assigment

SYSTEMS THINKING FOR GOOD, PART 2

This week, you will return to the business report you began working on in Week 6. As a reminder, you have assumed the role of a consultant who has been asked by the upper management team to evaluate an organizational performance problem within an organization. You will present your findings in the form of a written report with an executive summary presented as a PowerPoint presentation. The organization for this evaluation is one that you selected and with which you are very familiar. You will continue your business report using that selected organization.

As you complete Part 2 of your business report, remember to include specific examples from the organization as well as relevant citations from the Learning Resources, the Walden Library, and/or other appropriate academic sources to support your evaluation.

RESOURCESBe sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.

Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.

WEEKLY RESOURCES

To prepare for this Assignment:

• Return to the same business report template you utilized in Week 6. With the research and readings from Week 6 and Week 7 in mind, incorporate any feedback, as needed, into your report as you complete Part 2.

BY DAY 7

SubmitPart 2 of your business report, to include the following:

Part 2: Social Responsibility and Ethical Considerations (2–3 pages)

Your second task is to evaluate the organization in terms of social responsibility and ethical considerations. You should address the following:

• Identify the major stakeholders of the organization. Illustrate how the organization’s actions do or do not effect positive social change for these stakeholders (explain in detail).
• Through a systems thinking lens, apply improvements to the organization to positively effect social change.
• From a systems perspective, evaluate the organization’s performance in terms of diversity and inclusion.

Assess whether there is a relationship between ethics and inclusion (explain and substantiate your position). Recommend what improvements can be implemented to positively impact both.

