question
Briefly discuss a purchase you made within the last two months and explain whether you applied the limited problem-solving approach or extended problem solving approach in the process of making the decision to purchase and consume the product. 
Answer
Purchasing Decisions: Limited vs Extended Problem-Solving Approach
1. Introduction
The article you are about to read is an explorative essay which presents the understanding and the usage of the two sorts of purchasing approaches. Studies and researches have indicated that these two approaches differ from each other mainly in the factors that determine when each approach is utilized. The aim of this article is to develop a vivid understanding on how consumer behavior is influenced in the two different situations. When consumers’ choice of buying behavior is affected by differences in the level of involvement, it results into two sorts of problem-solving strategies: limited problem-solving and extended problem-solving. The study in this article has the main focus on these two strategies and their application in modern life. Different elements and factors of two problem-solving approaches have been discussed here. This essay also sheds light on psychological aspects of consumer decision-making and market behavior in the main focus of selecting these approaches. This report is meant to offer an explanation for those who really want to know about their role in the decision making in the respective markets. The paper argues that the consumer may differ in the selection, use of the information, and the judgmental processes they do depending on the sort of problem-solving activity they are engaged in and that market researches may need to make sure that they are robust in terms of providing results from different sorts of problem-solving and not overfocus on just one of them.
1.1. Definition of Limited Problem-Solving Approach
Recent studies of purchasing behavior have revealed that the consumer’s approach to choosing a product can depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of product to be selected and the importance of that product. One of the approaches that an individual utilizes when making a purchasing decision is the limited problem-solving approach. Limited problem-solving approach involves an internal or non-extensive search for information, for example, settling for the first or the easy option that comes to an individual’s mind. It is an approach that is often used by consumers when they face a recurring problem or when they are looking for a familiar product. In this kind of approach, the individual could simply identify the need for a product and immediately an alternative would spring into his mind, and then the purchasing would happen instantaneously. However, since making a purchasing decision involves conscious mental processes, at least in the case of limited problem-solving, in the event that some information search did take place, the following must apply: the individual must know what to be searched, the search should be based on the current knowledge, and the search for information should serve as guidance for the decision that needs to be made. For example, each time the consumers go to the supermarket to purchase a bottle of water, chances are the consumer will know what to buy and thus there is no need for information search, and hence limited problem-solving takes place. At the point of recognizing the need, the consumer goes ahead with searching the product, and then evaluation of alternatives is done afterwards. There are two phases in which the limited problem-solving takes place; i.e. a problem recognition phase and an evaluation of the chosen product after the purchase has been made. In reality, it is often the case that information search does not take place literally before a product is purchased. When an information search does occur, the particular type of approach being used can be identified.
1.2. Definition of Extended Problem-Solving Approach
An extended problem-solving approach has several important characteristics. First, it involves extensive information search – the consumer searches for information about different products from many sources. Such sources include the consumer’s own memory, personal knowledge, the knowledge of friends and family, advertising, in-store information, and the internet. Secondly, the consumer employing extended problem-solving is more likely to use a comparison of multiple options. Such a comparison of options may be largely in terms of brand comparison such as Mercedes vs Audi or attributes comparison such as those which are known to satisfy the need and those which are just close to satisfaction. For the limited problem-solving approach, consumers rely on shortcuts rather than on significant effort. Third, consumers using an extended problem-solving approach are more likely to engage in a comparison of multiple options, while those using the limited problem-solving approach are more likely to satisfy their need by simply selecting the first product that meets the minimum acceptable requirement, but not necessarily the best that could be obtained. Fourth, consumers using an extended problem-solving approach are more likely to engage in a consideration of external factors. Such external factors might include advice from friends, adverts, the internet, and environmental factors. Finally, the consumer employing the extended problem-solving resources and cognitive efforts more so than from the habitual and variety-seeking resources, but consumers use all three to some degree. It is important to notice that there is no absolute way to determine which method to use (Kardes, Cronley, and Cline, n.d.). Culture, traditions, trends, and as well as the level of involvement which varies are among the factors that influence the decision of which method used with different people and at different occasions.
