Question

In Week one, the Fleming article discusses the role of epidemiology in healthcare management decision making. The author states that, "I consider it virtually impossible to develop a comprehensive strategic plan without incorporating estimates of the prevalence of disease." Based on what we have discussed over the last eight weeks...is this true? Why or why not...explain your answer. Offer an example of a real organizational issue when a manager needs supportive evidence to be successful in a specific function (list the function of management). Offer explanation of all types of evidence you, as that manager, would need to make good decisions.

Answer 1

Henry Fayol Identifies 5 functions of management

1. Planning
2. Organizing
3. Commanding
4. Coordinating
5. Controlling

Planning in simple is looking ahead. It is preparing for the future. It involves outlining a future course of action. Planning makes the things to happen. Therefore, it is needless to say that in the absence of planning, things are left to chance. Planning is unique in that it precedes all the other managerial functions. It involves deciding the objectives and formulating the policies and procedures to achieve them.

Effective planning provides answers to questions like – what to do? How to do? Who is to do? and when to do? Planning is a function performed by managers at all levels. Though every manager plans, the plans developed by different managers may vary in respect of scope and importance. For example, plans made by top managers have a wider scope with a focus on the organization as a whole and normally cover a longer period. On the other hand, plans developed by middle and lower level managers relate to the divisions or departments and usually cover a short period. Systematic planning helps in facing the uncertainties of future with less embarrassment. It helps in making things happen in the expected way.

Example :

CEO of the hospital has given a target to the Managing Director to increase the in-patient admission from current 2% to 4 % in the year 2020.

So this requires A proper Planning by the manager which is the main function of management

Areas to be focused :

• Marketing strategies'
• Increasing the Nursing staff and Doctors
• Increase the beds capacity
• Attractive  schemes and discounts for the Lab test .
• Patient counselors
• Goals for the year
• Measuring the growth .