Each student will prepare a written case-study research project dealing with a communication problem(s) in his or her place of employment or an organization of choice. From what has been learned in this class, student will demonstrate use of at least five models applied to diagnose and remedy the problem.

Each student will prepare a written case-study research project dealing with a communication problem(s) in his or her place of employment or an organization of choice. From what has been learned in this class, student will demonstrate use of at least five models applied to diagnose and remedy the problem. Paper is expected to be approximately ten to fifteen pages in length, however, may vary according to the complexity of the subject. The format should follow the basic Action or Applied Research Format including: Introduction, Statement of Problem, Purpose of Research, Research Questions, Research Methodology and Models used, Findings, and Recommendations. Book for class 11.1.1O’Hair, D., Friedrich, G., and Dixon. L. (2010). Strategic communication in business and the professions (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Allen and Bacon/Pearson.

Requirements: 10 pages

University of La Verne

College of Health & Community Well-Being 

Health Services Management Program

Guidelines for Research Project Structure and Content

Kent H. Badger, DPA

Professor, HSM

25 July 2023

Most all the HSM classes require some type of research as part of the course requirements to assist in demonstration of student learning outcomes. Although specific assignments may vary by instructor and class, the general format of the research paper is customarily structured as outlined below. It should be noted that in many types of applied or action research projects, all of the components listed below would not have to be included.

Title Page (see attached example)

Executive Summary (Abstract)

Purpose

Findings

Recommendations

Table of Contents

Introduction

Statement of Problem

Purpose of Research

Thesis or Hypothesis (optional)

Research Questions

Identification of Research methodology to be used

Identification of Models of Analysis to be used

Research Findings and Impressions (relative to each research question)

Research Methodology:

– Literature Review

Theoretical foundations informing research

Authoritative sources regarding subject under investigation

– Personal Observation

– Personal Interview

– Questionnaire

Models of Analysis Used for each Methodology

Examples:

Lewin’s Force Field

Ishikawa’s Fish Bone

Pareto

Cost-Benefit and Return-on-Investment Analysis

– Gantt Charting

– Congruence Theory (isomorphism)

Summary of Findings

Recommendations for Action (relative to each finding)

Limitations and Delimitations of Study (optional)

Recommendations for Further Study (optional)

Attachments (optional)

References (citing authoritive sources used through out paper)

In essence, the recommendations are informed by the findings; the findings are in direct response to each research question; by answering each research question, the purpose of the research is being carried out; as the purpose of the research is carried out, the problem is addressed and can hopefully be solved or ameliorated.

Organization of the Findings Section 

(use models to illustrate findings)

Findings      

Research Question 1 

            Literature Review

Finding a.

Finding b.

Interviews

Finding c.

Finding d. 

            Personal Observations

Finding e. 

     Research Question 2 

            Literature Review

Finding a.

Finding b.

Interviews

Finding c.

Finding d. 

            Personal Observations

Finding e. 

Research Question 3

Etc.

Summary of Findings (from lit review, interviews, surveys, personal observations, etc.)

            1. 

            2. 

            3.

  Organization of Recommendations Section

(use models to illustrate Recommendations)

      Finding a. 

            Recommendation (1) 

            Recommendation (2)      

Finding b. 

            Recommendation (3) 

            Recommendation (4)      

Finding c. 

            Recommendation (5) 

            Recommendation (6)    

Summary of Recommendations 

(1) 

(2) (3) 

Solomon Johnson

HSM 504

Research Project Revision

9/25/2023 2:30pm

Topic

Ineffective communication between VA Primary care doctors and me as a Veteran Patient

Problem Statement

I am not able to speak in a timely manner with my primary care doctor at the Greater Los Angeles Veterans Hospital.

Purpose of Project

The purpose of this project is to determine causes of communication failure between my primary care doctor and me, the veteran patient.

Research Questions

What are the factors that are creating the problem of ineffective communication between doctor and patient?

What actions can be taken to enhance the communication between patient and doctor.

What proper communication styles can be used to enhance communication between patient and doctor?

Methodology

Methodology used for this research project includes personal interviews and literature review.

Models of analysis used in this project include:

Interactive Communication Model

PAC analysis

Cultural Communication Conflict Triangle

Social Construct