2. The Purchase Experience
2.1. Description of the Product
2.2. Motivation for the Purchase
3. Limited Problem-Solving Approach
3.1. Minimal Information Search
3.2. Reliance on Prior Knowledge
3.3. Evaluation of Alternatives
4. Extended Problem-Solving Approach
4.1. Extensive Information Search
4.2. Comparison of Multiple Options
4.3. Consideration of External Factors
5. Application of Problem-Solving Approaches
5.1. Determining the Approach Used
5.2. Factors Influencing the Decision-Making Process
6. Conclusion

Questions
Based on “Reforming the US Immigration Regime” case study: address the following In a 1 to 2 page policy memo:
1. Provide a brief history of the issue (only 2-3 paragraphs)-highlighting key points
2. Describe the 2013 attempt to reform U.S. immigration policy-highlighting the key points.
3. Be sure to address how the problem was defined in 2013 (not just from the perspective of the gang of 8 but from other relevant stakeholders as well.  Remember to clearly identify the relevant stakeholders or groups of stakeholders and how they defined the problem so as to illustrate the variation in problem definition.
Answer
1. Introduction
The first formal immigration act was passed in 1910. This act established the Bureau of Immigration, which provided for the examination and inspection of arriving immigrants. It also codified for the first time the deportation of immigrants and the exclusion of ‘undesirable’ persons. Over the years, various laws have been implemented in the name of immigration reform. These laws are often seen to have expanded the United States’ power of deportation and exclusion. For example, the National Origins Quota of 1924 provided that the number of immigrant visas available in each nationality class in a year could not exceed 2% of the number of foreign-born individuals of that nationality resident in the United States in 1890. Such legislation further entrenched the inequalities in immigration visas that existed at the time. The roots of the current deportation and exclusion regime lie, as some scholars describe it, in the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act. This act got rid of the highly exclusionary national origins quota system that was in place and instead focused on immigrants’ skills and family relationships with citizens or residents of the United States. However, it also made a distinction between ‘immigrants’ and ‘nonimmigrants’, whereby immigrants are classed as those admitted for permanent residence and nonimmigrants refer to those admitted for a temporary period of time. This act has been subject to numerous amendments over the years, often to change its preference system.
1.1 Brief History of the Issue
The United States continues to enforce its immigration laws, which regulate both the flow of aliens into the country and their subsequent activities. As any reader of this memo knows, immigration and immigration reform has been a hot topic of debate in the United States for many years. Congressional interest in immigration legislation is unwavering and complex compared to the interest in other topics, such as defense or welfare reform. The fact that members of Congress have introduced immigration bills in every Congress (typically multiple bills on the same topics) since the 1980s serves as more symbolic of the issue’s salience and complexity. Although IRCA is technically still alive, it has been distorted by subsequent legislation, most notably the Welfare Reform Act and the 1996 Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act. This has contributed to the tension that exists when immigration reform is discussed. Additionally, because “impending regulatory changes” or “changes in health care eligibility standards” have provided automatic triggers for its repeal restrictions on alien eligibility. However, this did not come to pass because of the higher standard of judicial review of statutes that completely bar court review of deportation orders. Such review restrictions, while not defining what is meant by reviewing “deportation orders,” are interpreted to prevent judicial review of the statutory scheme as a whole as opposed to merely review of specific orders. This restriction on judicial review would have been mooted by the new judicial review process in IRCA.
