Nonprofit Administration and Management Commons^™

The Role Of Project Managers And Pmp Principles In Improving Operational Efficiency In Healthcare Organizations, Karan Thakkar

Harrisburg University Dissertations and Theses

Healthcare organizations operate in increasingly complex, regulated, and resource-constrained environments while managing a growing volume of projects tied to digital transformation, process improvement, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure development. Despite the project-intensive nature of healthcare operations, many organizations do not formally employ trained project managers or consistently apply Project Management Professional (PMP) principles; project responsibilities are frequently absorbed by clinical or administrative leaders whose primary expertise lies outside formal project management. This qualitative study examined how the project manager role and PMP principles contribute to operational efficiency in healthcare organizations. The study was conducted as a qualitative document analysis and thematic …

Mdds: The Road Ahead, Shelly Fava Ms, Cmp, Cae

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

This article outlines the Metro Denver Dental Society’s (MDDS) vision for supporting dental professionals through education, innovation and community engagement. MDDS Executive Director, Shelly Fava, highlights the organization’s commitment to addressing emerging trends in dentistry, including oral-systemic health and workforce development. It also explores how MDDS plans to strengthen member value through expanded programming, strategic partnerships and future-focused initiatives. The article provides insight into the association’s long-term priorities and its role in shaping the future of organized dentistry in Colorado.

Peace Innovation And Healing: A Design Justice Framework To Support Change Processes, Strengthen Relationships, Foster Trust, And Build Community, Michelle Helman

Peace and Conflict Studies Journal Conference

Many organizations aiming to achieve peace and health equity outcomes often focus their design processes and innovation efforts externally without addressing how their organizational culture can unintentionally reproduce the very harms they are trying to address. The purpose of this qualitative design research study is to explore the role of a design justice framework in piloting a Peace Innovation Project aimed at facilitating an organizational culture change process. Specifically, the study focuses on better understanding how integrating a design justice approach could support research collaborators to center equity and justice as core components in building a culture of peace and …

Embodying Design Justice: A Peace Education Framework To Strengthen Relationships, Foster Trust And Build Community, Michelle Helman

Peace and Conflict Studies Journal Conference

BACKGROUND

Groups working toward creating peace and equity often focus on external innovation without addressing internal culture shifts necessary to navigate change and achieve their goals. Michelle’s doctoral research and practice address this challenge through a design research study and peace innovation project focused on organizational culture transformation through a design justice framework. Findings suggest that interweaving the framework with storytelling, arts, and embodiment practices are key to support people in navigating change processes to strengthen relationships, foster trust, and build community.

ABOUT

The workshop offers an applied learning experience for participants to explore the concepts of design and innovation …

Michigan Oral Health Coalition - A Great Cause, Chris Gorecki Dds

Journal of the Macomb Dental Society

This article features a monthly column from the Macomb Dental Society Executive Director, Dr. Christopher Gorecki.

The article enumerates how "timely access to coordinated dental care makes a meaningful difference." In it Dr. Gorecki highlights the ways in which local specialists and the Michigan Oral Health Coalition (MOHC) pursue optimal oral health for all Michigan residents—especially those who face barriers to care.

Enhancing Military Health System Organizational Efficiency And Quality Of Care Through A Social-Ecological Framework, Eric L. Peipelman

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Timely and fair adjudication of incivility-related actions within the Department of Defense (DoD) and Military Health System (MHS) is increasingly crucial for maintaining accountability, mission readiness, and quality of care. Ongoing delays in resolving workplace complaints and inefficiencies in resource-heavy adjudications highlight the need to shift from reactive complaint handling toward proactive civility promotion and transparent decision-making. This Integrated Learning Experience (ILE) introduces the Peipelman Civility Discussion and Assessment Toolkit (PCDAT)—a comprehensive, evidence-based framework designed to improve civility, optimize resources, and enhance communication, even in the MHS. Based on the Social-Ecological Model (SEM) and adapted from the Workplace Power and …

Exploring Management Strategies To Reduce Workplace Violence: Perceptions Of Illinois Healthcare Professionals, Mary Mack

All Student Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study examined how managers of nonprofit healthcare facilities in the Chicago metropolitan area implement strategies to reduce workplace violence, what these strategies are and how they are carried out, and what organizational factors facilitate or impede their implementation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven healthcare professionals in management or safety-oriented roles across seven facilities, purposefully sampled through the researcher's professional network. Findings revealed four recurring patterns across the sample. Prevention infrastructure was installed reactively, following specific triggering incidents rather than anticipating documented risk. Facilities consistently favored lower-cost mitigation measures over more resource-intensive prevention strategies. Reliance on short-tenure contract …

