How health organizations can apply scenario based planning and analytic technologies to make strategic consequential decisions in a time of uncertainty

The magnitude of the cervical cancer problem, coupled with the potential for prevention with recent technological advances, made it imperative to step back and reassess strategic options for dealing with cervical cancer screening in Kenya. The purpose of this qualitative study was: 1) to explore the extent to which the Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodology and the Scenario Based Planning (SBP) method, with the application of analytics, could enable strategic, consequential, informed decision making, and 2) to determine how influential Kenyan decision makers could apply SBP with analytic tools and techniques to make strategic, consequential decisions regarding the implementation of a Cervical Self Sampling Program (CSSP) in both urban and rural settings. The theoretical paradigm for this study was action research; it was experiential, practical, and action oriented, and resulted in co-created knowledge that influenced study participants’ decision making. Action Africa Help International (AAHI) and Brock University collaborated with Local Decision Influencing Participants (LDIP’s) to develop innovative strategies on how to implement the CSSP. SBP tools, along with traditional approaches to data collection and analysis, were applied to collect, visualize and analyze predominately qualitative data. Outputs from the study included: a) a generic implementation scenario for a CSSP (along with scenarios unique to urban and rural settings), and b) 10 strategic directions and 22 supporting implementation strategies that address the variables of: 1) technical viability, 2) political support, 3) affordability, 4) logistical feasibility, 5) social acceptability, and 6) transformation/sustainability. In addition, study participants’ capacity to effectively engage in predictive/prescriptive strategic decision making was strengthened.

Indenture of Release to Woodstock and Lake Erie Railway from Executors of Samuel Zimmerman

Indenture of release regarding a loan of 12, 500 pounds which Samuel Zimmerman (deceased) is said to have lent and advanced to the Woodstock and Lake Erie Railway and Harbour Company. This is put forward by the executors who include: Joseph A. Woodruff, Richard Woodruff, John L. Ranney and Richard Miller. This document releases and exonerates the Railway Company from any debts to the executors. [The outside of the document says 1857, but the actual date is Feb. 10, 1858].

Various Cards

1. Invitation and program to the Merritton Hose Co. No. 1 Grand Masquerade Ball and Supper. The invitation is for Mrs. J. Wilson. Ladies are by invitation only. Ladies without masks are charged 10 cents. The supper was held at the Union Hall and the dance was held in the Merritton Town Hall. Phalen’s Full Orchestra was providing the music, Feb. 16, 1900. 2. Business card of Long’s Hotel of Niagara. Rooms were $1.50 per day and the proprietor was Wm. Long, n.d. 3. Business card of Niagara Tannery of Niagara, Ontario. Blake and Burk were the proprietors. They were wholesale manufacturers of oak tanned, hose, belting and harness leather, n.d. 4. Business card of James B. Secord of Niagara, Ontario. His office was in the town hall. He was a notary public, conveyancer, clerk of first division court and Commissioner. He also had money to loan, n.d.

Letter to S.D. Woodruff signed by Wm. Shelley, treasurer of the Jarvis-Conklin Mortgage Trust Company

Letter (1 page, typed) to S.D. Woodruff asking for the papers for the Crick loan. This is signed by Wm. Shelley, treasurer of the Jarvis-Conklin Mortgage Trust Company. The letter is torn, has holes in it and is somewhat crumpled and stained. This does not affect the text, June 7, 1887.

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from Wm. Shelley, treasurer of the Jarvis-Conklin Mortgage Trust Company

Letter (1 page, typed) to S.D. Woodruff from Wm. Shelley, treasurer of the Jarvis-Conklin Mortgage Trust Company requesting the Dennis loan papers, Jan. 6, 1888.

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from Wm. Shelley, treasurer of the Jarvis-Conklin Mortgage Trust Company

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from Wm. Shelley, treasurer of the Jarvis-Conklin Mortgage Trust Company to please look for the Maria Cogswell loan papers, Aug. 14, 1888.

Letter - S.L. Conklin to "F.B. Woodruff, Esq."

Letter (1 page, typed) to S.D. Woodruff asking if he would like to extend the Wank loan for 5 years. Signed by S.L. Conklin, assistant secretary of Jarvis-Conklin Mortgage Trust Company, Feb. 14, 1890.