1.1.1 Early Immigration Policies
1.1.2 Impact of Major Immigration Acts
2. The 2013 Attempt to Reform U.S. Immigration Policy
2.1 Overview of the Reform Effort
2.2 Key Points of the Proposed Legislation
2.2.1 Pathway to Citizenship
2.2.2 Border Security Measures
2.2.3 Employment Verification System
2.3 Opposition and Controversies
3. Problem Definition in 2013
3.1 Perspectives of the Gang of 8
3.1.1 Gang of 8’s Definition of the Problem
3.1.2 Proposed Solutions by the Gang of 8
3.2 Perspectives of Relevant Stakeholders
3.2.1 Business Community’s Definition of the Problem
3.2.2 Labor Unions’ Definition of the Problem
3.2.3 Immigrant Advocacy Groups’ Definition of the Problem
3.2.4 Conservative Groups’ Definition of the Problem
3.2.5 Democratic Party’s Definition of the Problem
3.2.6 Republican Party’s Definition of the Problem
3.2.7 Public Opinion on the Immigration Issue

question
Define “stress,” “stressor,” and give several examples of the three types of stress,. Explain what is meant by “Holistic Health” and summarize the various dimensions
of health Summarize the various sources of stress; then explain the three basic approaches to managing stress which will be utilized in this course 
1.2  Discuss the various stress vulnerability factors; then complete “The Tombstone Test” 
1.3  Explain the concept of homeostasis and the various physiological responses to stress Summarize the General Adaptation Syndrome and give an example of
It’s application List and dispel the 5 myths about stress  
Answer
1. Stress, Stressor, and Types of Stress
In psycho-physiology, stress is defined as a response to a demand that is placed upon you. It is a negative concept that can affect your body, your mind, and your behavior. It is caused by major life events such as illness, loss of a loved one, or life transitions; traumatic stress can be caused by any kind of abrupt and major disruption in your life such as a major accident, an assault, or a natural disaster; chronic stress is a type of stress that wears away at you day after day and year after year. It is different from acute stress, which has a quick onset and a short duration. Acute stress might be caused by preparing for a wedding, taking a final exam, or making a public speech. In the table below, think about some of the major changes that have occurred in your life. This list is called “change units” and was first published in 1967. The Social Readjustment Rating Scale, as it is called, assigns a number of change units to many life events. The higher the score, the more stressful the event is considered to be. This is a common way of determining life stress. For example, “death of a spouse” is considered the most stressful event and is assigned 100 life change units. On the other hand, “change in sleeping habits” is supposed to be the least stressful event but is still given 16 life change units. One approach to evaluating stress is to assess “life strain,” or the pressures and demands on an individual or group. The list includes pressures and demands from within and from others in the environment. And, the list of events includes positive and negative changes as well as chronic stressors. For example, children, marital disputes, registration, and money pressures are common “life strains”. The instrument is used by researchers and clinicians to help in the assessment of stress.
1.1 Definition of stress
Stress can be described as a reaction to a stressor. According to the United States National Institute of Mental Health (2019), stress is the body’s natural response to a difficult situation such as public speaking, a job interview, or an argument. Hans Selye, a renowned biological scientist, provides a more general definition of stress. He argues that stress is a condition of the body that makes the person feel challenged and unable to cope with the demands being made on them (Pettit, 2019). Selye’s definition allows for the possibility that a person might feel stressed even without a specific identifiable stressor. It is not just the immediate physical impacts of stress that cause problems for the body. Stress, in a wider sense, is viewed as the body’s response to a “physical, emotional, social, or intellectual challenge… that requires a response or change.” Stress, in Selye’s view, is the result of “natural drives and mechanisms that can help life to develop” (Pettit, 2019). Selye also argues that the effects of stress depend on what to whom, and when. Different people experience stress in different ways – what is useful to one person may, in fact, be harmful or damaging to another. In contrast, Bill Knaus and Albert Ellis argue that not all stress is bad. They point out that “optimal stress skews towards the center of the stress range” and whereas too little stress can lead to boredom and “depression anxiety and helplessness”, so can too much stress (Knaus and Ellis, 2007). The stress response can be divided into three key stages. Firstly comes the “alarm stage”, in which the body is responding to the initial exposure to a stressor. Secondly is the “resistance stage”, in which the body tries to “return to a state of normal functioning” and increase its capacity to respond to the stressor. Finally, there is the “exhaustion stage”. If the stressor remains present for a long period of time, the body’s resources can become depleted and the body experiences a kind of ‘breakdown’ as a result. This can have serious effects on both emotional and physical health (Ivancevich et al, 1987). Stress can become a problem when a person is unable to manage the demands being made and begins to feel like he or she is losing control over the situation. Stress differs from other states, such as fear or anxiety, in terms of format: stressors always have an identifiable cause whereas feelings of anxiety and fear can be much more complex and more difficult to pin down to a specific issue. The duration of the symptom is important as well – temporary exposure to a stressor can actually be beneficial to a person, improving motivation and one’s capacity to deal with the challenge. But where stress becomes prolonged or chronic, it can lead to a range of harmful effects on a person’s physical health and, in the longer term, mental health too. Alasdair A. Logie explains that “the chain of events set in place by acute and chronic stress can affect all systems of the body” and the body’s natural response to stress can be viewed as a trigger for many types of illness, from heart problems to inflammatory conditions. He points out that continuous production of increased levels of hormones such as cortisol may serve to hinder the body’s natural ability to stabilize and maintain homeostasis. As we shall see in following sections of the paper, stress has a pronounced impact on the human body and represents an area of particular interest in modern medical research and psychological investigation.
