Intervention in Personal Finance for Medical Residents Essay

Intervention in Personal Finance for Medical Residents - Essay Example The seminar on financial planning gave an overview on personal finance (income and spending), debt management, taxes, insurance, and retirement savings. A key information given during the seminar was on retirement plans available during residency, that residents have a choice either on going with the retirement account provided by the university (automatic enrollment) or county hospital (not automatic) or opt to invest in mutual funds, university-managed or from a mutual fund service company. For the study, 52 or 84% out of 62 internal medicine interns of the University of California-San Francisco attended the 90-minute seminar. Immediately before the seminar, they were given a test assessing their financial literacy as well as a pre-intervention survey. After the seminar, the interns filled up the post-intervention survey, asking their opinion on whether such seminar was valuable or not. In May 2004, two to ten months later, the residents were asked to complete the change allocation survey. Only 25 residents out of the 46 who responded attended the seminar. Findings and implications: On financial literacy, the average score was 40% of a 20-question

Executive Compensation Plan Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Executive Compensation Plan - Term Paper Example According to the principal-agent theory, there is a difference of interest between shareholders as principals and senior managers as agents. The best way to optimize performance of senior managers is to link their pay to the performance of the firm (McKnight & Tomkins, 1999). At McDonald's, the members of the top management are paid according to a reasonable salary, performance-based annual bonus, cash incentives, stock options and other perquisites or fringe benefits. Annual base salary takes into account the competitive market of managerial talents, individual performance, tenure in position and internal equity. The annual bonus is designed to reward growth in operating income as well as individual performance, which is measured against qualitative performance goals. The cash incentives focus on the company's performance measures that are important for success. Stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs) are given either at initial employment, during promotion, renewal or fully vested. (McDonald's Corporation, 2010) The table below summarizes the executive compensation program at McDonald's as well as the corresponding financial performance measure where such compensations were based. ... Growth in operating income Determined primarily on annual growth in operating income that focuses on revenue growth, recurring strong profit margins and high level of cash flow Annual Bonus Cash Incentives Return on total assets Operating income divided by average assets. Designed to measure the overall health of the business and measures the success of strategic decisions Cash Incentives Earnings per Share Compound annual growth indicates the effectiveness of strategic growth RSUs Share price Aligns the incentives of executives with the interest of the shareholder in increasing their investment value Stock Options RSUs Total Shareholder Return Ties the payouts to the overall shareholder return an investor would have received from investing in the company's stock. It rewards above-market performance and holds top executives accountable for below-market performance Cash Incentives Recommendations for Effective Strategy Implementation On business growth The success of implementing the strategy depends on the company's ability to anticipate and respond effectively to the global trends in the fast-food industry such as consumer spending patterns, demographic changes, consumer tastes and preferences. It is recommended that McDonald's regularly evaluate their menu choices, physical restaurant atmosphere and activity, and nutritional awareness programs in order to effectively communicate the values that the company promotes as well as inspire trust and confidence from the consumers. It is also recommended that the company improve its existing products and to promote new product lines in order to attain sustainable growth and system-wide sales. On operational excellence The strategies are designed and developed in order to make McDonald's

(Operations Management) Key recent developments of operations design Assignment

(Operations Management) Key recent developments of operations design and practise in airline and automotive (car ) industry - Assignment Example self many various issues and activities through which an organization’s goods and services are changed and transformed from the inputs that were put to the outputs that are produced. It is about the various operations that are performed on the goods and services from the moment their production starts to the moment the customer receives it. Operations management consists of ten areas in which an operations manager has to make the right decisions so as to fit the company’s strategic vision with what the budget allows, and to achieve that competitive advantage too, all at the same time. A strategy is the course of action that a company aims to take with respect to achieving a particular goal. Strategic fit would be when the company has very well integrated the firm’s mission as well as the strategies along with the internal capabilities that it has and the external environment that it has to survive in. thus, missions (what needs to be achieved) as well as the strategies (how it needs to be achieved) must be in alignment with what the company is capable of doing itself and how much the outside environment and externalities will allow it to perform. (Slack, 2005) As far as operations management is concerned, the operations manager has to take decisions in ten critical areas. They are product design, quality management, process design, location selection, layout design, human resources, supply chain management, inventory, scheduling and maintenance. When it comes to operations management, the operations manager has a wide variety of choices as to how to go about it. Operations management is all about increasing the productivity of the company, thus efficiency has to be present, along with effectiveness in the first place. With the rise of competition, it can be said that new methods need to be found which will keep an air cargo company going and at least give him a place in the top cargo service providers of the country. For this, many owners of the cargo

