Tools in the Strategic Planning Process – SWOT Analysis and Gap Analysis
Strategic planning can be done with the use of a variety of planning tools. The tools that you use in the planning process will depend on what is being planned and the end product desired.
Chapter 4 in Essentials of Strategic Planning in Healthcare (2nd ed.) identifies two tools in the strategic planning process—SWOT analysis and Gap analysis.
In a 3- to 4-page paper, complete the following:
Part 1
Explain in detail the use of SWOT and Gap analysis.
Conduct additional research; identify and explain at least 2 additional strategic tools that can be used in health care strategic planning.
Part 2
Choose a health care organization that you are familiar with and complete a SWOT analysis answering the following questions:
Identify the organization.
Strengths:
What does the organization do well?
Is the organization strong in its market? (Do research and support with evidence.)
Does the organization have a strong mission and vision supported by its culture?
Weaknesses:
What does the organization do poorly?
What problems could be avoided?
What potential difficulties does the organization might face?
Opportunities:
What industry trends can the organization adopt? (Do research, support with evidence, provide sources.)
Are there any new technologies the organization could employ?
Threats:
Who are the organization’s competitors? (Use specific examples from your organization’s marketplace.)
What are the competitors doing well?
What obstacles might the organization face?
Note: Answers to the questions should not be simply yes or no. Detailed answers are required.
In your scholarly paper, you should include an introduction and conclusion paragraph.
SLP Assignment Expectations
Conduct additional research to gather sufficient information to justify/support your analysis.
Limit your response to a maximum of 4 pages, not including the title or reference pages.
Support your proposal with peer-reviewed articles, with at least 3 references. Use the following link for additional information on how to recognize peer-reviewed journals:
Other assigned reading:
Harrison, J. P. (2016). Chapter 3: Fundamentals of strategic planning. In Essentials of strategic planning in healthcare (2nd ed.). [Books24x7 version].
Harrison, J. P. (2016). Chapter 4: Strategic planning and SWOT analysis. In Essentials of strategic planning in healthcare (2nd ed.). [Books24x7 version].
Foundations of Strategic Planning
Author's Name
The Institutional Affiliation
Course Number and Name
Instructor Name
Assignment Due Date
Table of Contents Introduction. 3 Part 1: Healthcare Strategic Planning with SWOT and Gap Analysis. 3 Tools for strategic planning in the healthcare industry Strategic. 3 BSC (balanced scorecard) 3 PEST Analysis: Political, Economic, Sociocultural, and Technological 4 Part 2 – SWOT Analysis. 4 Company Overview.. 4 1. Strengths. 5 2. Weaknesses. 5 3. Opportunities. 6 4. Threats. 6 Conclusions and Recommendations. 6 References. 8 "Foundations Of Strategic Planning"
Introduction
Strategic planning is a cornerstone for healthcare organizations anticipating navigating the changing stakeholder demands, adapting to market shifts, and consistently providing high-quality care. Given the complexity of healthcare systems worldwide, structured formulation and execution of strategies is essential. Deciphering the maze of healthcare opportunities and challenges requires using tools like SWOT and gap analysis. Harrison (2016) highlights the importance of evaluation in strategic planning, specifically in the healthcare industry. The author discusses how healthcare organizations can use these tools to address operational challenges and effectively position themselves in a complex market environment. The report explores the use of these strategic tools by highlighting UnitedHealth Group as a case study that demonstrates the utility and repercussions of such analytical procedures within the more significant healthcare industry.
Part 1: Healthcare Strategic Planning with SWOT and Gap Analysis
The SWOT analysis is a valuable diagnostic tool in healthcare strategic planning, as it allows healthcare organizations to evaluate their internal and external opportunities and threats (Harrison, 2016). This understanding assists healthcare organizations in positioning individuals, identifying challenges, and seizing opportunities in resource allocation, staff skills, and patient services. Additionally, gap analysis is used to identify differences between an organization's desired objectives and its current operational state. Gap analysis optimizes patient care and organizational efficiency by directing resources to patient care standards, staffing, and community needs.
Tools for strategic planning in the healthcare industry Strategic
BSC (balanced scorecard). The BSC helps healthcare organizations strike an excellent financial, patient service, internal process, and capacity-building balance by translating strategic goals into measurable KPIs (Khalid, 2021). Assuring alignment with strategic goals offers a comprehensive view of the success of an organization.
PEST Analysis: Political, Economic, Sociocultural, and Technological. PEST analysis offers perceptions of the macro-environmental elements that might affect a healthcare organization's operational environment. Changes in regulatory policies, technological developments, and societal health trends are just some things that this tool helps healthcare planners anticipate and adapt.
Part 2 – SWOT Analysis
Company Overview
As a company with a noble mission to improve people's health and transform the healthcare system for the better, UnitedHealth Group is an industry leader. Established in 1977 and based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, the organization has experienced significant growth, employing a substantial workforce of 400,000 individuals. The company's two complementary businesses—UnitedHealthcare, dedicated to offering cost-effective and high-quality health benefits, and Optum, which combines technology and data to optimize care—operate as one cohesive unit. UnitedHealth Group advocates for compassionate, equitable care for its staggering 147 million patients by working with various stakeholders, including governments and providers. According to Minnesota (2023), the business has earned impressive accolades under the skillful direction of CEO Andrew Philip Witty, making lists like "Best Employers for Women (2023)" and "America's Best Employers By State (2023)" published by Forbes. UnitedHealth Group is an industry trailblazer because of its dedication to its core values...