Innovative Philanthropy And Community-Based Approaches: Bridging Access To Sustainable Solutions In Low-Infrastructure Settings, Stephanie Zabriskie

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

Nonprofits operating in remote or low-infrastructure environments often encounter structural barriers that undermine social impact, especially for women and girls. These barriers are frequently attributed to funding shortages or lack of innovation. However, evidence from practice suggests that many social problems in these contexts persist not because solutions do not exist, but because they do not reach the communities who need them. This thought paper examines the role of nonprofit organizations as bridging agents that connect existing solutions to underserved communities, using women’s health access in East Africa as a case example. The analysis highlights the limitations of episodic philanthropic …

Investigating The Impact Of Health Information Exchange On Hospital Performance: Evidence From The United States, C. Christopher Lee, Ruoqing Zhang

International Journal of Applied Management and Technology

This study examines the impact of health information exchange (HIE) participation on hospital performance in the United States, focusing on profitability, efficiency, and quality. Analyzing data from 3,294 hospitals over 3 years (2014–2016) and using multiple regression models, the results showed a positive association between HIE participation and improved performance. HIE membership is linked to increased profitability, enhanced efficiency, and certain quality enhancements, particularly in larger, metropolitan, for-profit hospitals. However, the relationship with quality outcomes is less conclusive. The comprehensive analysis considers various control variables, and the findings of this study offer valuable insights for hospital managers and policymakers and …

Enhancing Client Intake Efficiency In The Removal Defense Program: A Nursing-Led Quality Improvement Initiative, Johnny Linares, Julia Tran Ngo, Daniel Orea, Atheana Yadira Lopez

Master's Projects and Capstones

This quality improvement project focuses on optimizing the intake process for the Removal Defense Program at a nonprofit immigration legal office serving asylum-seeking clients. The existing intake relied on unstructured, phone-call-based intake interviews that gathered incomplete information, leading to inconsistent documentation, reduced efficiency, and significant client processing delays. A structured, multilingual, and multiplatform new-client admission protocol coupled with the implementation of a client-facing resource guide for waitlist clients were co-developed and implemented using the Lippitt Change Theory framework. Utilizing a mixed methods approach, the study involved staff interviews and observational assessments with staff members from the program. Baseline intake process …

Inadequate Healthcare For Women In The United States, Grace Loveless

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

Barriers to adequate healthcare for women stem from a lack of research on their specific health needs, gender-based biases in healthcare, and harmful societal norms. One key aspect highlighting these disparities is the menstrual cycle—a topic unique to women. Menstrual health, defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, illustrates the urgent need for greater focus on reproductive health. Despite its significance, the dialogue and knowledge about reproductive health remain limited; an issue which is exacerbated by societal attitudes of secrecy and shame. These attitudes create barriers that hinder many women in the United States from accessing …

A Call For Change: Supporting Children With Tourette Syndrome, Matt Reall

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

Tourette Syndrome affects 1 in 100 U.S. children but remains widely misunderstood due to stigma, delayed diagnosis, and media misrepresentation. This neurological disorder is characterized by involuntary tics and often co-occurs with ADHD, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Children with Tourette Syndrome face disproportionate challenges in social, academic, and emotional settings—despite having average or above-average intelligence. One-third engage in self-harm, and suicide rates are four times the national average. Peer-education programs like the Tourette Association of America’s Youth Ambassador initiative have shown promise in reducing stigma, but unequal access and weak institutional support limit their impact. This paper calls for early …

The New Professional: Exploring Careers Other Than Clinical Dentistry, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This "New Professional" column explores alternative career paths for dentists who find clinical practice unfulfilling. It encourages reflection on personal interests and highlights various options within the dental field and beyond, such as dental education, research, practice management, dental sales, product development, and public health dentistry. The article emphasizes that a dental degree provides a strong foundation for diverse roles that still contribute to the well-being of others. It suggests that transitioning to a new career path requires an open mind and a focus on one's passions and values. Entrepreneurship is also mentioned as a potential avenue.

