a group of health care providers who coordinate care for their Medicare patients and share the financial incentives of health care improvement gains.

Moore, K. D., & Coddington, D. C. (2010). Accountable care: The journey begins. Health Care Financial Management, 64(8), 57–63.

This article provides information on the importance of health care provider organizations taking steps to become accountable care organizations (ACOs) and provides examples of systems that have historically functioned in this capacity. The authors also provide steps for developing and transitioning to an ACO structure.

Institute of Medicine. (2010). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. Retrieved from http://www.nationalacademies.org/hmd/Reports/2010/The-Future-of-Nursing-Leading-Change-Advancing-Health.aspx

This report discusses how nurses can and should play a fundamental role in meeting the challenges of increased demand for health care brought about by the implementation of the 2010 Affordable Care Act. In addition, it stresses the need for nurses to be partners with other health professionals and assume leadership roles in redesigning health care in the United States.

Institute of Medicine. (2010). Report brief: The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. Retrieved from http://www.nationalacademies.org/hmd/~/media/Files/Report%20Files/2010/The-Future-of-Nursing/Future%20of%20Nursing%202010%20Recommendations.pdf

This report brief highlights the four key recommendations from the Robert Wood Johnson and Institute of Medicine the Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health report. The recommendations focus on nursing practice, education and training, partnerships with other healthcare professionals, and workforce planning and policymaking.

HealthCare.gov. (n.d.). Understanding the Affordable Care Act. Retrieved from http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/rights/index.html

This website introduces the Affordable Care Act and presents the timeline for implementation of the various provisions of the Act.

HealthCare.gov. (n.d.). Understanding the Affordable Care Act: About the law. Retrieved from http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/rights/law/index.html

Read the full Affordable Care Act law at this website. An overview of the law is also provided along with an outline of how the Affordable Care Act helps reduce health insurance costs.

Required Media

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2011). Healthcare policy and advocacy: Reforming health care delivery: Accountable care organizations. Baltimore: Author.

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 7 minutes.

In this media presentation, Dr. Kathleen White explains the structure of accountable care organizations (ACO) and discusses the benefits and challenges of becoming an ACO.

Optional Resources

APRN Joint Dialogue Group Report. (2008). Consensus model for APRN regulation: Licensure, accreditation, certification & education. Retrieved from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/education-resources/APRNReport.pdf

Fisher, E. S., & Shortell, S. M. (2010). Accountable care organizations: Accountable for what, to whom, and how. JAMA: Journal of the American Medical Association, 304(15), 1715–1716.

Fisher, E. S., Staiger, D. O., Bynum, J. W., & Gottlieb, D. J. (2007). Creating accountable care organizations: The extended hospital medical staff. JHealth Affairs, 26, w44-w57. doi:10.1377/hlthaff.26.1.w44–57

McClellan, M., McKethan, A. N., Lewis, J. L., Roski, J., & Fisher, E. S. (2010). A national strategy to put accountable care into practice. Health Affairs, 29(5), 982–990.

Kaiser Health News. (2011). Accountable care organization proposed regulations: Resources. Kaiser Family Foundation. Retrieved from http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/Stories/2011/March/31/ACO-Documents-In-The-News.aspx

Business management Research Proposal

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EXAMPLE BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT BRP

1. Title

Online and offline customer loyalty, and its presence amongst apparel retailers.

2. Research Questions

To what extent does customer loyalty among apparel retailers using both online and offline channels differ from those using only one of the channels?

To what extent does the brand image of an offline apparel retailer effect their online customer loyalty?

3.1 Customer loyalty

Customer loyalty is viewed by Dick and Basu (1994) as the strength of the relationship between an individual’s attitude and repeat custom. Chaudhuri and Holbrook (2001), cited in Hung (2008) suggest that higher customer loyalty implies a higher market share; which results in the ability to demand higher prices than those of competitors in the same industry. In addition, Dick and Basu (1994) suggest that loyal customers encourage the development of positive wordof‐mouth promotion; and the importance placed on their loyalty is supported by Zeithaml et al (1996), who proposed that loyalty factors are the most reliable indicator of success within an organisation. However, factors influencing customer loyalty, which Hung (2008) describes as value, service quality, relationship marketing, corporate image, satisfaction and trust, may differ depending on the channel the customer is viewing from – online or in a physical store. For example, Srinivasan, Anderson and Ponnavolu (2002) proposed a different set of factors that were suggested to impact e-loyalty: customization, contact interactivity, cultivation, care, community, choice, convenience, and character; antecedents that they believe e-retailers need to have an understanding of in order to reap the benefits of a loyal customer base.

3.2 Brand Image

Brand image is defined as a ‘cluster of attributes and associations that consumers connect to the name’ (Biel 1993). Hung (2008) suggested that brand image as an ‘attitude’ has an influence on customer loyalty; an idea supported by Keller (1993), who proposed that loyalty is present when said favourable ‘attitudes’ are expressed in the repeat buying behaviour of the customer. Other scholars believe that the more favourable the image of the brand, the higher the perceived quality, value, satisfaction and customer loyalty (Johnson et al., 2001; Andreassen and Lindestand, 1998). Attitudinal and behavioural responses from consumers can also be provoked by brand image; these include responses such as customer loyalty, which in turn may create a willingness to pay a price premium, or lead to a strong affiliation with the brand (Dube et al., 1995; Merilees and Miller, 2001). This evidence highlights that there is a likely strong correlation between positive brand image and customer loyalty; however a gap in the literature is evident when looking specifically into apparel retail.