1.2 Definition of stressor
Stressors are events or conditions in your surroundings that may trigger stress. There are two types of stressors: external stressors, which are stressors that you’re exposed to in your life, and internal stressors, or stress that comes from within you. Work stress, interpersonal stress, and stress from being too busy are examples of external stressors. Exercise and poor nutrition are examples of internal stressors. A stressor may be a one-time or short-term occurrence, or it can be an occurrence that keeps happening over a long term. When something that is producing stress is removed, the stress resolves, and the body returns to its normal state. However, if a stressor continues to be present, the body continues to produce stress hormones and the body experiences a state of chronic stress. Chronic stress can lead to a variety of health problems. It has been shown to have an effect on a person’s immune system, which can make them more susceptible to infections. It can also have an effect on the cardiovascular and digestive systems. In fact, recent medical research has pinpointed chronic stress as a factor in the development of heart disease, a leading cause of death in the United States. Psychological research has found that those who have experienced chronic stress early in life, such as childhood neglect or abuse, show more fearful behaviors and have a reduced lifespan compared to physically abused children who did not experience what was defined as chronic stress. This shows how chronic stress can affect not only physical health but mental health and developmental stages of life as well. In order to manage stress more effectively, it is important to identify the causes of stress in our life. This is good knowledge to have because the conditions which cause stress in our lives are many, and each person reacts to stress in their own way. By identifying our causes of stress and understanding how stress affects us, we will be better prepared to deal with stress in a productive and healthy way.
1.3 Examples of physical stress
Many of us feel stress in some form on a daily basis. Physical stress is stress that is caused by a physical injury or trauma to the body. When the body is subjected to physical stress, it responds by going into a shock-like state. This means that the body starts to shut down certain systems in order to deal with the physical problem. An example of physical stress is when a person is in a car accident. The physical trauma of the impact causes the body to go into a state of shock and the adrenaline levels in the body will rise. This can result in pupils dilating, the heart beating faster, and the body preparing to fight potential threats, such as a fire, or to run away. Another example of physical stress is when you participate in a very physical sport, such as rugby. The body will come under physical duress in the form of impacts, knocks, bumps, and the overall strain placed on it by vigorous physical exercise. Regular hydration and fuel, such as food, are important. The body requires a careful balance of fluid and energy intake to keep the muscles and body well-nourished and functioning properly. Muscles require hydration in order to maintain their pliability and to prevent injuries, such as tears and strains. Furthermore, without an adequate supply of energy-giving nutrients, such as fats and glucose, the body’s systems, in particular the immune system, can start to weaken so that the body cannot defend itself against, for example, the effects of mental stresses. A final example of physical stress is during pregnancy. The body is placed under physical pressure as it attempts to adapt to accommodate a growing fetus. For example, the lower back is placed under additional strain as the weight of the baby pulls the mother’s body forward. This can cause a range of physical problems such as the restriction of blood vessels in the legs and the lumbar spine becoming exaggerated as the pelvis tilts anteriorly.
1.4 Examples of psychological stress
For instance, one recent study on generalized anxiety disorder discovered that the brains of those suffering from the disorder are unable to generate the appropriate emotional response to a given situation. The discovery, made by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Illinois at Chicago, was made by tracking brain activity in patients at one of the most well-known psychiatrists in the world and patients at UW Health, where one of the study’s authors works. Scientists found that the part of the brain which usually responds to an emotion-provoking event, the amygdala, was largely inactive in these patients. The amygdala is critical in generating and regulating the body’s “alarm response” or fight-or-flight response. The study used an experimental design. It is essential for experiments on anxiety and depression to be experimental, and a control group that was not suffering from generalized anxiety disorder or any other known disorders which could affect daily life was also monitored, in order to verify that the difference in brain activity was due to the presence of the disorder. As a result of the study, the lead author explained that it was concluded that the brain of a person with anxiety is ‘misinterpreting’ situations that are not dangerous and generating inappropriate responses. This is not just front-page news for the scientific community – discoveries such as this can have far-reaching effects, with treatment plans for mental disorders being reshaped by such significant neurobiological findings. However, the media portrayal of psychological disorders can often be less than complimentary; linking to the ‘Myth 3’ sections, a common assumption for people with these disorders is that they are experienced as a result of personal weakness or character flaws. Such widely held misinterpretations about everyday disorders can often bring about isolation and ridicule for those who have been diagnosed and a disregard for the seriousness of such conditions. His finding work can serve as an interesting demonstration of how unwarranted explanations can factor into someone’s mental health experience. “It is not a matter of ‘just being anxious’ and it is certainly not something that can be easily dismissed,” as lead author Jack Nitschke is quoted in the official report published by UIC today. So while the study offers a greater understanding of how an anxiety response actually originates in the body, an endeavor to promote that form of knowledge over the misconceptions like those in ‘Myth 3’ is still crucial for those struggling on a daily basis with mental illness and that the researcher’s insight may lead to advancements not only in the biological and neurological field, but also the attitudes and efficacy of psychiatry and associated therapies as well.