1
Module 3 Assignment:
Systems Thinking for Good
Report prepared by: Annet Castillo
Date: 12/10/2023
Walden University
WMBA 6040: Improving Business Performance
1
2
Part 1: Business Improvements
Mayo Clinic operates in the healthcare industry and provides a wide range of medical
services. These services include primary and specialty care, surgical procedures, diagnostic
services, research, and education (Mayo Clinic , 2023). They offer treatments across various
medical specialties, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, and more.
Mayo Clinic demonstrates robust operational health by serving a substantial patient
volume with exceptional outcomes across multiple medical specialties. According to Reviewers
for Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality and Outcomes (2023), their investment in
cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art facilities enhances patient care efficiency.
Additionally, Mayo Clinic’s commitment to research and innovation is evident through extensive
collaborations and in-house research initiatives, contributing significantly to medical
advancements (Mayo Clinic, 2023). Financially, Mayo Clinic maintains a strong position,
drawing revenue from diverse sources such as patient services, research grants, donations, and
partnerships. Their financial stability is reflected in consistent revenue growth, responsible fiscal
management, and strategic investments in expanding services, infrastructure, and research
endeavors, allowing continued advancements in healthcare delivery. Furthermore, Mayo Clinic’s
operations involve an intricate network of medical professionals, support staff, facilities,
technology, and patient care protocols.
2
3
Market constrains
Primary Constraint: Stringent Healthcare Regulations
Stringent healthcare regulations and compliance standards serve as a primary constraint
for Mayo Clinic’s progression. These policies, while intended to ensure quality and safety, often
result in administrative burdens that limit the organization’s agility in adopting new practices or
technologies. According to Peters (2014), modifications made in one sector of a complex
healthcare system might have an impact on the entire system. Despite its reputation for
innovation, Mayo Clinic might find itself restricted by these rules, which would hinder the
adoption of cutting-edge medical treatments that are essential to improving patient care. The
burdensome regulatory constraints placed on healthcare organizations provide ample evidence of
this restriction, affecting operational flexibility, resource allocation, and the rate at which
innovative healthcare technology and practices are integrated.
Regulatory agencies’ substantial paperwork requirements, compliance checks, and strict
protocols are clear examples of this limitation. Requirements like these take a lot of time and
money out of the hands of healthcare providers like Mayo Clinic, taking focus away from patient
care and innovation. For instance, the stringent regulatory approval processes may cause delays
in the implementation of innovative technologies, such as AI-driven diagnostics or tailored
medicine (McKee & Wouters, 2022). This limitation not only makes it more difficult for the
organization to quickly adjust, but it also slows down and reduces the effectiveness with which
innovations that could greatly benefit patients are implemented.
Secondary Constraint: Healthcare Market Dynamics
Additionally, the dynamic nature of the healthcare market poses another significant
constraint for Mayo Clinic. Shifting patient demographics, evolving consumer preferences,
3
4
insurance complexities, and competitive landscapes all contribute to the challenges faced by
healthcare providers. As Purcarea (2019) emphasizes, understanding and adapting to market
changes are imperative for organizational success. While Mayo Clinic is esteemed for its quality
care, rapid adjustments to changing patient needs, market demands, or disruptive innovations
may present limitations. These constraints could hinder the clinic’s ability to expand services or
introduce innovative care models effectively.
The evidence for this constraint lies in the constant evolution of patient expectations and
market demands. Mayo Clinic’s adherence to high standards of care and its established practices
may create barriers to swiftly embracing new trends or healthcare delivery models that resonate
with evolving patient preferences. For instance, transitioning to value-based care or telemedicine
might encounter resistance due to existing operational frameworks or patient engagement models
deeply entrenched within the organization. Understanding and addressing these constraints
through a systems thinking approach are crucial for Mayo Clinic’s future success. As Dunbar et
al. (2023) affirm, it requires navigating the complex interconnections between regulatory
compliance, innovation, market dynamics, and patient-centric care delivery.
Recommendations
Constraint 1: Stringent Healthcare Regulations
To address the constraint of stringent healthcare regulations, Mayo Clinic can implement
strategic measures to navigate compliance while fostering innovation. Establishing a dedicated
regulatory affairs team specialized in interpreting and streamlining compliance requirements can
expedite processes. This team would ensure alignment with regulations while identifying
opportunities for efficiency gains. Additionally, cultivating partnerships with regulatory bodies
can facilitate mutual understanding and potentially influence regulatory reform. Nevertheless,
Mayo Clinic could advocate for agile regulatory frameworks that balance patient safety with the
4
5
need for innovation, actively participating in policy discussions or proposing pilot programs to
demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of new technologies. Moreover, investing in robust
technology infrastructure and data security systems compliant with regulations can accelerate the
integration of innovative solutions. Leveraging digital platforms for secure data sharing while
ensuring compliance with privacy laws can enhance operational efficiency and promote
collaborative research efforts. Thus, by fostering a culture of compliance and innovation, Mayo
Clinic can strategically navigate regulations while promoting the adoption of cutting-edge
healthcare solutions.
Constraint 2: Healthcare Market Dynamics
To overcome challenges posed by evolving healthcare market dynamics, Mayo Clinic
should adopt an adaptive approach focused on patient-centric care and market responsiveness
(Edgman-Levitan & Schoenbaum, 2021). Conducting comprehensive market research to identify
emerging trends, patient needs, and competitive landscapes is pivotal. Nonetheless, establishing
agile teams or task forces within the organization to swiftly respond to changing market demands
ensures a proactive stance. Therefore, Mayo Clinic could leverage predictive analytics and datadriven insights to forecast patient trends and preferences, allowing proactive adjustments to
service offerings.
Moreover, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation among staff can
encourage experimentation with novel care delivery models or technologies. Collaborating with
startups or healthcare technology incubators can provide access to disruptive innovations,
allowing Mayo Clinic to pilot and integrate new solutions aligned with evolving market needs.
Thus, by promoting a culture of adaptability and innovation, Mayo Clinic can position itself as
an agile healthcare leader, responding effectively to market shifts while maintaining its
commitment to delivering exemplary patient care (Comfere et al., 2020). Implementing these
recommendations demands a proactive and collaborative approach, necessitating support from
5
6
leadership, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies. Mayo Clinic’s commitment to navigating
regulatory complexities while staying attuned to market dynamics will empower the organization
to transcend constraints, fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability crucial for its next
level of performance.
Assesing the recommendations
Stringent Healthcare Regulations:
•
Throughput (T): The recommendations aim to expedite the implementation of innovative
healthcare solutions by streamlining regulatory processes. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles,
Mayo Clinic can potentially increase the speed of introducing new technologies and services.
This would likely enhance throughput by accelerating the delivery of patient care and
innovative treatments.
•
Inventory (I): In the context of TOC, inventory represents any resource invested but not yet
converted into throughput. Streamlining compliance processes could reduce the time and
resources spent on navigating complex regulations, thus decreasing inventory. Resources
previously tied up in compliance-related paperwork or approvals would be freed for
productive use in patient care or innovation initiatives.
•
Operating Expenses (OE): While initial investments might be required to establish
specialized regulatory affairs teams or upgrade technology infrastructure, the long-term
impact is expected to reduce operating expenses. Efficiency gains from streamlined
compliance processes and faster adoption of innovative solutions could lower administrative
costs associated with regulatory compliance.
Healthcare Market Dynamics:
•
Throughput (T): Adapting to evolving market dynamics aligns Mayo Clinic’s services more
closely with patient needs and preferences. Throughput is likely to increase as the clinic can
6
7
better anticipate and meet patient demands, providing services aligned with market
expectations more efficiently.
•
Inventory (I): Embracing market-responsive practices helps minimize inventory in the form
of outdated services or unused capacity. Mayo Clinic can tailor its offerings according to
current market needs, reducing the risk of having excess capacity or outdated services that do
not cater to evolving patient demands.
•
Operating Expenses (OE): Adopting an adaptive approach necessitates investing in market
research, agile teams, and technology infrastructure. However, the long-term benefit would
likely be a reduction in operating expenses as the clinic becomes more efficient in responding
to market changes, minimizing wastage and reconfiguring resources to align with patientcentric services.
From a performance measurement perspective, these recommendations align with the principles
of throughput accounting and TOC by emphasizing the optimization of throughput while
minimizing inventory and operating expenses.
7
8
References
Comfere, N. I., Matulis, J. C., & O’Horo, J. C. (2020). Quality Improvement and healthcare:
The Mayo Clinic Quality Academy experience. Journal of Clinical Tuberculosis and
Other Mycobacterial Diseases, 20, 100170. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jctube.2020.100170
Dunbar, P., Keyes, L. M, & Browne, J. P. (2023). Determinants of regulatory compliance in
health and social care services: A systematic review using the Consolidated Framework
for Implementation Research. PLOS ONE 18(4): e0278007.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0278007
Edgman-Levitan, S., & Schoenbaum, S. C. (2021). Patient-centered care: Achieving higher
quality by designing care through the patient’s eyes. Israel Journal of Health Policy
Research, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13584-021-00459-9
Lorin Purcarea, P. Eng. (2019). The impact of marketing strategies in Healthcare Systems.
Journal of Medicine and Life, 12(2), 93–96. https://doi.org/10.25122/jml-2019-1003
