Order Instructions
To apply the information and tools you have learned you will complete a Strategic Management Analysis for the healthcare organization of your choice. This organization can be on the federal, state, or local level; however, please select an organization who has the required information available. Write your paper from the perspective of an outsider who is thoroughly researching the organization. This assignment requires planning, research and critical thinking and you will need to explore multiple sources. You should also incorporate your own ideas throughout the project. Your paper should include the following Core Elements:
Introduction – In this brief section you will introduce your organization. Include the name of the organization, its location, and a simple overview of the organization.
About the Organization – In this section you will discuss the organization including:
History – How did the organization start? What was its original role? What changes has it faced?
Current – What current information needs to be known about this organization? What need does it meet in the community it serves? What population(s) does it serve? How many, and what kind, of staff do they employee? What makes this organization unique?
Mission, Vision and Core Values – What are the guiding principles of this organization? What is the mission of the organization? What is their vision statement?
Future – This section is all about the goals of the organization. Be sure to include Short-Term Goals (usually 1-5 years), Long-Term Goals (greater than 5 years), and how they will measure the outcomes of the goals they have set, including what benchmarks will be used as indicators of success.
SWOT Analysis – Now that you know about the organization you will need to complete a SWOT analysis on the organization, discussing both internal and external factors.
Internal Factors
Strengths (What does this organization do well? Some examples might include a positive reputation, strong financials, access to resources, technology, etc.)
Weaknesses (What challenges could prevent this organization from realizing their vision? Some examples might be an aging infrastructure, pending lawsuit, scandal or ethical issues, leadership instability, financial difficulties, etc.)
External Factors
Opportunities (What possibilities are available to help this organization meet its vision and goals? Some examples might include consumer need, new techniques/technologies, possible mergers or new partnerships, etc.)
Threats (What outside obstacles might impact this organization and impede their survival, or growth and advancement? Some examples might be new competitors, new regulations, weak economy, change in culture, politics, accessibility, etc.)
Recommendations – This is your opportunity to use your management training and make some recommendations based on your analysis. Consider strategic planning, resource assessment, new or advancing implementation, changes in practice and evaluation. You may have many recommendations, but focus in on 2-3 specific areas. Use your credible research to support your recommendations.
Conclusion – Conclude your paper with a brief paragraph discussing new insights you have gained regarding this organization, and how these insights can be applied to strategic planning, and utilized by management.
SAMPLE ANSWER
Introduction
The healthcare organization selected for this strategic management analysis is Mayo Clinic, located in Rochester, Minnesota. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit academic medical center that provides comprehensive medical services to patients across the United States and the world.
About the Organization
History
Mayo Clinic was founded in 1864 by Dr. William Worrall Mayo, a British immigrant who settled in Rochester, Minnesota. Mayo and his two sons, William J. and Charles H. Mayo, created a partnership in 1919 that eventually became Mayo Clinic. Originally, the clinic served patients in the local community, but it has since expanded its reach to include patients from all 50 states and over 150 countries.
Current
Mayo Clinic provides care to more than 1.3 million patients each year and employs over 70,000 people, including over 4,500 physicians and scientists. The clinic is known for its patient-centered care, innovative medical research, and commitment to education. Mayo Clinic offers a wide range of medical services, including primary care, specialized care, and hospitalization.
Mission, Vision and Core Values
Mayo Clinic’s mission is to inspire hope and contribute to health and well-being by providing the best care to every patient through integrated clinical practice, education, and research. The clinic’s vision is to be a trusted leader in healthcare that is recognized for providing the highest quality patient care, delivering outstanding results in research, and educating the next generation of medical professionals. The clinic’s core values include respect, compassion, integrity, teamwork, and innovation.
Future
Mayo Clinic’s short-term goals include expanding its reach by opening new facilities and increasing its capacity to treat patients. The clinic’s long-term goals include becoming a leader in personalized medicine and developing new treatments for a wide range of medical conditions. Mayo Clinic plans to measure the outcomes of its goals by tracking patient satisfaction, clinical outcomes, and research publications.
SWOT Analysis
Internal Factors
Strengths: Mayo Clinic has a strong reputation for providing high-quality patient care and conducting groundbreaking medical research. The clinic has access to a vast network of resources, including world-class physicians, state-of-the-art technology, and cutting-edge research facilities. Mayo Clinic also has a strong financial position and a stable leadership structure.
Weaknesses: Mayo Clinic faces challenges related to its aging infrastructure, which requires ongoing maintenance and upgrades. The clinic has also faced criticism related to its pricing structure, which some patients have found to be high compared to other healthcare providers. Additionally, Mayo Clinic has faced ethical concerns related to conflicts of interest between physicians and pharmaceutical companies.
External Factors
Opportunities: Mayo Clinic has the opportunity to expand its reach by partnering with other healthcare providers and opening new facilities in underserved areas. The clinic also has the opportunity to leverage new technologies, such as telemedicine and artificial intelligence, to improve patient care and increase efficiency. Finally, Mayo Clinic can leverage its reputation and expertise to attract top talent and advance medical research.
Threats: Mayo Clinic faces threats related to changes in healthcare regulations and policies, which could impact its ability to provide care to patients. The clinic also faces competition from other healthcare providers, particularly in urban areas. Additionally, Mayo Clinic faces threats related to changes in technology and healthcare delivery models, which could disrupt its current business model.
Recommendations
Based on the SWOT analysis, there are several areas where Mayo Clinic could improve its operations and achieve its strategic goals. First, the clinic should prioritize investing in its aging infrastructure to ensure that it can continue to provide high-quality patient care. Second, Mayo Clinic should explore opportunities to expand its reach by partnering with other healthcare providers and opening new facilities in underserved areas. Finally, Mayo Clinic should prioritize the development of new technologies, such as telemedicine and artificial intelligence, to improve patient care and increase efficiency