Budgets and Budgeting Process Math Problem Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Budgets and Budgeting Process - Math Problem Example For this it is important that the company take an initiative to put in place proper systems for tracing costs and allocation of budget. By installing these systems, we will be in a stronger position to generate true financial statements. And as you must be aware that strong systems of a company play a vital role in determine the share price of the initial public offering and the future share performance when the company shares are traded in the secondary market, therefore, it is important that we as a company, focused on growth, should concentrate on developing strong systems for our company. Recent researches conduct on the importance of setting up a budget for a company has revealed new and intriguing utility or a budget document. A budget of a company enables it to limit its expenditures, predict future income, profits and potential return on investment. Company budget has become a mean by which a company can exert control over its processes, and decide form of bonuses for its emp loyees. However, in order to have an accurate budget, it is important that the company’s management takes input from every process owner. It is of utmost importance that every process owner understands the corporate goals and objectives, and aligns their activities in accordance with these goals and objectives. By setting up benchmarks in place by means of a budget, we would be in a better position to assess the performance of a process owner and set his reward for his job accordingly. Moreover, by forming a budget, we would be in a better position to set future goals for our company and tailor our current business model in accordance with the dynamics of our business environment. This utility of a budget will help us to ensure that our company is in... From this study it is clear that a budget of a company enables it to limit its expenditures, predict future income, profits and potential return on investment. Company budget has become a mean by which a company can exert control over its processes, and decide form of bonuses for its employees. However, in order to have an accurate budget, it is important that the company’s management takes input from every process owner. It is of utmost importance that every process owner understands the corporate goals and objectives, and aligns their activities in accordance with these goals and objectives. By setting up benchmarks in place by means of a budget, we would be in a better position to assess the performance of a process owner and set his reward for his job accordingly. We need to be sure that every penny that we are investing in our operations is producing a substantial return, therefore, it is important that we take an initiative to generate an internal company budget.As the d iscussion highlights by forming a budget, we would be in a better position to set future goals for our company and tailor our current business model in accordance with the dynamics of our business environment. This utility of a budget will help us to ensure that our company is in a position to face unprecedented business circumstances. And since our current environment is extremely volatile, therefore, it would be a good idea to take precautionary measures that will ensure the survival this enterprise.

Students on the Internet Essay Example for Free

Students on the Internet Essay The internet is a very resourceful and useful tool for highschool students. With the internet students can access information from any computer with internet access, transfer data and use a large variety of online resources that are in more depth than high school text books. Information resources such as web sites and online Libraries can be accessed from any computer, with internet access. A computer with internet access can go online to a website that a student may have access at home or at school. With a student being able to access web sites and online resources at their own discretion, research for projects can be done at a students own pace. Now that research can be done at home and both school a student can go into more depth with their work, due to more time of research. The internet can also be used to transfer data to and from school, and also with other students and peers. Programs such as online messengers and e-mails can be used to communicate. Communication that is done over the internet is very fast and unlike the telephone can be used to transfer data such as work done on the computer. The quality of transferred data is in the same shape as it was when it was sent to another computer. With students being able to transfer data quickly and reliably with each other, they will be able to work with positive in croups. There are large numbers of resources that can be found on the internet, these resources are often in more depth than a high school text book. When a internet user goes online to a search engine such as google and types in a topic thousands of links relevant web sites show up. With all of these resources available the amount of information that a student can use is endless and in more depth than high school textbooks. With a large number of in depth resources on the internet a student can achieve a grade of high standards. With the internet as a fast reliable and safe resource at a students disposal, the input and information in a students homework and assignments  with be of great quality, filled with information. The number of great tools and possibilities available to students on the internet is endless and should be used by every one.

