FMOO9

The Module  1 Pre-Assessment is your opportunity to practice applying module content before submitting the final Competency Assessment. In the Final Assessment, you will be asked to conduct a SWOT analysis of a healthcare organization you select.

To prepare for your Final Assessment, select a health care organization (for-profit or nonprofit) for which you will complete a SWOT analysis. The organization may be your own institution or another; however, you must select a different organization from the one you selected for your Competency Discussion. After conducting research about the organization (see the Final Assessment instructions for guidance), consider the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the organization. Also, consider these points in the context of the organization’s mission.

For this Module Pre-Assessment, create a draft of your SWOT analysis matrix (using the template provided) that includes a bulleted list of (a) strengths, (b) weaknesses, (c) opportunities, and (d) threats related to the healthcare organization you selected. Be sure to review Part I of the Final Assessment instructions for more details.

The Module 2 Pre-Assessment is your opportunity to practice applying module content before submitting the final Competency Assessment. In Part II of the Final Assessment, you will be asked to create a proposal of strategic recommendations based on the SWOT Analysis conducted in Part I of the Final Assessment.

To prepare for your Final Assessment, consider the synergies, leading business and market indicators, relationships, and connections between categories in the SWOT analysis you conducted for Part I of the Final Assessment. Then, reflect on a rationale for the choices you made in each of the four SWOT quadrants: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Finally, think about strategic recommendations for the organization that align with to the information you gained in the SWOT analysis.

For this Module Pre-Assessment, create a draft of your strategic recommendations proposal. Be sure to review Part II of the Final Assessment instructions for more details and cite resources used to support your recommendations.

In this Assessment, you will complete the SWOT Analysis Template provided and make recommendations for creative strategies based on the SWOT analysis.

To complete this Assessment:

• Download the Academic Writing Expectations Checklist to use as a guide when completing your Assessment. Responses that do not meet the expectations of scholarly writing will be returned without scoring. Properly formatted APA citations and references must be provided, where appropriate.
• Be sure to use scholarly academic resources as specified in the rubric. This means using Walden Library databases to obtain peer reviewed articles. Additionally, .gov (government expert sources) are a quality resource option. Note: Internet and .com sources do not meet this requirement. Contact your coach or SME for guidance on using Library Databases.
• Carefully review the rubric for the Assessment as part of your preparation to complete your Assessment work.

This Assessment requires submission of one (1) document that includes all parts of the Assessment. Save this file as FM009_firstinitial_lastname (for example, FM009_J_Smith).

You may submit a draft of your assignment to the Turnitin Draft Check area to check for authenticity. When you are ready to upload your completed Assessment, use the Assessment tab on the top navigation menu.

Instructions

Before submitting your Assessment, carefully review the rubric. This is the same rubric the assessor will use to evaluate your submission and it provides detailed criteria describing how to achieve or master the Competency. Many students find that understanding the requirements of the Assessment and the rubric criteria help them direct their focus and use their time most productively.

Rubric

Access the following to complete this Assessment:

• SWOT Analysis Template
• Use the APA course paper template available here.
• Download the Writing Checklist to review prior to submitting your Assessment.

This assessment has two-parts. Click each of the items below to complete this assessment.

Part I: SWOT Analysis of a Healthcare Organization

• Select a health care organization (for-profit or nonprofit) for which you will complete a SWOT analysis. This organization may be your own institution or another.
• Research multiple aspects of this organization, including its intended market, to gain valid and accurate information about its internal strengths and weaknesses (which are within the organization’s control), as well as external opportunities and threats. Depending on the organization you select, this information might be found in a variety of sources: business databases, journals, reports, the organization’s website, websites of professional organizations, and websites that rate health care facilities. You may also wish to reach out and interview several key people attached to that organization for additional insights. Research a variety of sources to best ensure a balanced, well-rounded, and comprehensive view of this organization.
• As you conduct your research, identify:
  • Strengths
    • What does this organization do particularly well? Does it have a specific and recognized niche?
    • What resources does the organization have that might set it apart from its competition or position it for future growth?
    • What does the market perceive as strengths of the organization?
    • What financial considerations are relevant to its strength?
  • Weaknesses
    • What needs improvement in the organization?
    • What resource deficits might impact this organization?
    • What does the market perceive as weaknesses of the organization?
    • What financial considerations are relevant to weaknesses?
  • Opportunities
    • With strengths and weaknesses in mind, what opportunities are available to this organization?
    • Might any current trends translate to opportunities?
  • Threats
    • What competitive threats exist for the organization?
    • Do insufficient or outdated resources hamper the organization?
    • Might any current trends translate to threats?
    • Do any market, regulatory and or legal issues present threats?
• Complete a 1-page SWOT analysis matrix (using the template provided) that includes the following:
  • Bulleted list of (a) strengths, (b) weaknesses, (c) opportunities, and (d) threats related to the health care organization selected.

Note: Synthesize the information you have gathered in your research so that each bullet point clearly represents the most significant considerations within each category. While this is a 1-page document, and might appear to be deceptively simple, each point must be the result of deep and critical thinking.

Part II: Proposal of Strategic Recommendations Based on SWOT Analysis

• Carefully review the SWOT analysis, looking for synergies, leading business and market indicators, relationships, and connections between categories.
• Write a 4- to the 6-page proposal that includes the following:
  • A rationale for the choices you made in each of the four SWOT quadrants: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
    • Why do you consider each bulleted point to be significant?
    • Use a variety of academic and professional sources to support your findings.
  • Creative strategic recommendations for the organization that align to information gained in the SWOT analysis.
    • This interpretation of information requires a demonstration of critical thinking and problem-solving skills—skills required in authentic strategic planning.