Walden University

About: Walden University is a education organization based out in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Public health. The organization has 3200 authors who have published 3707 publications receiving 55313 citations.

Burden of musculoskeletal disorders in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, 1990–2013: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013

Abstract: Objectives We used findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013 to report the burden of musculoskeletal disorders in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). Methods The burden of musculoskeletal disorders was calculated for the EMR's 22 countries between 1990 and 2013. A systematic analysis was performed on mortality and morbidity data to estimate prevalence, death, years of live lost, years lived with disability and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Results For musculoskeletal disorders, the crude DALYs rate per 100 000 increased from 1297.1 (95% uncertainty interval (UI) 924.3-1703.4) in 1990 to 1606.0 (95% UI 1141.2-2130.4) in 2013. During 1990-2013, the total DALYs of musculoskeletal disorders increased by 105.2% in the EMR compared with a 58.0% increase in the rest of the world. The burden of musculoskeletal disorders as a proportion of total DALYs increased from 2.4% (95% UI 1.7-3.0) in 1990 to 4.7% (95% UI 3.6-5.8) in 2013. The range of point prevalence (per 1000) among the EMR countries was 28.2-136.0 for low back pain, 27.3-49.7 for neck pain, 9.7-37.3 for osteoarthritis (OA), 0.6-2.2 for rheumatoid arthritis and 0.1-0.8 for gout. Low back pain and neck pain had the highest burden in EMR countries. Conclusions This study shows a high burden of musculoskeletal disorders, with a faster increase in EMR compared with the rest of the world. The reasons for this faster increase need to be explored. Our findings call for incorporating prevention and control programmes that should include improving health data, addressing risk factors, providing evidence-based care and community programmes to increase awareness.

Exploring Strategies for Retaining Information Technology Professionals: A Case Study

Abstract: Exploring Strategies for Retaining Information Technology Professionals: A Case Study by Shannon J. Thomas MS, Troy University, 2006 BS, Albany State University, 1999 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University January 2015 Abstract In the 21st century, retaining information technology (IT) professionals is critical to a company’s productivity and overall success. Senior IT leaders need effective strategies to retain skilled IT professionals. Guided by the general systems theory and the transformational leadership theory, the purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to explore the retention strategies used by 2 senior IT leaders in Atlanta, Georgia to retain IT professionals. Semistructured interviews were employed to elicit detailed narratives from these IT leaders on their experiences in retaining IT professionals. A review of company documents, as well as member-checking of initial interview transcripts, helped to bolster the trustworthiness of final interpretations. Those final interpretations included 4 main themes: (a) job-related benefits and compensation; (b) people-related approaches such as promotion, rewards, and recognition; (c) management, organizational, and leadership essentials that include recruiting, hiring, and retaining employees; and (d) barriers, critical factors, and ineffective strategies affecting the retention of IT professionals. By implementing supportive management practice and encouraging employees to embrace the organization culture, company leaders canIn the 21st century, retaining information technology (IT) professionals is critical to a company’s productivity and overall success. Senior IT leaders need effective strategies to retain skilled IT professionals. Guided by the general systems theory and the transformational leadership theory, the purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to explore the retention strategies used by 2 senior IT leaders in Atlanta, Georgia to retain IT professionals. Semistructured interviews were employed to elicit detailed narratives from these IT leaders on their experiences in retaining IT professionals. A review of company documents, as well as member-checking of initial interview transcripts, helped to bolster the trustworthiness of final interpretations. Those final interpretations included 4 main themes: (a) job-related benefits and compensation; (b) people-related approaches such as promotion, rewards, and recognition; (c) management, organizational, and leadership essentials that include recruiting, hiring, and retaining employees; and (d) barriers, critical factors, and ineffective strategies affecting the retention of IT professionals. By implementing supportive management practice and encouraging employees to embrace the organization culture, company leaders can succeed in retaining key IT staff. These findings may influence social change by uncovering strategies to retain IT professionals within the company and help IT professionals understand leaders’ retention strategies. Exploring Strategies for Retaining Information Technology Professionals: A Case Study by Shannon J. Thomas MS, Troy University 2006 BS, Albany State University, 1999 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University January 2015 Dedication To my Lord and Savior and the only Son of God, Jesus Christ, this is for your glory. I dedicate this research project to Larry, Victoria, and Caleb. We believe, and we can achieve greater things than ever before. Acknowledgments The completion of this doctoral study would not be possible without the support of so many people. I would first like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the strength, determination, and desire to be all that he has created me to be. I would like to offer a special thanks to my husband and children for their continued support and sacrifice during this journey. To Willie and Beverly Metts, only you know all the sacrifices you made to help me achieve such a goal, today is for you. To Shirley Gooden, no words can express my gratitude for your love, encouragement, and support. I hope that this achievement compensates for the trouble you endured because of me. I would like to acknowledge my amazing committee, Dr. Patricia Fusch, you are simply amazing, and my success is a reflection of your knowledge and commitment. Dr. Alexandre Lazo and Dr. Patsy Kasen, thank you for your support and expertise. To Dr. Gene Fusch and Dr. Freda Turner thanks for believing in my work and working with me until to end, both of you make Walden University a great institution of higher learning. Special thanks to my peers and encouragers Dr. Alvin Perry, Dr. Noah Shannon, Dr. Jonathan Jenkins, and Dr. Cantice Green for your support and assistance. In addition, I would like to thank Dr. Cheryl McMahan and Dr. David Moody for assisting me along the way. Special thanks to my siblings and family. In addition, thank you Ausha Jackson, Fanee Johnson, the HUB, Harriette Haynes, Hortense Jackson, Michelle Mirzaiee, Alpha Sigma Upsilon, and host of friends and supporters for your encouraging words and prayers. i Table of

The walls still speak: the stories occupants tell

Abstract: Purpose – Accompanying the recent concern for the quality of our nation's educational infrastructure, a growing body of research connects the quality of school facilities to both student outcomes including achievement, behavior, and attitude as well as to teacher attitude and behavior. Less is known about the mechanisms of these relationships. This paper aims to examine the link between school building quality and student outcomes through the mediating influence of school climate. Results build upon those of a recent study that confirmed a link between the quality of school facilities and student achievement in both English and Mathematics, as well as the mediating role of school climate. This qualitative follow‐up study explores the complicated intricacies of how a school building's physical properties influence teaching and learning.Design/methodology/approach – The study is structured according to a collective, instrumental case study design. Individual, focus group, walk‐through and photo‐interviews, ...