Genetic Transformation in E Coli

Genetic Transformation in E Coli Genetic Transformation is the act of changing of DNA in an organism by adding new genes, which may be done in multiple ways. The addition of new genes to DNA could have an almost infinite amount of advantages, ranging from studying the cultures of bacteria that become immune to modern medicine, to making artificial animal proteins. In a CNN article written by Matt Ford, scientists are using genetic transformation to do research on the use of growing animal proteins that the scientists claim will be healthier for the plant and mean less animal cruelty. However, the idea of artificially grow animal protein is still very controversial.ÂÂ   In the experiment performed by our lab, we used the idea of heat shock to genetically transform E coli. Heat shock is the process of exposing the cells to a temporary yet extreme increase in temperature, which temporarily opens the membranes of the cells. The purpose of opening these membranes is that the genes that are placed in the surrounding area will slip into the cell and become part of the DNA of that cell. In this experiment, we were testing whether or not the heat therapy opened the membranes of the cells, and therefore attempting to complete genetic transformation.ÂÂ   In the paper Nonchromosomal Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria: Genetic Transformation of Escherichia coli by R-Factor DNA by Stanley N. Cohen, Annie C.Y. Chang, and Leslie Hsu is also an example of this kind of genetic transformation on E Coli. After the E. Coli was exposed to CaCl2, the E coli did not fully become resistant to antibiotics. The reason was that the E coli also needed the right temperature and conditions for the genes to fully become effective in the E coli. After the E coli was introduced to a heated environment for a short time, and then allowed to change and grow in an incubated environment, the resistance for the antibiotics increased in the E coli. While there have been cases where it was found that heat shock therapy was no t necessary to engage the genetic transformation cycle, as shown in the article One-step preparation of competent Escherichia coli: transformation and storage of bacterial cells in the same solution, we still used the idea of heat shock therapy for our experiment. To begin the experiment, we took two microcentrifuge tubes and labeled them +pGLO and -pGLO. Next, taking a micropipette with a clean tip we put 250 microliters of transformation solution into each of our microcentrifuge tubes. We then put ice into a beaker large enough for ice and our two tubes, and put these materials into the beaker. After, a sterile loop was used to take a single colony of bacteria into each of our tubes, using separate loops to keep them sterile and avoid contamination. After obtaining another new sterile loop, we put the loop into a tube marked pGLO plasmid DNA. This loop was then put into the tube labeled +pGLO and mixed. After this, we left both tubes in the ice beaker for at least ten minutes to get them and their contents to a lower temperature. While these are on ice, we obtained 4 Luria Broth (LB) nutrient agar plates from our lab provider; one LB plate, two LB/ampicillin plates, and one LB/ampicillin /arabinose plates were given to us. After the ten minu tes were over, both tubes were place in water that was 42 degrees Celsius for 50 seconds. After this warm water treatment, we immediately place the tubes back into the ice beaker. After two minutes in the ice beaker, we removed the tubes from the ice beaker. Using a clean tip for each tube on the micropipette, we added 250 microliters of LB nutrient broth to the +pGLO tube and the -pGLO tube and let mixtures sit for ten minutes. After the ten minutes, we gently flicked the tubes to mix the contents of the tubes. Then, we added 100 microliters of +pGLO to the LB/amp nutrient agar plate, 100 microliters of +pGLO to the LB/amp/are plate, 100 microliters of -pGLO to the LB/amp plate, and 100 microliters of -pGLO to the LB plate. Using a new clean and sterile loop for each plate, spread the mixtures of each plate so that they are mixed up well, while being sure not to press hard into the plate. We then closed the plates with their lids and stacked them on top of each other, putting tape around them to keep them in order. We then placed the plates into an incubator for one week. In this experiment, we introduced the pGLO plasmid to E. coli bacteria so that the cells were genetically transform a resistance to ampicilin as well as the ability to produce the protein that causes a glow. We used heat shock therapy in order to introduce the pGLO plasmid stored in an incubation unit the bacteria in agar plate containing ampicilin, arabinose and nutrient broth. As a result, the agar plate containing nutrient broth with the bacteria that had not been given the pGLO plasmid had bacteria grow in the plate. The plate containing nutrient broth and ampicilin with the bacteria, which was not given any pGLO, did not have any bacterial growth in the plate. The plate with nutrient broth and ampicilin that had the bacteria that had been given pGLO did grow new bacteria, but it did not glow. The final plate containing nutrient broth, ampicilin and arabinose and the bacteria that had been given pGLO both grew new bacteria and also glowed under the light. I stated that I believed that the E. coli bacteria that had been given pGLO would not only grow in the presence of ampicilin, but would also glow in the light when there was also arabinose. The results of the experiment did not disprove my hypothesis since the bacteria