Mayo Clinic . (2023). About Mayo Clinic Health System. Mayo Clinic Health System.
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/about-us
McKee, M., & Wouters, O. J. (2022). The challenges of regulating artificial intelligence in
healthcare comment on “Clinical decision support and new regulatory frameworks for
medical devices: Are we ready for it? – a viewpoint paper.” International Journal of
Health Policy and Management. https://doi.org/10.34172/ijhpm.2022.7261
Peters, D. H. (2014). The application of Systems Thinking in Health: Why Use Systems
Thinking? Health Research Policy and Systems, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/14784505-12-51
Reviewers for Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes (2023). Mayo
Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes, 7(6), 544.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2023.11.001
8
1
Module 3 Assignment:
Systems Thinking for Good
Report prepared by: Annet Castillo
Date: 12/10/2023
Walden University
WMBA 6040: Improving Business Performance
1
2
Part 1: Business Improvements
Mayo Clinic operates in the healthcare industry and provides a wide range of medical
services. These services include primary and specialty care, surgical procedures, diagnostic
services, research, and education (Mayo Clinic , 2023). They offer treatments across various
medical specialties, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, and more.
Mayo Clinic demonstrates robust operational health by serving a substantial patient
volume with exceptional outcomes across multiple medical specialties. According to Reviewers
for Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality and Outcomes (2023), their investment in
cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art facilities enhances patient care efficiency.
Additionally, Mayo Clinic’s commitment to research and innovation is evident through extensive
collaborations and in-house research initiatives, contributing significantly to medical
advancements (Mayo Clinic, 2023). Financially, Mayo Clinic maintains a strong position,
drawing revenue from diverse sources such as patient services, research grants, donations, and
partnerships. Their financial stability is reflected in consistent revenue growth, responsible fiscal
management, and strategic investments in expanding services, infrastructure, and research
endeavors, allowing continued advancements in healthcare delivery. Furthermore, Mayo Clinic’s
operations involve an intricate network of medical professionals, support staff, facilities,
technology, and patient care protocols.
2
3
Market constrains
Primary Constraint: Stringent Healthcare Regulations
Stringent healthcare regulations and compliance standards serve as a primary constraint
for Mayo Clinic’s progression. These policies, while intended to ensure quality and safety, often
result in administrative burdens that limit the organization’s agility in adopting new practices or
technologies. According to Peters (2014), modifications made in one sector of a complex
healthcare system might have an impact on the entire system. Despite its reputation for
innovation, Mayo Clinic might find itself restricted by these rules, which would hinder the
adoption of cutting-edge medical treatments that are essential to improving patient care. The
burdensome regulatory constraints placed on healthcare organizations provide ample evidence of
this restriction, affecting operational flexibility, resource allocation, and the rate at which
innovative healthcare technology and practices are integrated.
Regulatory agencies’ substantial paperwork requirements, compliance checks, and strict
protocols are clear examples of this limitation. Requirements like these take a lot of time and
money out of the hands of healthcare providers like Mayo Clinic, taking focus away from patient
care and innovation. For instance, the stringent regulatory approval processes may cause delays
in the implementation of innovative technologies, such as AI-driven diagnostics or tailored
medicine (McKee & Wouters, 2022). This limitation not only makes it more difficult for the
organization to quickly adjust, but it also slows down and reduces the effectiveness with which
innovations that could greatly benefit patients are implemented.
Secondary Constraint: Healthcare Market Dynamics
Additionally, the dynamic nature of the healthcare market poses another significant
constraint for Mayo Clinic. Shifting patient demographics, evolving consumer preferences,
3
4
insurance complexities, and competitive landscapes all contribute to the challenges faced by
healthcare providers. As Purcarea (2019) emphasizes, understanding and adapting to market
changes are imperative for organizational success. While Mayo Clinic is esteemed for its quality
care, rapid adjustments to changing patient needs, market demands, or disruptive innovations
may present limitations. These constraints could hinder the clinic’s ability to expand services or
introduce innovative care models effectively.
The evidence for this constraint lies in the constant evolution of patient expectations and
market demands. Mayo Clinic’s adherence to high standards of care and its established practices
may create barriers to swiftly embracing new trends or healthcare delivery models that resonate
with evolving patient preferences. For instance, transitioning to value-based care or telemedicine
might encounter resistance due to existing operational frameworks or patient engagement models
deeply entrenched within the organization. Understanding and addressing these constraints
through a systems thinking approach are crucial for Mayo Clinic’s future success. As Dunbar et
al. (2023) affirm, it requires navigating the complex interconnections between regulatory
compliance, innovation, market dynamics, and patient-centric care delivery.