Kim (2000) notes that well-known, well-regarded brands can act as a ‘halo’ to the product that carries the brand name – a suggestion supported by Kwon and Lennon (2009), who believe that a prior offline brand image of a retailer using both channels exerts the said ‘halo’ effect, biasing customers perceptions of the retailers online channel. However, research has remained scant in the investigation linking the possible effect offline brand image has on the retailer’s online customer loyalty – specifically in the apparel industry.

3.3 Online and Offline/Physical Stores

Alba et al (Cited in Degeratu, Rangaswamy & Wu, 2000) highlight that a key difference between online and offline shopping is the capability of online customers to obtain more information about price and other attributes – a difference which may result in their own perception of the brand being formulated quicker than it may offline. When considering the relationship between brand image and online and offline retail operations, the synergy between the two channels is seen to enrich the customer’s experience with the retailer, strengthening the brand image and nurturing customer loyalty in both channels (Bailer, 2006, Gefen, 2000 & Harvin, 2000). It has been proposed that consumers faced with a lack of product availability in one channel (e.g. a physical store) tend to seek out an alternative through an affiliated channel (e.g. online), rather than a competing firm; if such an option is perceived to be easily accessible (Bendoly et al., 2005). This research suggests that there may be a link between customer loyalty and retailers who use both online and offline channels, however there is insufficient research investigating how strongly these two variables correlate – if at all in apparel retail. The more traditional, in store operations need to constantly adapt to the competitive rules put in place by online sales (Bendoly et al., 2005). However, in comparison to the smaller number of competition among these physical stores, e-retailers compete with millions of websites, not necessarily in the apparel industry, for the recognition of the customer; having only a tenuous hold at best on the customer’s attention (Srinivasan, Anderson & Ponnavolu, 2002). Thus, the more traditional, in store operations need to constantly adapt to competitive rules put in place by online sales (Bendoly et al., 2005); suggesting that retailers using only offline channels may struggle to keep pace – which in turn may affect the loyalty of the customer.

3.4 Customer Loyalty and Apparel Retailers

Previous research into relevant literature has shown that within a multi-channel retail environment, online and offline brand images of the retailer seem to affect consumer loyalty (Kwon and Lennon, 2009); however, knowledge on the processes, and to what extent these effects occur remains limited; and is extremely scant within the apparel industry. Macintosh and Lockshin (1997) noted that research into relationships within retail is not extensive, despite many retail stores introducing schemes to enhance store loyalty (Zimmerrnan, 1992). This highlights the scarcity of research on the linkage between customer loyalty and apparel retailers.

Therefore it is necessary to propose a new idea, looking into online and offline customer loyalty, and its presence amongst apparel retailers by investigating the following two questions; to what extent does customer loyalty among apparel retailers using both online and offline channels differ from those using only one of the channels? And to what extent does the brand image of an offline apparel retailer effect their online customer loyalty?

4.1 Methodology

Research philosophy is described as the overall term that relates to the development of knowledge and the nature of that knowledge in relation to research (Lewis & Saunders, 2012), and encompasses certain philosophical strands such as interpretivism and positivism, mentioned in the “philosophies” layer of the research onion (Lewis, Saunders & Thornhill, 2008). It seems appropriate to consider taking an interpretivist approach to this research; a method based on the idealism that the world exists, but people can construe it in different ways – where researchers search for constants in human behaviour, looking to interpret phenomenon’s through the eyes of others (Walliman, 2011). This relates to the nature of the research as customer loyalty and brand image are very much focused around the aspect of customer attitude (Dick & Basu, 1994; Hung, 2008); concentrating on the thoughts and opinions of the customers as opposed to the quantitative data they may provide. A positivist approach would not be appropriate in this circumstance as no hypothesis or predictions are being made, and quantitative methods are not being used for data collection (Walliman, 2011). With this in mind, data will be collected in a qualitative manner, where the aim is to understand views rather than predicting an outcome (Lewis & Saunders, 2012); a necessity for gaging an insight into the reasons for customer loyalty and consumers own views of brand image, information which may be difficult to analyse from quantitative data. An inductive approach will be used, which involves development of a theory as a result of analysing data already collected (Lewis & Saunders, 2012); the proposed research involves looking at previous literature related to customer loyalty, brand image and online/offline channels, and developing a new theory in line with these and their links with apparel retailers.