that had been given pGLO grew in both of the plates with ampicilin present, and glowed in the plate with arabinose present as well. The results of this experiment were consistent with other similar experiments with the same use of heat therapy on genetic transformation. A prime example is the experiment conducted by Cohen, Chang and Hsu in which the method of heat shock was used to introduce antibiotic resistance to E. coli bacteria (Cohen, Chang, Hsu, 1972). The results of the experiment showed that the introduction of R-factor DNA could genetically transform E. coli bacteria to have certain resistances. This experiment helps support our findings since their procedure and outcomes were very similar to our experiment. A few possible errors that occurred in our experiment could include the fact that the bacteria sat for a week after the first part of the experiment instead of being examined after 24 hours, which may have altered the amount of bacteria that was cultured. Also, it was almost impossible to get two halves of the same colony so it is possible that the two samples of E. coli were not genetically identical. However, we do not believe that our experiment had been sufficiently flawed to cause significant error Citations: 1. Meat is murder? Well, perhaps not for much longer. By Matt Ford. http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/science/08/07/eco.invitro.meat/index.html Accessed 11-11-2009 2. Nonchromosomal Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria: Genetic Transformation of Escherichia coli by R-Factor DNA by Stanley N. Cohen, Annie C.Y. Chang, and Leslie Hsu. http://www.pnas.org/content/69/8/2110.abstract.ÂÂ   Accessed 11-10-2009 3. One-step preparation of competent Escherichia coli: transformation and storage of bacterial cells in the same solution by C T Chung, S L Niemela,, and R H Miller. http://www.pnas.org/content/86/7/2172.abstract accessed 11-10-2009 Donna Weedman, 2009 Life 102 Attributes of Living Systems, Cache House Inc. Eden Prairie, MN

Examining Qualitative and Quantitative studies with CASP

Examining Qualitative and Quantitative studies with CASP Critical Appraisal Skills Programme/CASP (Public Health Resource Unit, 2007) a reader should equip with in order to make sense of scientific research. The CASP is to help a reader develops critical skills so as to be sensitive of scientific research and, therefore, to think reasonably about any research encountered (Public Health Resource Unit, 2007). Both quantitative and qualitative researches can be appraised by using the CASP. Each of the CASP guidelines has ten questions in which validity, relevance and results of appraised research have been covered. This assignment has been divided into two parts. The first part quantitative paper written by Ho et al, (2006) will be appraised. The second part qualitative paper written by Liu and Liehr (2009) will then be appraised. All findings will be summarized finally. 1. Did the study ask a clearly focused question? PICOT is used for answering the question 1 and it is a framework that healthcare professionals can use to formulate effective clinical questions in a step-by-step manner (Melnyk Fineout-Overholt, 2010). The population of the study was all the subjects should have one tattoo at least. 120 Chinese subjects with 144 tattoos were recruited for the study. The intervention of the study was half of the subjects were applied Contractubex gel while others were applied nothing. The purpose to do so was to check the efficacy of the gel. The comparison of the study was study and control groups are used for comparison as a result of finding out the efficacy of Contractubex gel. The outcome of the study was the gel should be effective in preventing scarring after the subjects receiving laser removal of tattoos. The research has shown that the number of subjects in Contractubex group with scarring were significantly lower than in control group. The time of the study was the treated areas were asse ssed 3 months after the last treatments. In short, the research has asked a clearly focused question- Use of onion extract, heparin, allantoin gel in prevention of scarring in Chinese patients having laser removal of tattoos: a prospective randomized controlled trial. So the answer is Yes. 2. Was this a randomized controlled trial (RCT) and was it appropriately so? A type of scientific experiment most commonly used in validating the effectiveness of health issue, say, pharmaceuticals (e.g. gel), can be regarded as RCT (Gallin Ognibene, 2007). It involves the random allocation of different interventions to the subjects. Furthermore, as long as the numbers of subjects are adequate, randomization is an effective method to produce a random and unpredictable sequence of allocations. Regarding to the Ho et al (2006) research, they must adopt RCT. Two evidences can be shown to support my stance. First, it was testing the efficacy of Contractubex gel intervention (health issue) provided by doctors to subjects with tattoo. Second, the 120 subjects were randomly assigned to either Contractubex or Control group at equal probabilities. In suitability, it was the right research approach for the researched question because it was going to compare result after receiving Contractubex gel with a control group. In short, RCT is the appropriate method and correc t approach to conduct this research, as there were two groups that were allocated randomly, the study group received intervention and the control group did not receive intervention and the answer is Yes. 3. Were participants appropriately allocated to intervention and control groups? The answer is Yes. Answer of question 2 has mentioned that the 120 subjects were allocated into the two groups randomly. In research term, complete randomization has been adopted. Complete randomization means each tattooed subject was randomly assigned to either of the groups. It is simple and optimal in the sense of validity to prevent accidental bias (Gallin Ognibene, 2007). In randomization procedure, the researchers adopted fifty-fifty basis allocation (60 subjects in Contractubex group and 60 subjects in Control group). In this research stratification can be observed. Stratification means developing strata for sampling (Gallin Ognibene, 2007). 