Recommendations
Constraint 1: Stringent Healthcare Regulations
To address the constraint of stringent healthcare regulations, Mayo Clinic can implement
strategic measures to navigate compliance while fostering innovation. Establishing a dedicated
regulatory affairs team specialized in interpreting and streamlining compliance requirements can
expedite processes. This team would ensure alignment with regulations while identifying
opportunities for efficiency gains. Additionally, cultivating partnerships with regulatory bodies
can facilitate mutual understanding and potentially influence regulatory reform. Nevertheless,
Mayo Clinic could advocate for agile regulatory frameworks that balance patient safety with the
4
5
need for innovation, actively participating in policy discussions or proposing pilot programs to
demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of new technologies. Moreover, investing in robust
technology infrastructure and data security systems compliant with regulations can accelerate the
integration of innovative solutions. Leveraging digital platforms for secure data sharing while
ensuring compliance with privacy laws can enhance operational efficiency and promote
collaborative research efforts. Thus, by fostering a culture of compliance and innovation, Mayo
Clinic can strategically navigate regulations while promoting the adoption of cutting-edge
healthcare solutions.
Constraint 2: Healthcare Market Dynamics
To overcome challenges posed by evolving healthcare market dynamics, Mayo Clinic
should adopt an adaptive approach focused on patient-centric care and market responsiveness
(Edgman-Levitan & Schoenbaum, 2021). Conducting comprehensive market research to identify
emerging trends, patient needs, and competitive landscapes is pivotal. Nonetheless, establishing
agile teams or task forces within the organization to swiftly respond to changing market demands
ensures a proactive stance. Therefore, Mayo Clinic could leverage predictive analytics and datadriven insights to forecast patient trends and preferences, allowing proactive adjustments to
service offerings.
Moreover, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation among staff can
encourage experimentation with novel care delivery models or technologies. Collaborating with
startups or healthcare technology incubators can provide access to disruptive innovations,
allowing Mayo Clinic to pilot and integrate new solutions aligned with evolving market needs.
Thus, by promoting a culture of adaptability and innovation, Mayo Clinic can position itself as
an agile healthcare leader, responding effectively to market shifts while maintaining its
commitment to delivering exemplary patient care (Comfere et al., 2020). Implementing these
recommendations demands a proactive and collaborative approach, necessitating support from
5
6
leadership, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies. Mayo Clinic’s commitment to navigating
regulatory complexities while staying attuned to market dynamics will empower the organization
to transcend constraints, fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability crucial for its next
level of performance.
Assesing the recommendations
Stringent Healthcare Regulations:
•
Throughput (T): The recommendations aim to expedite the implementation of innovative
healthcare solutions by streamlining regulatory processes. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles,
Mayo Clinic can potentially increase the speed of introducing new technologies and services.
This would likely enhance throughput by accelerating the delivery of patient care and
innovative treatments.
•
Inventory (I): In the context of TOC, inventory represents any resource invested but not yet
converted into throughput. Streamlining compliance processes could reduce the time and
resources spent on navigating complex regulations, thus decreasing inventory. Resources
previously tied up in compliance-related paperwork or approvals would be freed for
productive use in patient care or innovation initiatives.
•
Operating Expenses (OE): While initial investments might be required to establish
specialized regulatory affairs teams or upgrade technology infrastructure, the long-term
impact is expected to reduce operating expenses. Efficiency gains from streamlined
compliance processes and faster adoption of innovative solutions could lower administrative
costs associated with regulatory compliance.
Healthcare Market Dynamics:
•
Throughput (T): Adapting to evolving market dynamics aligns Mayo Clinic’s services more
closely with patient needs and preferences. Throughput is likely to increase as the clinic can
6
7
better anticipate and meet patient demands, providing services aligned with market
expectations more efficiently.
•
Inventory (I): Embracing market-responsive practices helps minimize inventory in the form
of outdated services or unused capacity. Mayo Clinic can tailor its offerings according to
current market needs, reducing the risk of having excess capacity or outdated services that do
not cater to evolving patient demands.
•
Operating Expenses (OE): Adopting an adaptive approach necessitates investing in market
research, agile teams, and technology infrastructure. However, the long-term benefit would
likely be a reduction in operating expenses as the clinic becomes more efficient in responding
to market changes, minimizing wastage and reconfiguring resources to align with patientcentric services.
From a performance measurement perspective, these recommendations align with the principles
of throughput accounting and TOC by emphasizing the optimization of throughput while
minimizing inventory and operating expenses.
7
8
Part 2: Social Responsibility and Ethical Considerations
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