Portfolio Management and Strategy Formulation

“Strategic planning is a systematic process for defining a pathway into the future. Taking one path precludes taking others. Strategic planning forces choices—and that is what makes it both so difficult and so beneficial. It generates focus” (Beckham, 2010, p. 6). During the strategy formulation phase of strategic planning, the individuals involved must determine the organization’s priorities and make difficult decisions for the future. 

For this Discussion, you and your colleagues will examine a dilemma and consider what might be in the best interests of the organization and the patients it serves. The case study your group will focus on for this Discussion is:

• “What Would You Do? Is This System’s Smaller Hospital a Keeper?”

Prepare for this Discussion as follows:  

• On your own, review the information in the Learning Resources and make sure you are familiar with ideas and suggestions related to portfolio management and strategy formulation.
• Also, on your own, review and analyze the selected case study with the following questions in mind:  
• • What are the most critical strategy-related challenges or decisions facing the organization in this case?
  • What option(s) do you think would be most beneficial for this organization? Why?
  • What additional considerations do you think are important to keep in mind as this organization engages in strategy formulation? Think about external factors and trends that might influence this organization in the future.
  • Based on the information in this case study, what future directions would you expect this organization to pursue?
  • What would you do to facilitate the kind of strategic thinking and collaboration that is necessary to address this situation effectively?
  • What principles do you think should be followed to promote the success of this organization?
    

By Day 2, select one person to serve as your group’s facilitator. The facilitator’s role is to help guide the discussion throughout the week, and to post a clear synopsis of the group’s discussion as the final response to this forum.

By Day 4, each group member should post an initial response that addresses at least three of the following questions:

• What are the most critical strategy-related challenges or decisions facing the organization in this case?
• What option(s) do you think would be most beneficial for this organization? Why?
• What additional considerations do you think are important to keep in mind as this organization engages in strategy formulation? Think about external factors and trends that might influence this organization in the future.
• What would you do to facilitate the kind of strategic thinking and collaboration that is necessary to address this situation effectively?

In order to facilitate a robust discussion of this case, be sure to read comments that have already been posted and address your response accordingly.

Read all of your colleagues’ postings, and continue to post insights that will further the analysis of this case study. In addition, address the following:

• Based on your own evaluation and your group’s analysis of this case study, what future directions would you expect this organization to pursue?
• What principles do you think should be followed to promote the success of this organization?

By Day 7, the facilitator should post a clear synopsis of the group’s discussion. Note whether your group is in agreement about the strategy or strategies this organization should pursue.

Note: Each group member will be evaluated individually according to the Discussion rubric in the Course Info area. You must post to this Discussion forum so your Instructor can view each group member’s contribution.