60 subjects in control group and 60 subjects in study group is a typical example of stratification. The purpose to do so is that since most statistical tests, say, the paired students t test are most reliable when the groups being compared have equal subjects (Gallin Ognibene, 2007), it is desirable for the randomization procedure to ge nerate similarly-sized groups. In short, as all participants were assigned to Contractubex and Control groups appropriately. 4. Were participants, staff and study personnel blind to participants study group? The above parties understood the details of the research. Ho et al (2006) paper mentioned that informed consent was obtained from all subjects. Informed consent is a process of communication between a subject and doctor that results in the subjects authorization or agreement to undergo a specific medical intervention (Berg et al, 2001). On the one hand, blinded research can avoid bias. However, it is impossible for some treatments. For example, treatments where active participation of the subjects are necessary (e.g. regularly receiving laser therapy with the application of the gel). In research personnel, certainly they understood the details of the research, for instance, employing Q-switched laser systems as well as its spot size and repeat rate and pulse duration. They were unable to perform the research successfully otherwise. Nonetheless, whether the control group received placebo gel and the assessor of the scars knew the research details or not did not mention. In brief, open trial (the above parties understood the details of the treatment) instead of blind trial was employed and the answer seems No. 5. Were all of the participants who entered the trial accounted for at its conclusion? Originally, there were 60 subjects in the control group and 60 subjects in the study group. However, there were 8 out of 60 subjects in the study group quitted the research. 5 out of 8 simply defaulted follow-up and 3 out of 8 stopped using the gel due to adverse effect. In the control group, there were 5 out of 60 subjects quitted the research. 4 out of 8 simply did not follow-up and 1 out of 8 stopped using the gel due to have a baby. Although, there were a few subjects quitting from the research due to personal affairs, the groups size still remained similar (52 in Contractubex and 55 in Control groups) and the researchers have already reported such discrepancy. In other words, intention to treat was used as it is a strategy for the analysis of RCT that compares subjects in the groups to which they were originally randomly assigned (Gallin Ognibene, 2007) and the answer is Yes. 6. Were the participants in all groups followed up and data collected in the same way? In the former, the subjects were followed up from 13 to 20 months with a mean of 15.5 + 2.6 months. The importance of the follow up was to review the probability of scar formation after applying the gel. Likely, the research personnel followed up the subjects after the last laser treatment. However, the same amount of attention to the subjects from the research personnel becomes questionable because the researchers did not describe how to review the subjects. More elaborately, how much time the researchers spend on each subject for review? In addition, performance bias may occur. For instance, if research personnel know which group subjects are in, they may treat subjects differently (Gallin Ognibene, 2007). In this aspect, cant tell seems appropriate. In the latter, Yes in terms of data collection in the same way, the researchers should collect the data during clinical observation. Clinical observation is the research personnel directly observe any changes during the study period a nd then record the changes. Data analysis can be done by using statistical software (e.g. SAS). In short, the answers were Yes in the way of data collection only. The amount of attention to the subjects needs the research personnel further clarification otherwise performance bias may be suspected. 7. Did the study have enough participants to minimize the play of chance? The meaning of the play of chance can be explained by the following example, taking a comparison of the Contractubex group with the control group in which 4 subjects scar formation with the Contractubex group and 6 subjects scar formation with the control group. It would be incorrect to conclude that the Contractubex group was better than the Control group. It is because if the comparison was repeated, the numbers of subjects who formed scar might be same (5 against 5). However, 7 subjects scar formation with the gel and 16 subjects without the gel, chance becomes a less likely explanation for the difference. In Ho et al (2006) study, numbers of subjects were enough to lessen the play of chance. Sample size can be determined by a formula by inputting population size and confidence level as well as margin of error and response distribution. On the one hand, significant difference between the two groups was observed. Power calculation can facilitate the research personnel determines ho w large of a sample the research personnel needs to make precise statistical conclusions (Gallin Ognibene, 2007). Therefore, statistical significance was the robust evidence to prove the play of chance impossible. 