This book examines some of the most important techniques currently available to measure the efficiency of systems and organisations, including data envelopment analysis and stochastic frontier analysis, and also presents some promising new methodological approaches." [Title verso].
With the healthcare sector accounting for a sizeable proportion of national expenditures, the pursuit of efficiency has become a central objective of policymakers within most health systems. However, the analysis and measurement of efficiency is a complex undertaking, not least due to the multiple objectives of health care organizations and the many gaps in information systems. In response to this complexity, research in organizational efficiency analysis has flourished. This 2006 book examines some of the most important techniques currently available to measure the efficiency of systems and organizations, including data envelopment analysis and stochastic frontier analysis, and also presents some promising new methodological approaches. Such techniques offer the prospect of many new and fruitful insights into health care performance. Nevertheless, they also pose many practical and methodological challenges. This is an important critical assessment of the strengths and limitations of efficiency analysis applied to health and health care.
Although fertility drugs are increasing the incidence of twin births, conjoined twins remain rare at about 1 in 75,000 births. Nonetheless, they present a unique opportunity to learn about human development, as well as a challenge to medical professionals. In Conjoined Twins, Rowena Spencer, M.D., provides a comprehensive guide that thoroughly reviews the past century's literature on the subject and develops her theory of how these cases occur. After introductory chapters on history and embryology, the book presents a separate chapter for each of the eight main types of conjoined twins. Detailed descriptions of conjoined twins are accompanied by information valuable in planning surgical treatment, as well as extensive tables summarizing the available data on each type. Conjoined triplets and unusual conjoined twins receive attention in the final two chapters. Including line illustrations and photographs, this encyclopedic book about a complex subject will be a valuable reference for the many professionals who evaluate, treat, and study conjoined twins.
This comprehensive guide to writing journal articles addresses all the stages and recurring challenges, from targeting a journal to dealing with reviewer feedback. Drawing on many years of running ‘Writing for Publication’ workshops, Murray explores not only style and structure but also behaviours and emotions. As a key component of both research courses and careers, this timely text also addresses the struggle to make time for high quality academic writing and how to ensure a writing-life balance. Examining a variety of approaches, relevant to many different academic disciplines, this core text demystifies and defines writing practices and makes this form of high-stakes academic writing seem manageable. Writing for journals has never been more competitive, and writers, researchers, practitioners and students need expert guidance on productive practices and ways of maintaining focus and motivation, which Murray provides. This latest edition is completely updated and more relevant than ever for clinicians, practitioners and students. "This book was already a classic, but the update makes it even more useful. From finding time to write, doing a short literature review and identifying scam journals, Rowena Murray provides an excellent, concise and accessible companion for writing academic journal papers, which is appropriate for both students and working academics." Associate Professor Inger Mewburn, Director of Research Training, The Australian National University, Australia “Rowena Murray has approached publishing in a journal with scientific rigour. Following this book’s recommendations will make it impossible to find a convincing excuse for failure to publish. She herself writes with a high level of artisanal skill; this book is fast paced, stylish and highly readable. Her own extensive experience in supporting journal article writers tempers this book with the credibility of a seasoned veteran. Best of all, there is a wealth of wisdom here—in advising on how to publish, Murray is also advising on how to live a satisfying life as a writer.” Associate Professor Susan Carter, University of Auckland, New Zealand “In Writing for Academic Journals (4th edition), Rowena Murray’s voice is direct, down-to-earth and wise. Drawing on a depth of practical experience as both published author and writing teacher, she conveys the message that, yes, publishing in academic journals is demanding, but it’s also very possible. And that once you are successful, there is still much to be learned from reading books like this one and hanging out with others in writing groups and workshops. To that end, the book is a trove of tips and techniques helpful to all who pursue the challenging craft of (good) academic writing.” Barbara Grant, Associate Professor in the School of Critical Studies in Education at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and author of Academic writing retreats: A facilitator's uide
***** Amazon reviews for the second edition: "Again, Rowena Murray nails it! A perfectly balanced guide outlining truly useful tips to getting through your viva from someone who knows." "This is an excellent book. I found the book helpful in giving me a good understanding of what to expect, how to start with focusing on the specific areas suggested and how to develop my own style in marking up my thesis ... It certainly reduced my nerves going in knowing I had suggested areas fully prepared. A must have for anyone doing a viva!" How to Survive Your Viva 3e is a concise, practical introduction that equips students with the skills they need to defend their thesis or dissertation. The oral examination requires the highest standard of communication skills. The book ensures you are ready for what can be a complex and intimidating experience, telling you what to expect, how to practise and prepare, what questions you might be asked and how to ensure your responses support your thesis. Written in an accessible style, this book draws on the tried and trusted material and activities created for viva preparation workshops run by the author over many years. Thoroughly updated but retaining its well-loved style, this 3rd edition provides: Planning tools for you to employ, plus summaries at the start of each chapter to help you prepare Checklists of how to do well in your oral examination, with action points to clarify what you should do next Example questions with samples of strong and weak answers, plus narratives of students’ real viva experiences More on research into viva questions and different types of questions you may be asked, including specialist ones in your discipline Advice on condensing your rationale, framework, methods and findings into a short verbal statement New material on maintaining positive body language, posture and eye contact for an assertive and calm viva The third edition is the essential handbook for all students and researchers anticipating an undergraduate, Masters or doctoral examination. It is also an invaluable reference for supervisors, tutors and examiners.
In his introduction John D. Milligan considers Reed's provocative thesis that General George B. McClellan's concept of a grand strategy would have ended the bloodshed sooner.
Oxford Bookworms offer students at all levels the opportunity to extend their reading and appreciation of English. There are six stages, taking students from elementary to advanced level. At the lower stages, many of the texts have been specially written for the series, to provide elementary and lower-intermediate students with an introduction to real reading in English. At the higher stages, most of the books have been adapted from works originally published for native speakers.
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