4.2 Method

An exploratory study, aiming to gain new insights and asses a topic in a new light (Lewis & Saunders, 2012) will be used in the form of focus groups, which are used for generating information on consumer views, and the meanings behind them (Chadwick, Gill, Stewart & Treasure, 2008). For this particular research, the key data to be collected will be the opinions of customers – and focus groups will enable the researcher to access group norms and gain an insight into the formation of said opinions (Lewin & Somekh, 2005); an important factor which will help to determine which elements consumers consider influencing customer loyalty in different contexts. Focus groups also concentrate in depth on a particular theme with an element of interaction – made up of people who have particular knowledge on the subject (Walliman, 2011). Using knowledgeable participants means the data collected is likely to be more relevant to the research, and the group atmosphere means participants both query and explain themselves to each other (Morgan, 1996); thus, creating more valuable data. The optimum size for a focus group, and the number which will be used within this research is six to eight; as smaller groups risk limited discussion, and larger groups can become chaotic (Chadwick et al., 2008). The study will aim to run 14 focus groups; totalling between 84-112 participants. This figure is appropriate in order to gain a general insight into the thoughts of customers. In addition, stranger groups will be chosen to participate as Chadwick et al (2008) suggests they speak more freely as there is likely to be little fear of repercussion, and challenges to other participants may be more inquisitive – leading to richer data.

Potential issues may arise when an individual’s view is different to that of the group; they may choose to conceal their opinions or exaggerate their opposing view (Barbour & Schostak, 2004). To overcome this, the observing researcher could choose to hand out notes on the topics of discussion prior to the event, in order to put participants at ease, and encourage honest, thoughtful answers.

4.3 Sampling Strategy

Field (2005) describes sampling as a “smaller (but hopefully representative) collection of units from a population used to determine truths about that population”. The sample of this study will be those in the age range to be considered a Millennial; born in or after 1980, up to the year 2000 (15-35 years old), who use both online and offline apparel retailers (Burke, 2014). This sample was chosen via purposive sampling, the most common form of non-probability sampling, where the researcher chooses their sample based on who will best be able to answer the research questions (Lewis & Saunders, 2012). This particular age range was chosen on the basis of the finding that 45% of Millennials spend at least an hour a day browsing retail-orientated websites, with 47% shopping for clothing more than two times a month (Burke, 2015). The younger generation are also known for their online activity, and those at the lower end of the spectrum are likely to have additional free time – increasing the likelihood of their participation in a focus group discussion. A potential problem of the use of purposive sampling may be the chance of inaccuracy in the researcher’s criteria and resulting sample selections; better data may have been collected from a different or smaller age range.

5. Ethics

Ethical considerations must be taken into account before conducting any primary research. Participants must be informed fully about the purpose, method and intended uses of the research, what their participation involves and made aware of any risks (Research Ethics, 2015). An important aspect as to whether participants take part is the quality of information they receive, which enables them to make a fair assessment on giving informed consent (Walliman, 2011). It will be made clear to participants that their contribution is voluntary, within consent forms delivered to participants prior to their involvement. Where appropriate, methods for preserving anonymity should be used, which includes the removal of identifiers (Statement of Ethical Practice, 2002). Participants will be assigned numbers as opposed to names in order to retain privacy. Threats to confidentially should be anticipated (Statement of Ethical Practice, 2002), and any data collected will be stored in a password protected computer file.

6. Reference List

Bendoly, E., Blocher, J., Bretthauer, K., Krishnan, S., & Venkataramanan, M. (2005). Online/In-Store Integration and Customer Retention. Journal of Service Research, 7(4). Retrieved from http://jsr.sagepub.com/content/7/4/313.full.pdf+html

British Sociological Association. (2002). Statement of Ethical Practice for the British Sociological Association. Unpublished intranet document.

Burke, C. (2015). Understanding how millennials shop online. Retrieved from http://www.nanigans.com/2015/01/14/understanding-how-millennials-shop-online/

Chadwick, B., Gill, P., Stewart, K., & Treasure, E. (2008). Methods of data collection in qualitative research: interviews and focus groups. British Dental Journal, 204(291-295). Retrieved from http://www.nature.com/bdj/journal/v204/n6/full/bdj.2008.192.html

Chung, L., & Hsieh, A. (2008). The moderating effect of brand image on public relations perception and customer loyalty. Marketing Intelligence and Planning, 26(1). Retrieved from http://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/pdfplus/10.1108/02634500810847138

Degeratu, A., Rangaswamy, A., & Wu, J. (2000). Consumer choice behavior in online and traditional supermarkets: The effects of brand name, price, and other search attributes. International Journal of Research in Marketing, 17(1). Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167811600000057

Dick, A., & Basu, K. (1994). Customer Loyalty: Toward an Integrated Conceptual Framework. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 22(2). Retrieved from http://jam.sagepub.com/content/22/2/99.short

Research Ethics. (2015). Retrieved from the University of Portsmouth website http://www.port.ac.uk/research/ethics/

Hung, C. (2008). The Effect of Brand Image on Public Relation Perceptions and Customer Loyalty. International Journal of Management, 25(2). Retrieved from http://192.192.107.208/FileUpload/upfile/4514120982008910113623IJMprc.pdf

Kim, H. (2000). Examination of brand personality and brand attitude within the apparel product category. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management: An International Journal, 4(3). Retrieved from http://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/pdfplus/10.1108/eb022593

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