8. How are the results presented and what is the main result and 9. How precise are these results? Comparison of the intervention and control groups using the p-value has been presented. The main finding was that the application of the gel was useful to prevent scar formation after laser removal of tattoos. In accuracy of the results, p-value 10. Were all important outcomes considered so the results can be applied? The research proved that the gel was effective, safe, and easy to apply in the prevention of scarring in Chinese subjects having laser removal of tattoos. Nonetheless, 100% scar removal is not guaranteed after using the gel. The results revealed that there were a few subjects who still have scarring. In addition, permanent hypopigmentation and transient hyperpigmentation can be noted. On the other hand, you may argue that the results may be affected by a political factor, that is a pressure from the pharmaceutical company, Ho et al (2006) have indicated that no significant interest with commercial supporters at the beginning of the research. In short, the research provides a reliable reference to healthcare professionals that the gel is recommended to be used in dark skin patients receiving laser treatments of tattoos. Ten questions have been answered to help me make sense of quantitative research. Also, ten questions are used to help me make sense of qualitative research. Qualitative research is a generic term for investigative methodologies described as ethnographic, naturalistic, field, or participant observer research. It underscores the importance of looking at variables in the natural setting in which they are found (Sliverman, 2004). 1. Was there a clear statement of the aims of the research? Qualitative PICOT is a framework that healthcare professionals can use to formulate effective clinical questions in a step-by-step manner (Melnyk Fineout-Overholt, 2010).The population of the study was the six nurses who had experiences in taking care of SARS patients. The issue of the study was identifying instructive messages to guide nursing practice in future epidemics by in-depth interview of the six Chinese nurses who cared for SARS patients. The context of the study was where the study takes place. The research mainly takes place in Beijing. The outcome of the study was the research gave specific direction to enhance potential for a well-prepared nursing workforce in future epidemics. The time of the study was the SARS outbreaks between 11/2002-5/2004 and data were collected in 2003 within the three months following the nurses quarantine necessitated by caring for SARS patients.. In brief, the answer is Yes. 2. Is a qualitative methodology appropriate? Qualitative research is to study things in their natural settings, attempting to make sense of, or to interpret, phenomena in terms of the meanings people bring to them. It is intended to penetrate to the deeper significance that the subject of the research ascribes to the topic being researched (Denzin, 2005). Interviews, observations and case studies are commonly used for data collection and then analyse the data. Samples are usually small and are often selected purposively. Qualitative research uses detailed descriptions from the participants as ways of examining specific issues under study. The research method employed by the researchers was appropriate because the following criteria were matched- detailed description instead of statistical software were used and number of participants was quite small- only six. In addition, the researchers adopted phenomenology. The phenomenological approach is to describe accurately a persons lived experience in relation to what is being studie d (i.e. the six Chinese nurses caring for SARS patients) (Denzin Lincoln, 2005). In short, the answer is Yes. 3. Was the research design appropriate to address the aims of the research? Appropriate method (i.e. in-depth interview) for conducting the research was used. In-depth interview is a kind of qualitative research technique that involves conducting intensive individual interviews (i.e. the six nurses) with a small number of respondents to explore their views on a particular idea (i.e. sharing in caring SARS patients). In the study, the researchers asked participants about their experiences and insights regarding to the caring for SARS patients, the thoughts they have concerning nursing care, challenge, and outcomes as well as about any changes the participants perceive in themselves as a result of their involvement in the study (Denzin Lincoln, 2005). In addition, rich contextual information can be obtained and the research personnel can ask the six nurses to elaborate their sharing in details through the in-depth interview. So the answer is Yes 4. Was the recruitment strategy appropriate to the aims of the research? Six nurses were invited to share their experiences in caring for SARS patients. The six nurses were no objections and voluntary to share their encounter after enquired by research personnel. In other words, a reader should not suspect their willingness of participation. The recruitment strategy was appropriate, because if reward-based (e.g. bonus to interviewees) and compulsory-based recruitment were offered to potential interviewees, the accuracy and reliability of data should be suspected. To achieve the aims of the