1.5 Examples of emotional stress
Whether it’s significant sadness, high levels of anger, an excessive fear or even just feeling constantly drained, emotional stress is a type of stress that’s very easily understood. We have all experienced the signs of emotional stress at some point in our lives. For example, when we are tired, close to our stress limitations, and dwelling on our problems, physical warning signs of emotional stress like a headache, upset stomach, back pain, and difficulty sleeping can appear. Mentally, we might feel anxious, irritable, or even depressed. This is because our body’s stress reaction helps feed off of and further perpetuate emotional stress, which can make us feel stuck in an unhealthy cycle. To help end that cycle, and better manage your emotional stress, it’s important to learn how to recognise the signs that you’re under stress and also what you can do to relieve that stress and avoid it in the long run. When you consider the following situations, you would be talking about emotional stress because you are dealing with the loss of something in the past. This could relate to the death of someone close to you, the end of a relationship or the loss of something that you feel you depended on or had high expectations for, like not getting a job you really wanted. Those can be referred to as agents of psychological and emotional stress – what caused the emotional stress as well as the pressure to the brain and the body. Residents who are confronted with increasing prices, political events and policies that make it hard for a large category of people, and even high school scholars who are under pressure to succeed all suffer from emotional stress subconsciously and appealing to. Such emotional stress can end in cases of chronic emotional stress and may lead to diverse health impacts. Just from these few instances of emotional stress, it is easy to see how people can be triggered by an emotional event and realise the way in which it manifests into various diseases. Every emotion has a particular different growth and mirroring effect in the cell structure of our body, as does emotional stress. It generates an environment for sickness and epidemic.
2. Holistic Health and Dimensions of Health
2.1 Explanation of holistic health
2.2 Summary of various dimensions of health
3. Sources of Stress
3.1 Overview of sources of stress
4. Approaches to Managing Stress
4.1 Introduction to managing stress
4.2 Explanation of the three basic approaches
5. Stress Vulnerability Factors and “The Tombstone Test”
5.1 Discussion of stress vulnerability factors
5.2 Completion of “The Tombstone Test”
6. Homeostasis and Physiological Responses to Stress
6.1 Explanation of homeostasis
6.2 Overview of physiological responses to stress
7. General Adaptation Syndrome and Application Example
7.1 Summary of General Adaptation Syndrome
7.2 Example of General Adaptation Syndrome application
8. Myths About Stress
8.1 List of 5 myths about stress
8.2 Dispelling the 5 myths about stress

Question
Discussion  Statistical tools are used in our everyday lives. Discuss how understanding and using statistics can be beneficial to nursing practice.  2 scholar resources no plagiarism
Answer
1. Introduction
Progress has been made in changing the kind of statistical output that is now available to the nursing community, such as new validated indices that can be used to measure morbidity more effectively and are more likely to be suited for the needs of a particular setting, electronic medical records becoming widely used and enabling the nurse to data mine for formal audit projects, new systems like “Early Warning Scores” that have been developed through statistical methodologies to enable better patient assessment and closer monitoring of dynamic clinical changes, and the continuous development of telemedicine which entails the remote monitoring of vital signs, such as oxygen saturations and pulse, and the application of statistical modeling to predict health care needs and pathology changes. Overtime nurses benefit most from the use of statistics by engaging in the intellectual and professional challenges created by an evidence-based approach to patient care, and by understanding the continuing evolution of both the technological and organic elements of the science of nursing. By moving closer towards an environment where clinical data is being used to create personalized health care pathways, nurses will fulfill the purpose and potential of their skills and so attract respect and remuneration appropriate to the generation and interpretation of sophisticated health care knowledge.
