Organizational Assessment of Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Overview This is a healthcare facility whose main objective is to offer health care services, carry out health related research, as well as promote biomedical education. The facility offers health care in various areas such as heart and heart surgery, endocrinology, respiratory disorders, kidney complications, as well as gynaecology among others.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Organizational Assessment of Vanderbilt University Medical Center specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Vanderbilt University Medical Center is a company that has several branches and a number of campuses that offer biomedical education. The headquarters of Vanderbilt University Medical Center are located in Nashville, Tennessee in the United States of America. Potential strengths and weaknesses Strengths The success of an organization is highly dependent on its strengths and opportunities available to it. Vanderbilt University Medical Cen ter has been one of the most successful companies in the industry. It has a number of strengths that have enabled it to achieve the kind of success it has today. One of the strengths that have been vital to the success of this company is the fact that it has staffs that are highly skilled and committed to the organizational duties (Duncan, Ginter Swayne, 2013). The staffs are always working to give the best services to the patients and their customers to ensure that anyone who gets the services is satisfied and will be willing to come back again. In addition to being committed to their duties, the staffs are also highly skilled. Therefore, the services they offer are top class and of high quality. It is important to note that most of the diseases that are handled in these hospitals need a high level of knowledge and skills, an attribute that the staffs already possess. The staffs are committed to ensuring the wellness of patients. As a result, patients are always willing to visit t he facility since they are assured of top quality services. One of the reasons that may have contributed to the company having highly skilled staffs is the fact that it has its own training facilities where it trains medical personnel. The research facilities available in the organization also help in boosting the knowledge and skills of the staff. It is, therefore, in order to say that the research institutions and the training institutions are also strengths to the company (Berkowitz, 2011).Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The other factor contributing to the company’s strength is its locations. As it has been mentioned earlier, Vanderbilt University Medical Center has several branches of hospitals that offer services to patients. The branches are located in strategic points where they can reach a large number of patients. The locations are easily accessible by road. The company is well connected within the country. It is also well equipped with technological facilities that are used in enhancing the level of services offered. Technology is a source of strength for any company that has it and utilizes it accordingly. Weaknesses One of the major weaknesses that affect the business of Vanderbilt University Medical Center is the weak communication system that exists. The organization is very large, thus communication becomes quite complicated. It is not easy to communicate effectively with all the staffs. It is important to note that communication in itself is a competitive advantage for any organization. Therefore, it is likely for the organization to lose its competitive advantage to rivals if it is not able to communicate effectively with its stakeholders. There are cases such as duplication of services that result from weak communication systems at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Organizational differences One of the factors that c an facilitate the success of any organization is its differences. An organization that offers services that are differentiated is likely to gain a competitive advantage. It is imperative to note that the organizational differences distinguish the organization from its competitors. In addition, it is the differences that describe what the organization is all about, as well as its objectives and mission. According to Duncan, Ginter and Swayne (2013), organizational differences refer to the strategic resources of the organization and the measures that the organization has put in place to develop these strategies in order to differentiate it from competitors. Vanderbilt University Medical Center is different in that it has resources that are not available in many organizations in the same industry. For instance, it has training institutions where it trains its own staffs. This helps it offer quality training to its staff so that they can offer top quality services to patients, thereby m aking the organizational services differentiated. Another factor that makes the organization different is the fact that it has research facilities where its staff can carry out various researches.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Organizational Assessment of Vanderbilt University Medical Center specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Research helps the organization improve on its services since it can make new discoveries and come up with new ways to deal with the various problems. In addition, research facilities and the technological equipment in those facilities are likely to support innovation, an attribute that is likely to give the organization competitive advantage to facilitate its objective of offering differentiated services (Berkowitz, 2011). ASSISTS Analysis This is an analysis that is used to determine the competitive relevance of the resources available in an organization, as well as the capabilities of the organization and its staff (Duncan, Ginter Swayne, 2013). One of the questions that have to be answered is the question of value. Vanderbilt University Medical Center has resources that have a lot of value to its customers. The resources are worth since they help the customers get the best services possible. For instance, the training facilities give the staffs knowledge and skills that help them offer quality services to the patients. The equipment is of high