Instructions

Written Assignment 1- Assessment of the current situation at a health services organization – worth 15% of the grade

Task – You will be picking and analyzing a current health services organization in terms of its current situation and focus on its customers.  Remember to follow all the general requirements for written assignments published in the syllabus as well as the details below.  Refer to the grading rubric in the syllabus before submitting your paper to ensure you have given yourself the best opportunity for maximum credit.  

Approach your written assignment as follows: 

1. Pick a health services organization that you may work for or with which you are familiar.  It can be a local or national organization. 
2. Research the organization by visiting its website and, if possible, its location. 
3. Research the industry in which your organization operates, e.g. nursing homes, private physician practice.
4. Using your findings, conduct a SWOT analysis of your organization. Use the SWOT Analysis Worksheet provided under Course Content
5. Conduct a competitive analysis of your organization.  Use the Competitive Analysis Worksheet provided under Course Content.  

Prepare your written assignment by addressing each of the following questions in order: 

1. What is the mission of the health care organization?
2. What are their corporate level goals?
3. Who are their customers?
4. From your SWOT analysis, what do you conclude are the organization’s main strengths and weaknesses?
5. From your SWOT analysis, what do you conclude are the organization’s main opportunities and threats?
6. Who are the primary competitors to the organization? 
7. Do you think the organization has a customer-focused orientation to its practices and procedures?  Why or why not? 

NOTE:  You will not find definitive information on your organization relating to these questions, some of the information is propriety or not available through public means.  Use and cite data whenever you find it, or use your best judgment as to what you think is occurring at the organization.  Be sure to offer your rationale for your conclusions.