Modern health care is driven by data. By collecting and analyzing data from tests and procedures, and by using that data to develop new methods of care, medical research and practice are becoming more efficient and effective all the time. However, the sheer scope and magnitude of the medical data that needs to be analyzed on a daily basis makes health care a natural home for statistical analysis. Yet modern health care still has an output-based approach that reflects a traditional lack of data to drive the development of nursing as a self-determining profession. The evidence base for contemporary health care practices that nurses would wish to provide is only viable and persuasive if it is recognized that that data is meaningfully interpreted and acted upon. For evidence-based practice to evolve, it is essential that the legal and ethical issues surrounding the use and application of statistics are appreciated by professionals. This is underpinned by the requirement that nurses and midwives should provide care and treatment based on the best available evidence or best practice, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code advises that personal and professional development is informed by reflection, practice, and study. Also, accountability is a key aspect of the NMC Code and involves the need for nurses and midwives to be answerable for their actions and to make others aware of any decisions they have made.
In nursing practice, accurate and reliable data is the key to good patient care. The routine use of statistical methods helps nurses advance in the knowledge of conditions that affect patients and the care that is most effective. Statistics have a distinct place in nursing science; they are used as a method to understand the importance of evidence in practice and to measure the performance of an intervention by using appropriate data. The purpose of this discussion is to define the term “statistics”, provide a rationale for the importance and emphasis placed on the use of statistics in nursing science, and describe the meaning and relevance of selected key statistical methods used in the appraisal of evidence in practice.
1.1 Importance of Statistics in Nursing Practice
In nursing, statistics are used daily to help monitor the progress of patients and to improve their outcome. Many sophisticated tests and procedures have become common in medical care and nursing practice, and these rely on the use of statistics. As healthcare and nursing move further into a digital age, with electronic patient records and large research projects, the habits of the past of not analyzing data fully can no longer be tolerated. Statistics help to allay the natural uncertainties of the human mind and the human body. Many treatments for common diseases have a wide variety of options and outcomes, and it is often impossible to know which will be the best. By using statistics to compare different treatments, it helps realize which is the most effective. Also, statistics will be used to drive changes in patient care using data mining to help identify areas of focus in improving quality of treatment and prophylaxis and by compiling evidence for audits or revalidation. Some nursing staff currently may be involved in such projects as a part of clinical proficiency, but the requirement may soon shift to address minimum statistical abilities. This shows how integral statistics are increasingly becoming to modern nursing practice. However, it is recognized that there is still a need for great cultural and perceptual change in nursing practice. Statistics can be seen to have an intellectual edge over qualitative research. It can also be seen as unnecessary rigor. The culture among certain parts of the nursing peerage (and patients group) may be seen that statistics are cold and heartless and that nursing is about providing holistic care which does not require analysis. These are the methods and attitudes that must be tackled in order to improve nursing care in the present and the future. Residents and colleagues should respect that “real” evidence – not just cases and stories – should be used to help inform and develop nursing practice. Modern nursing is exciting and rewarding because it is a constantly changing and dynamic field. However, change is only successful and efficiency is only increased when such changes are based on an informed and impartial analysis of evidence. It should be the aim of every modern practicing nurse to be up to date and informed about the latest in nursing research and to help lead advancements from the frontline of patient care. Not only will this help with the development of the nursing profession as a whole, but it will enable to truly make a difference to patients and help shape the future of nursing as well as their own professional practice.
1.2 Purpose of the Discussion
The focus on the current needs in Senegal is related to the role of statistics to support evidence-based practice in nursing. However, it is important to understand the global context, whereby healthcare is constantly changing and having to adapt to emerging infectious diseases, new treatments and therapies, and technological developments. With the increasing reliance on technology and the ‘digitalisation’ of healthcare, the amount of data being generated is growing at an unprecedented rate, and this is no different in the field of nursing. However, this data is only useful if it can be accurately interpreted and is meaningful in the context it is used in. This is why there is a continued focus on the use of statistics within a healthcare environment such as nursing. With an increasing demand for quality improvement initiatives in healthcare, it is essential that the way work is informed by data. This is recognised as being important both in the developing field of health information technology and the more established processes of healthcare regulation. However, as will be described in more detail in the next section, the use of statistics in nursing practice is not without its challenges and nurses need to be critical in their interpretation of data and mindful of its limitations so as to ensure that advancements in technology and new statistical techniques genuinely enhance the ability to provide high quality care. In essence, statistics is only one tool to support the decision making process in healthcare, but one that is slowly changing the way in which diagnoses are made, treatments are selected and the monitoring of patients’ progress is conducted. It is fitting, then, that the discussion about how statistics can empower nurses to provide the most effective care will be delivered by an experienced nurse using a statistical programme to drive improvements in patient care.