competence and is up to date in terms of technology. The other question relates to rareness. Not many competitor organizations have the resources that are possessed by Vanderbilt University Medical Center. For instance, it is not easy to find hospitals that have research centres and training facilities. Therefore, this is a point of strength to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and it gives it competitive advantage. The question of immitability should also be considered in determining the ASSIST analysis. It is impo rtant to note that most of the resources can be copied by the competitors in this industry. This is a weakness for Vanderbilt University Medical Center since its competitors are likely to copy and have means of duplicating the services and resources as long as they have enough finances. Finally, the question of sustainability should also be addressed. Vanderbilt University Medical Center has the ability to sustain its current competitive advantage for a long period. The value and the rareness can be maintained. However, the organization should take measures to improve on immitability of its resources and capabilities (Duncan, Ginter Swayne, 2013). ASSIST Analysis TableAdvertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Value Vanderbilt has high value resources e.g. training and research facilities. Has highly competent equipment and up to date technology. Rareness Competitors hardly have Vanderbilt’s resources such as training and research centres. Immitability Most of Vanderbilt’s resources can be copied by competitors. With enough finances, competitors can duplicate Vanderbilt’s services. Sustainability Vanderbilt can sustain its current competitive edge for long due to its unmatched, valuable and rare resources. Sources of competitive advantages An organization should be aware of the sources of its competitive advantage to be able to maintain them and find ways to improve on them. Competitive advantage is gained if an organization has the ability to add value to the services it offers to customers and in turn increase the level of customer satisfaction (Duncan, Ginter Swayne, 2013). There various ways through which an organization can add value to its services for customers. Among the ways through which an organization can add value include cost leadership, differentiation, as well as focus strategies. Cost leadership is where the organization has the ability to offer goods and services at a cost that is relatively lower compared to that of competitors. It is important for the organization to maintain the quality of its products, regardless of the costs involved. Therefore, the costs should be sustainable. The next method of gaining competitive advantage is through differentiation. This is the method used by Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The Center offers services that are differentiated from those of its competitors. Differentiation can, therefore, be described as the source of Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s competitive advantage (Schmidt, 2010). The research facilities available in the company help it develop ways of offering services that are of high quality. A research centre is a source of knowledge; therefore, employees of the company have access to knowledge that they apply in offering their services. In addition, the training offered also help in differentiating the company’s services. The health personnel are trained in a customized manner to offer special services to the organization’s patients (Berkowitz, 2011). Porter’s modified value chain for Vanderbilt University Medical Center Source: Schmidt (2010) Evaluating competitive analysis This is a stage that is very critical in determining the competitiveness of the organization since it is the stage that enables the organization in defining strategies that can improve on its current services and gain or sustain its competitiveness. A thorough analysis of the competitive advantage will help the organization improve on its marketing strategies, operations, infrastructure within the organization, as well as the technological development of the organization (Duncan, Ginter Swayne, 2013). Vanderbilt University Medic al Center is an organization that is highly competitive. It has resources that have helped it become one of the best in the USA, if not the best in the industry. Its capabilities are outstanding, thereby giving it an upper hand compared to its rivals. However, the company has some weaknesses that it should improve on in order avoid being overtaken by its rivals in terms of competition. For instance, communication is an issue that is likely to affect its operations. Despite the fact that the size of the company is an advantage, it makes it difficult for effective communication systems to be established. It is important to note that communication has the ability to improve the services offered. At the same time, communication can lead to poor services if it is not well established. Generally, Vanderbilt University Medical Center is competitive in the industry, but it should improve in communication to avoid losing its competitiveness. References Berkowitz, E. N. (2011). Essentials of health care marketing. Sudbury, MA: Jones Bartlett Learning. Ginter, P. M., Duncan, W. J., Swayne, L. E. (2013). Strategic management of healthcare organizations (7th ed). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. Schmidt, B. B. (2010). The dynamics of MA strategy: Mastering the outbound MA wave of Chinese banks. Frankfurt am Main: Lang. This assessment on Organizational Assessment of Vanderbilt University Medical Center was written and submitted by user Casey Carter to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

History of Ecuadors San Francisco De Quito