Poor Cancer Prevention And Detection In Zimbabwe, Kenyon C. Chipman

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

Abstract

In the aftermath of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Zimbabwe, has witnessed a surge in noncommunicable diseases such as cancer. Despite the decline in HIV/AIDS and other cancer-associated illnesses like HPV, these diseases have set the stage for a growing cancer epidemic. Key contributing factors to this rise include a lack of knowledge about cancer among both patients and health professionals, the prevalence of cancer-associated communicable diseases, and limited accessibility to early detection and prevention services and resources. These factors have led to late diagnoses, increased burden on the healthcare system, and adverse effects on individuals and families. …

Health Equity & Parental Leave: Addressing Gaps In Maternal Health Policy, Destiny L. Smith

Public Health Capstone Projects

Objective: This capstone project at Duquesne University will address health equity by focusing on employer-provided maternal and parental leave policies in the United States among underserved groups. It aims to address the gaps in these policies and analyze how disparities in leave policies across different industries can impact maternal and infant health outcomes.

Priority Population Served: This study will primarily target underserved employees who had to take some type of leave policy while working for an intended employer.

Methods: This project will engage in data analysis of the 2024 BIRTH survey results that the Pittsburgh Business Group on …

Understanding The Challenges And Satisfaction Among The Medical Professional Preceptors, Cornelia Ko

West Chester University Doctoral Projects

This study evaluates the Penn Medicine Family Medicine Clerkship program through a mixed-methods approach, exploring the challenges and factors influencing the satisfaction of medical professional preceptors when precepting students. A quantitative survey with 54 preceptor participants reveals the top challenges preceptors face: workload, conflicts with patient care, and limited clinical space. Despite this, there is strong support for the program, with 89% of preceptors enjoying the role and 85% expressing willingness to continue to precept for the next three years. Finally, data analysis shows no statistical correlation between preceptor motivation with gender, ethnicity, age group, years of serving, or total …

Confronting Indecision, Lane Allison Murray

ENGS 15.11: Design and Education

This course aims to increase students' understanding of indecision and how to confront it. The class provides insight into how the fear of the unknown holds people back from making decisions and about understanding one's values as a means to combat indecision. Students and teachers alike explore instances of indecision and evaluate their own impulses & thought processes by reflecting on the deeper reasons for their choices. Students will increase their comfort level of asking themselves and their peers questions about the values that guide them and, in doing so, strengthen their relationships with themselves and others.

Covid-19 And Health Equity: Lessons Learned From The Pandemic, Sumaya Ali, Lakell Archer, Erica L. Jensen

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

Health inequities refer to avoidable, unjust differences in health outcomes caused by systemic disadvantages rooted in social, economic, and environmental contexts (Braveman, 2014). Health disparities refer to differences in health outcomes between groups, often measured by prevalence, morbidity, or mortality (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020). Health inequalities are measurable differences in health status that may arise from biological, social, or environmental factors (World Health Organization [WHO], 2019). Health inequities, however, are specifically preventable and unjust differences.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted these inequities, intensifying pre-existing structural disparities within healthcare and societal systems. The pandemic underscored the urgency of …

Addressing Adolescent Suicide In South Korea, Alyssa Kang

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

Suicide is a prevalent issue that widely affects all demographics in South Korea. Among adolescents, it is the leading cause of mortality with an average rate of 7 deaths per 100,000 people. Some of the most significant factors that influence the risk of suicidal ideation and attempts are cultural stigma and academic stress. Other factors, such as bullying and family structure, also increase the likelihood of suicide, while specific characteristics including internet addiction, socioeconomic status, and substance abuse have been found to be predictors of suicide. Adolescent suicide attempts in Korea also increase the individual's risk for future attempts, and …

1 A Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Hospital-Based Physical Therapy Department Leaders’ Most Successful Change Management Initiative, Joseph Patanella

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

ABSTRACT

A phenomenological study of the lived experiences of hospital-based physical therapy department leaders’ most successful change management initiative

Problem: Change management initiatives are consistently employed in healthcare to promote quality care. Of concern is that not all initiatives are successful. Individuals involved in successful change management can offer insight to those approaching initiatives.

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe the lived experiences of hospital-based physical therapy department leaders’ most successful change management initiative.

Methods: The research design was a qualitative approach. A phenomenological research design was employed, using the voice of a group that has …

Smart Meetings, Morgan Forster, Arthur Durity, Cathy Cole

Operations Transformation

A one year look at how the CHA executive team focused on opportunities to have fewer yet more productive meetings! In this presentation we will discuss the details that help shape improvement around the challenge of too many meetings and share the results from lessons learned at PBMC and Waldo.