2. Statistical Tools in Everyday Life
2.1 Examples of Statistical Tools
2.2 How Statistical Tools Impact Decision Making
3. Understanding Statistics in Nursing Practice
3.1 Basic Statistical Concepts
3.2 Statistical Analysis Techniques
3.3 Interpreting Statistical Findings
4. Benefits of Using Statistics in Nursing Practice
4.1 Evidence-Based Practice
4.2 Identifying Trends and Patterns
4.3 Predictive Modeling
4.4 Quality Improvement Initiatives
5. Statistical Resources for Nurses
5.1 Scholarly Journals and Research Databases
5.2 Professional Associations and Organizations
5.3 Continuing Education and Training Opportunities
6. Challenges and Limitations of Statistics in Nursing Practice
6.1 Data Collection Issues
6.2 Statistical Misinterpretation
6.3 Ethical Considerations
7. Conclusion
7.1 Recap of the Benefits of Understanding and Using Statistics in Nursing Practice
7.2 Future Directions for Statistical Applications in Nursing

Question
The Impact of Information Systems on Business: This essay will examine how information systems have transformed how businesses operate. You could discuss how information systems have improved efficiency, productivity, and decision-making.
Answer
1. Introduction
An information system (IS) is an arrangement of data, processes, people, and information technology that interact to collect, process, store, and provide as output the information needed to support an organization. They help business operations and decision-making by providing the right information and it is long-lasting. “Information Systems are combinations of hardware, software, and telecommunications networks that people build and use to collect, create, and distribute useful data” (www.informationsystems.co.uk, 2010). So IS is the integration of data and technology to support the operation and management of an organization. IS has the power to change businesses and markets, it can change the way a company does business, and it can enable new ways of conducting business in the global marketplace. The innovations of IS can change the basis of competition in an industry. Businesses can use IS to make differentiation of their products; it can provide a business with a strategic advantage and an edge over the competition. New companies can use IS to enter the market, without ever having to set up a physical shop front. These days it is imperative that a business institutes some form of IS to be successful in the current global marketplace. Failure to do so can result in a loss of custom or the company will not be able to survive in today’s demanding task-oriented society. This essay will examine the impact of IS on businesses and the requirement for businesses to keep up to date with IS in today’s fast-moving and ever-changing world.
1.1. Definition of Information Systems
Now let us see the conclusive and the most common definition provided by various authors and scholars. The information system is an integrated set of components for collecting, storing, and processing data and for providing information, knowledge, and digital products. The information system is not necessarily a data-processing computer system. Moreover, it is a system which, as well as computer hardware and software, includes manual and non-automated systems such as a system and a programmer who is a and the people who maintain and install the computer. This definition was published in a journal called Decision Support Systems and was based on a Delphi study of IS academics.
An information system is considered a sociotechnical subsystem in which it is composed of some combination of the four elements in the social system of an organization: the technical system, an interface between the two systems, and the processes for the implementation of a new system. Through this it is hoped that the systems will make some impact on the performance of the organization in a way that is more than incremental and it will inevitably change the system that it seeks to influence. However, as the term information system is often used as a more general term to describe systems with a heavy data and data processing emphasis, some researchers prefer to label the study of system data and data processing change as opposed to change in the organization itself as the study of an information system and system which studies only those information systems which make an impact on the organization are sometimes referred to the systems and management sciences. This poses a difficulty of terminology for students wishing to orientate themselves within the study as there is concept of information system is a broad one and it is often difficult to know to which specific concepts or terms refer.
The information system, which forms the subject of this report, serves to provide those people, whether they be effective executives or academic researchers, who do not necessarily understand the nature of the concept with an opportunity to see the relevance of the concept to organizational and decision-making theory and how the concept can be made operational for purposes of empirical research. An information system is the field that is concerned with the utilization of information technology and software tools to assist the decision-making of management and its workers within an organization. The area is the subject of much theoretical debate as to whether the concept of an information system is academic, a figment of the imagination of consultancy marketers, or a reality in which managers and organizations have to exist. At the same time, and largely because of the preceding claim that the concept of an information system is relevant to organizational and decision-making theory, many academic disciplines carried on the concept in a variety of research activities all of which are relevant to the study of an information system but which, taken together, constitute an amorphous body of work which is difficult to define. And which sometimes appears to be tangential to the “real” world of organizations and data processing.