History of Ecuador's San Francisco De Quito The city of San Francisco de Quito (generally simply called Quito) is the capital of Ecuador and the second-largest city in the nation after Guayaquil. It is centrally located on a plateau high in the Andes Mountains. The city has a long and interesting history dating from pre-Colombian times to the present. Pre-Colombian Quito Quito occupies a temperate, fertile plateau high (9,300 feet/2,800 meters above sea level) in the Andes Mountains. It has a good climate and has been occupied by people for a long time. The first settlers were the Quitu people: they were eventually subjugated by the Caras culture. Sometime in the fifteenth century, the city and region were conquered by the mighty Inca Empire, based out of Cuzco to the south. Quito prospered under the Inca and soon became the second most important city in the Empire. The Inca Civil War Quito was plunged into civil war sometime around 1526. Inca ruler Huayna Capac died (possibly of smallpox) and two of his many sons, Atahualpa and Huscar, began to fight over his empire. Atahualpa had the support of Quito, whereas Huscars power base was in Cuzco. More importantly for Atahualpa, he had the support of three powerful Inca generals: Quisquis, Chalcuchima, and Rumià ±ahui. Atahualpa prevailed in 1532 after his forces routed Huscars at the gates of Cuzco. Huscar was captured and would later be executed on Atahualpas orders. The Conquest of Quito In 1532 Spanish conquistadors under Francisco Pizarro arrived and took Atahualpa captive. Atahualpa was executed in 1533, which turned as-yet unconquered Quito against the Spanish invaders, as Atahualpa was still much beloved there. Two different expeditions of conquest converged on Quito in 1534, led by Pedro de Alvarado and Sebastin de Benalczar respectively. The people of Quito were tough warriors and fought the Spanish every step of the way, most notably at the Battle of Teocajas. Benalczar arrived first only to find that Quito had been razed by general Rumià ±ahui to spite the Spanish. Benalczar was one of 204 Spaniards to formally establish Quito as a Spanish city on December 6, 1534, a date which is still celebrated in Quito. Quito During the Colonial Era Quito prospered during the colonial era. Several religious orders including the Franciscans, Jesuits, and Augustinians arrived and built elaborate churches and convents. The city became a center for Spanish colonial administration. In 1563 it became a Real Audiencia under the supervision of the Spanish Viceroy in Lima: this meant that there were judges in Quito who could rule on legal proceedings. Later, administration of Quito would pass to the Viceroyalty of New Granada in present-day Colombia. The Quito School of Art During the Colonial era, Quito became know for the high-quality religious art produced by the artists who lived there. Under the tutelage of Franciscan Jodoco Ricke, the Quitan students began producing high-quality works of art and sculpture in the 1550’s: the â€Å"Quito School of Art† would eventually acquire very specific and unique characteristics. Quito art is characterized by syncretism: that is, a mixture of Christian and native themes. Some paintings feature Christian figures in Andean scenery or following local traditions: a famous painting in Quito’s cathedral features Jesus and his disciples eating guinea pig (a traditional Andean food) at the last supper. The August 10 Movement In 1808, Napoleon invaded Spain, captured the King and put his own brother on the throne. Spain was thrown into turmoil: a competing Spanish government was set up and the country was at war with itself. Upon hearing the news, a group of concerned citizens in Quito staged a rebellion on August 10, 1809: they took control of the city and informed the Spanish colonial officials that they would rule Quito independently until such a time as the King of Spain were restored. The Viceroy in Peru responded by sending an army to quash the rebellion: the August 10 conspirators were thrown in a dungeon. On August 2, 1810, the people of Quito tried to break them out: the Spanish repelled the attack and massacred the conspirators in custody. This gruesome episode would help keep Quito mostly on the sidelines of the struggle for independence in northern South America. Quito was finally liberated from the Spanish on May 24, 1822, at the Battle of Pichincha: among the heroes of the battle were Field Marshal Antonio Josà © de Sucre and local heroine Manuela Senz. The Republican Era After independence, Ecuador was at first part of the Republic of Gran Colombia: the republic fell apart in 1830 and Ecuador became an independent nation under first President Juan Josà © Flores. Quito continued to flourish, although it remained a relatively small, sleepy provincial town. The greatest conflicts of the time were between liberals and conservatives. In a nutshell, conservatives preferred a strong central government, limited voting rights (only wealthy men of European descent) and a strong connection between church and state. Liberals were just the opposite: they preferred stronger regional governments, universal (or at least expanded) suffrage and no connection whatsoever between church and state. This conflict often turned bloody: conservative president Gabriel Garcà ­a Moreno (1875) and liberal ex-president Eloy Alfaro (1912) were both assassinated in Quito. The Modern Era of Quito Quito has continued to slowly grow and has evolved from a tranquil provincial capital to a modern metropolis. It has experienced occasional unrest, such as during the turbulent presidencies of Josà © Marà ­a Velasco Ibarra (five administrations between 1934 and 1972). In recent years, the people of Quito have occasionally taken to the streets to successfully oust unpopular presidents such as Abdal Bucaram (1997) Jamil Mahuad (2000) and Là ºcio Gutià ©rrez (2005). These protests were peaceful for the most part and Quito, unlike many other Latin American cities, has not seen violent civil unrest in some time. Quito’s Historic Center Perhaps because it spent so many centuries as a quiet provincial town, Quitos old colonial center is particularly well-preserved. It was one of UNESCOS first World Heritage sites in 1978. Colonial churches stand side-by-side with elegant Republican homes on airy squares. Quito has invested a great deal recently in restoring what locals call el centro historico and the results are impressive. Elegant theatres such as the Teatro Sucre and Teatro Mà ©xico are open and show concerts, plays and even the occasional opera. A special squad of tourism police is detailed to the old town and tours of old Quito are becoming very popular. Restaurants and hotels are flourishing in the historic city center. Sources: Hemming, John. The Conquest of the Inca London: Pan Books, 2004 (original 1970). Various Authors. Historia del Ecuador. Barcelona: Lexus Editores, S.A. 2010