research, nurses were voluntary to share their stories and they provided detailed descriptions with little prompting were important to the aims of the research. In other words, it starts with a purpose in mind and the sample is selected to include interested party (i.e. nurses with experience in caring of SARS patients) and exclude those who do not suit the purpose and purposive sampling was used (Denzin Lincoln, 2005). So the answer is Yes. 5. Were the data collected in a way that addressed the research issue? To collect data, a storypath approach was used. Research personnel recorded what the six nurses presented by a tape recorder. Seven inquiry phases were associated with storypath approach, including gathering the story, reconstructing the story, connecting it to the literature, naming the complicating challenge, describing the story plot, identifying movement toward resolving, and gathering additional stories (Denzin Lincoln, 2005). In application, specific questions were asked by the research personnel, for instance, challenge the nurses were facing during caring for SARS victims, how the experience influence your hopes and dreams in the coming future. The data collection methods must observe the ethical principles of research. In short, the answer is Yes. 6. Has the relationship between researcher and participants been adequately considered? This research paper mentioned that the stories of the six nurses were collected by two Chinese investigators, It was hard to say that any potential bias and influence occurred because the research personnel simply mentioned that they were responsible for gathering the stories from the participants and supporting activities, say, properly use of tape recording. Apparently, the relationship between the research personnel and participants were nothing, but participants may be influenced by the research team or in professional term- reflexivity. Reflexivity requires an awareness of the researchers contribution to the construction of meanings throughout the research process, and an acknowledgment of the impossibility of remaining outside of the six nurses while conducting research. In short, the answer of this question is Yes. 7. Have ethical issues been taken into consideration? Oral consent is a kind of ethical issue. Kozier et al, 2004 define the consent is an essential part of the research process, and as such entails more than obtaining a signature on a form (Kozier et al, 2004). Research personnel must educate potential subjects to ensure that they can reach a real informed choice about whether or not to participate in the research. Consent must be given freely and with no coercion as well as based on a clear understanding of what participation involves. On the one hand, the above study has been approved by the Universitys ethics committee. The committee is responsible for reviewing, on request, ethical or moral questions that may come up during the study. In brief, the answer is Yes. 8. Was the data analysis sufficiently rigorous? In-depth description of the analysis process was shown in Liu Liehr (2009) paper. The authors described every phase elaborately and in step-by-step pattern. There were total 5 phases of the content analysis for the nurses caring for SARS patients. The content shared by the six nurses was similar because of geographical reason and the consistent format of the interview. Such arrangement provided convincing analysis to a reader. In fact, thematic analysis was employed by the researchers. It means focuses on identifiable themes (i.e. sharing of nursing care of SARS patients) and data is analysed by theme. This type of analysis is highly inductive, that is, the themes emerge from the data and are not imposed upon it by the research personnel (Denzin Lincoln, 2005). In short, the answer is Yes. 9. Is there a clear statement of findings? It is crystal clear that there were three core qualities (personal challenge, essence of care and self-growth) the researchers found. Each quality was described in-details with concrete example of the original words from the six nurses. In addition, instructive messages for guidance during future epidemics were also provided. The findings were highly related to the research question. In brief, a clear statement of the findings was clear and evidences were provided to support each quality the answer is Yes. 10. How valuable is the research? The researchers discovered three core qualities and instructive messages regarding to SARS patients caring. Such discovery greatly increases preparedness by attending the messages including structured support, disease/protection-related information systems and the power of military spirit. Maybe the above components can be further researched so as to obtain greater improvements. In addition to enhance preparedness and identify new areas where researches are necessary, the findings are universal applicable. Healthcare frontline staff may face the problems when caring for SARS patients, say, lack of resources. Clinical leader may find the importance of structured support and collaborative spirit to relieve the staff pressure. In short, the value of this research is valuable. Conclusion To sum up, the CASP guidelines can appraise both quantitative and qualitative researches. The guidelines include ten questions in which provide comprehensive evaluation of the above studies. The guidelines are particular useful in appraising health and social researches. Furthermore, the CASP guidelines aim to enable readers to develop the skills to find out and make sense of research evidence, helping them to put knowledge into practice. (Word count: 3212)