1.2. Importance of Information Systems in Business
This changing environment has a profound impact on the way business is conducted, and organizations need to use this to their advantage to keep up with the fast pace of changes in their environment. The competitive global economy is a recent phenomenon that has had an impact on the way modern organizations conduct business. The modern global information/knowledge-based economy represents new ways of conducting and competing in business. It is well known that national economies have greatly benefited from IT development and new infrastructure, which has resulted in new jobs and industries. However, it also represents a challenging environment for organizations to maintain their operations in the new global sectors. Modern organizations must use information systems throughout every aspect of the business (from HR to production and marketing) to have a chance of succeeding and remaining competitive in the new global environment.
Without information about the effects new information technologies can have on an organization, it can be difficult to justify the cost (Laudon and Laudon, 1991). This is the essence of the explanation of the importance of information systems in business. The authors believe that the modern environment of IT has a great ability to change certain aspects of organizations. They note that modern IT is very powerful and can if used correctly, change organizations by its impact on efficiency and effectiveness. They argue that the recent development of IT is a result of a shift towards an information/knowledge-based economy, and this can change modes of access and use of information for people and society.
1.3. Overview of the Essay
The essay consists of a small study on the information system and its impact on the organization and its stability in the market. An information system is a system that combines data processing, reporting, and inquiry and is considered as the heart of the organization. Technology is quickly changing and affecting the way markets work and how business is done in today’s society. It not only has a strong influence on the way the global economy works but also on individual and organizational levels and on the markets in which they operate. The increased velocity of technology has a lot to do with how information has an impact in today’s society. And the increased velocity of technology has created an information revolution that has an effect on the world economy (Data Monitor, 2001). Information technology is a very important and intelligent asset to keep organizations involved in the global market. In order for small businesses to succeed and obtain a competitive edge, they must engage in some sort of IS/IT. Whether it is automating internal processes or creating a website to reach a broader market, information technology is an efficient resource to keep a company well-informed and well ahead of its competition. Small organizations can utilize the available technology to continue operating even being very small; a well-automated home business can have an international impact. An enormous example is businesses involving e-commerce. The internet is the most efficient way to do business on a global level; using the internet is a cheap way to promote globalization for a small business. Large organizations are more obligated to use information systems due to the increasing velocity of technology and the challenges of a global marketplace to get the most efficient and effective information. Technology can benefit these large organizations in many ways; it can increase the efficiency of business processes, decision making, and work group collaboration. It paves the way for management and executives, making it easier to access unstructured information and have it presented in an easy, simple manner. It can be an intelligent way to make a quick and precise decision. Technology nowadays has the ability to automate complex tasks, so that they can be done quicker with no human error. Large organizations can create software agents that will continuously scan the environment and provide it with the information when a specific task has been completed by acting like an artificial intelligence. In today’s society, it is known that people are working harder and longer, technology can make work an easier and less stressful task and with the information revolution showing no signs of changing its course, information technology is something that will be here for a very long time.
2. Efficiency Improvement
2.1. Automation of Processes
2.2. Streamlining Workflows
2.3. Reduction of Manual Errors
3. Productivity Enhancement
3.1. Real-Time Data Access
3.2. Collaboration and Communication Tools
3.3. Integration of Business Functions
3.4. Task Management and Prioritization
4. Decision-Making Support
4.1. Data Analysis and Reporting
4.2. Predictive Analytics
4.3. Business Intelligence Systems
5. Security and Risk Management
5.1. Data Protection Measures
5.2. Cybersecurity Strategies
5.3. Disaster Recovery Planning
6. Customer Relationship Management
6.1. Customer Data Management
6.2. Personalized Marketing Strategies
6.3. Enhanced Customer Service
7. Supply Chain Optimization
7.1. Inventory Management Systems
7.2. Demand Forecasting
7.3. Logistics and Distribution
8. Globalization and Market Expansion
8.1. E-commerce and Online Marketplaces
8.2. Virtual Collaboration Tools
8.3. International Business Operations
9. Conclusion
9.1. Summary of the Impact of Information Systems
9.2. Future Trends and Challenges