In the Module Two journal, you discussed external forces that could impact an organization’s strategic plan. After reflecting on your Module Two journal assignment, discuss why developing alternative strategic plans is important in order to meet the policy changes in the healthcare environment. In your paper, address the following:
- Explain the need for developing strategic alternatives and why strategic alternatives are important for a successful organization. Use scholarly and peer-reviewed sources to support your explanation.
- Examine industry policy changes and the need to develop a flexible strategic plan, specifically, how the source of the policy (such as federally mandated changes, industry best practices, or state requirements) impacts the need to develop a flexible strategic plan. Use appropriate sources to support your claims.
- Make strategic alternative recommendations for the healthcare organization in your case study. Be sure these recommendations address the specific policy issue changes faced by the healthcare organization.
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HCM 415 SNHU The Importance of Developing Strategic Alternatives Essay
Introduction:
Developing alternative strategic plans is crucial for healthcare organizations to adapt to policy changes in the healthcare environment. These policy changes can be driven by external forces, such as federally mandated changes, industry best practices, or state requirements. In this paper, we will explore the importance of developing strategic alternatives, the impact of policy changes on the need for a flexible strategic plan, and provide strategic alternative recommendations for a healthcare organization.
Answer 1:
Developing strategic alternatives is necessary for a successful organization because it allows for flexibility and adaptability in the face of changing circumstances. In the healthcare environment, policy changes are frequent and can significantly impact the way organizations operate. By developing strategic alternatives, organizations can proactively respond to these changes and ensure their continued success.
Scholarly and peer-reviewed sources support the need for developing strategic alternatives. For example, according to Porter’s Five Forces framework, organizations must constantly assess and adapt to changes in their external environment to maintain a competitive advantage (Porter, 2008). Additionally, a study by Kaplan and Norton (2006) highlights the importance of creating multiple strategic alternatives to anticipate and respond to unforeseen events.
Answer 2:
The source of policy changes, whether federally mandated, industry best practices, or state requirements, directly impacts the need to develop a flexible strategic plan. Each source brings unique challenges and opportunities that organizations must address to remain compliant and competitive.
Federally mandated changes, such as healthcare reform initiatives, often require organizations to adjust their strategic plans to align with new regulations and standards. Industry best practices, on the other hand, may result in voluntary policy changes to improve quality of care or enhance patient satisfaction. Lastly, state requirements can vary, necessitating organizations to tailor their strategic plans accordingly to meet specific regional guidelines.
To support these claims, appropriate sources include industry reports, government publications, and academic studies. These sources provide insights into the impact of different policy sources on healthcare organizations and highlight the importance of developing flexible strategic plans to accommodate changes.
Answer 3:
For the healthcare organization in the case study, several strategic alternative recommendations can be made to address specific policy issue changes. These recommendations should consider the organization’s unique circumstances and the nature of the policy changes they are facing.
One recommendation could be to invest in technology and infrastructure to digitize healthcare records and processes, in response to federally mandated changes for electronic medical records. This would not only ensure compliance but also enhance efficiency and improve patient outcomes.
Another strategic alternative could involve collaborating with other healthcare providers to form regional networks, responding to state requirements for integrated care delivery systems. By establishing partnerships and sharing resources, the organization can better meet the needs of the local population and achieve higher quality care outcomes.
Furthermore, the organization may implement evidence-based practice guidelines and quality improvement initiatives, aligning with industry best practices. This would enable the organization to provide optimal care and improve patient satisfaction in line with industry standards.
Overall, developing strategic alternatives that address specific policy issue changes is critical for healthcare organizations to navigate the dynamic healthcare environment effectively. By doing so, organizations can adapt, thrive, and provide high-quality care in an ever-changing landscape.