Health And Healthcare: Designing For The Social Determinants Of Health And Blue Zones In North Nashville, Rebecca Tonguis, Honor Thomas, Olivia Hobbs

[Archive] Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS)

Owned by North Nashville’s First Community Church, a now empty site in the Osage-North Fisk neighborhood of North Nashville has been identified as a potential site for a new location of The Store, in addition to a community-centric architectural development based on the social determinants of health and informed by the principles behind Blue Zones, the locations with the highest lifespans in the world. Opened by Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, The Store is a free grocery store that “allow[s] people to shop for their basic needs in a way that protects dignity and fosters hope”, for which North Nashville …

Reducing Food Scarcity: The Benefits Of Urban Farming, S.A. Claudell, Emilio Mejia

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

Urban farming can enhance the lives of communities and help reduce food scarcity. This paper presents a conceptual prototype of an efficient urban farming community that can be scaled for a single apartment building or an entire community across all global geoeconomics regions, including densely populated cities and rural, developing towns and communities. When deployed in coordination with smart crop choices, local farm support, and efficient transportation then the result isn’t just sustainability, but also increasing fresh produce accessibility, optimizing nutritional value, eliminating the use of ‘forever chemicals’, reducing transportation costs, and fostering global environmental benefits.

Imagine Doris, who is …

Developing A Blueprint For Health Equity Programs And Investigating Interventions And Metrics, Belita Strudwick

MUSC Theses and Dissertations

Racial and ethnic minority groups and rural and low-income populations are examples of populations who continue to experience health disparities despite policy mandates to eliminate them. This doctoral project will provide a foundational blueprint to aid health plans in addressing and improving health equity internally and with external stakeholders. The blueprint will be based on research comparing the robust health equity initiatives of four states to the NCQA national guidelines. The barriers to achieving and recommendations for advancing the field of health equity by implementing and analyzing policies and data that target health disparities through improved access to quality care …

The Power Of Protective Factors: A Framework For Mental Health Action And Education, Rich Stowell

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

Mental health advocates, practitioners, and research have long used the framework of risk factors and protective factors to understand mental health. This article examines the origins of the concept of protective factors and describes how it contributes to the applications of resources in the mental health space.

Building Strength Through Collaboration: What Faith Community Nurses Need To Know, Marcia A. Potter

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

This article is a practical guide and viewpoint narrative that offers definitions, justifications for, process steps, and a how-to checklist for Faith Community Nurses considering collaboration between multiple agencies outside of their own. The author offers simple guidelines and how-to advice on securing success, avoiding risks, and preventing costly misunderstandings between cooperating agencies when combining resources.

Mda Foundation: How Foundation Grants Assist Dei Efforts At Detroit Mercy, U-M, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article provides information on the diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at Michigan’s two dental schools and details how the MDA Foundation is supporting these programs. This article is an installment of the MDA Journal’s monthly MDA Foundation department.

Karen Burgess Remembered: Thoughts And Memories From Mda Leaders

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article is a collection of memories and remembrances of Karen Burgess, who served as Michigan Dental Association CEO/executive director from 2014 until her death on July 18, 2023.

Revitalizing The Healthcare Market: An Analysis Of Hospital Pricing Transparency Compliance, Ellie Bruggeman

Business and Economics Summer Fellows

The healthcare industry is one of the most praised industries in the US due to its lifesaving capabilities and immersive care. Consumers regularly report that are satisfied with the care they receive from their physicians. Conversely, they also report frustrations and confusions associated with the costs of such care. In extreme cases, this frustration can turn to financial ruin as medical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy in the US. The healthcare industry does not operate in congruence with other markets, largely due to the presence of insurance and other third-party payers. The undisclosed interactions between third party payers …

Burnout: An Examination Of How Human Services’ Cultures Impact Person-Centered Care And Job Satisfaction, Ebony Webb

Master's Projects and Capstones

In a world that demands the constant requirement of adaptability and technology, the need for ‘hands on the ground’ continues to persist, and perhaps even grow. This research project explores burnout in the healthcare and nonprofit settings, as a pre-existing and ongoing issue, that was brought to centre-stage during the Covid-19 pandemic. The researcher explores the intersections of burnout with workplace culture, person-centered care (PCC), sweat equity and duty-of-care, through expert interviews and literature reviews. Data collected provides an immediate understanding of current workplace cultures and environments for human service providers, in both healthcare and nonprofit sectors. While the data …