Personal Interviews As A Major Research Tool example essay topic

Research has become a major factor in my life both on the job and at school. The first college experience I had was in 1998 at DeVry Institute of Technology. It was imperative in the college life to utilize all the resources available in order to succeed. At this point in time, a person begins to understand and use the research tools available such as the Internet, periodicals, journals, etc. The first papers presented to me were the worst in regards to getting to know how to use the library and Internet.

I had never been exposed to this level of research in high school. The struggle was great and the feeling of defeat was really weighing because of the lack of knowledge. Throughout the time spent at DeVry, my researching skills advanced. Learning how to spend quality time on the given topic has developed a personal style for me.

The process has familiarize me with the library and all of the many resources available, various Internet sites such as websites dealing with writing styles, online business information, surveys available for various topics. I must admit the key words are discipline and the desire to learn. Life is divided in multiple sections for me such as church, personal goals and job. Let's began with church. I work as the church secretary, which involves a lot of researching. At the current time grant writing is one of the major goals of the organization.

The grant writing process is very detailed and time consuming. For instance, developing a plan for a youth development center, research has to be done on the need of this type of organization in the surrounding community. During the process of gathering information the internet was the most widely used tool. The Internet provided all the statistical data on Columbus residents and also information on programs similar to the one planned by our organization.

Also utilized was the United Way organization that has a library of books on grant writing and proposal writing. The personal goal in view is to own my own group home. I have used personal interviews as a major research tool. The target person to interview is a young troubled female who show signs of problematic lifestyles.

Lastly on the list is on the job. I used various databases, web-based software, and books to perform research at work. The tools utilized at work are CIRF, XNET, PROCLAIM, CED, ICARE, IVIEW and the Internet. CIRF is a database, which includes a collection of documents to help answer customer questions. CIRF is structured in an outline format where you can search for different answers. Working in the insurance field involves so many different scenarios that you have to incorporate a database so that the customer service representative can keep call volume down while answer questions accurately and effectively.

XNET is a web-based application that stores all the electrical health claims sent in by providers or members. XNET allows you to look at the actual claim while discussing payment with the provider that is looking for payment or the policyholder of the plan. PROCLAIM is a legacy system, which houses all the eligibility of the policyholders. It allows you to see a list of members under the plan and also allows you to see plan specific information. CED is another legacy system, which also houses eligibility information similar to PROCLAIM. When information is not found in one, it is usually found in the other.

ICARE is a graphical user interface that the CED and PROCLAIM uploads eligibility and claim information into. It provides as a call tracking system for customer services representatives. ICARE allows you to see all the previous calls made by the member and the claims that have been paid or denied. Finally, Cigna has a website that serves both members and providers. This website provides them access to claim and eligibility information. Seldom do we use this type of research tool, however it can be helpful.

An online provider directory is often used to see is a provider is participation with our insurance company or not. All research tools used on the job help with finding the answer to questions otherwise not know. It involves intensive researching at times and does contribute to enhancing methods of researching for school. Over the last several years, my experience with researching and using the appropriate tools have advanced. I am expecting this class to give more pointers on how to research and when to use what materials.

I expect to learn how to familiarize myself with the MLA style of formatting papers, reports, etc. I am also hoping that this class with set the pace and tone for the remainder of my experiences here at Ohio Dominican..