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Intro to Strategic Management for Healthcare Organizations

Paul Levy and John Friar

This course is best suited for individuals currently in the healthcare sector, as a provider, payer, or administrator. Individuals pursuing a career change to the healthcare sector may also be interested in this course.

In this course, you will have an opportunity to explore general business strategy concepts as they relate to the healthcare industry. You will also examine how strategic decisions are made within organizations.

Read more

This course is best suited for individuals currently in the healthcare sector, as a provider, payer, or administrator. Individuals pursuing a career change to the healthcare sector may also be interested in this course.

In this course, you will have an opportunity to explore general business strategy concepts as they relate to the healthcare industry. You will also examine how strategic decisions are made within organizations.

After an introduction to the different levels of strategy, through examples, you will look at each level in greater detail. You will also have the opportunity to conduct an external evaluation that explores market, environment, customer, and competitor analyses.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1 - Welcome to Strategy
The healthcare industry has been changing dramatically of late and companies need to determine how they are going to change to meet these new challenges. Strategy is the process by which companies determine where they want to go and how to get there. There are three levels of strategy: corporate, business, and functional. In this module we will first go over the three levels of strategy and then focus on corporate strategy. By the end of the module you will have an understanding of the components of a corporate strategy.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on healthcare industry, which is relevant to individuals in the healthcare sector
Taught by Paul Levy and John Friar, recognized experts in healthcare strategy
Builds a strong foundation for understanding business strategy as it relates to healthcare
Provides hands-on experience through individual analysis of a service line
Requires a basic understanding of healthcare industry concepts

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Reviews summary

Strategic management for healthcare professionals

According to students, this course offers a highly practical and relevant introduction to strategic management specifically for healthcare organizations. Learners commend the clear and engaging lectures and well-structured modules, which make complex business concepts accessible. Many appreciate the immediate applicability of the content to their current roles, finding the course excellent for understanding strategic decision-making within the healthcare sector. While providing a solid foundational understanding, some advanced professionals noted it serves more as an introduction than an in-depth dive. The consensus is that it equips learners with essential frameworks to analyze market trends and organizational capabilities.
Provides a solid introduction but less depth for advanced learners.
"This course is an excellent starting point for strategy, but I would have loved more advanced case studies, perhaps for experienced professionals."
"For someone new to healthcare strategy, it's perfect. As an experienced professional, I found it a good refresher but not deeply challenging."
"While comprehensive as an introduction, I felt some topics could have been explored in greater depth to challenge me further."
Well-organized content with engaging and understandable lectures.
"The modules were well-paced, and I found that each lecture built logically on the previous one, which helped immensely."
"I found the instructor's explanations to be very clear and easy to follow, even for complex topics."
"The structure made it simple to navigate the course and grasp new strategic concepts, which I appreciated."
Instructor demonstrates deep expertise and effective teaching.
"The instructor's real-world insights significantly enhanced my learning experience."
"Their ability to simplify complex strategic frameworks was truly impressive."
"The lectures were engaging, thanks to the instructor's clear communication and expertise."
Directly applies strategic concepts to healthcare settings.
"I could immediately apply the strategic concepts discussed to my work in a hospital administration role."
"The examples were incredibly relevant to the healthcare industry, making the theories very clear."
"This course helped me understand strategic decisions specifically within my healthcare organization."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Intro to Strategic Management for Healthcare Organizations with these activities:
Review Healthcare Industry Trends
Refresh knowledge of current healthcare industry trends to enhance understanding of course content.
Browse courses on healthcare trends
Show steps
  • Read industry articles and reports
  • Attend industry webinars or conferences
  • Network with healthcare professionals
Review strategic management concepts
Understand the fundamental principles of strategy to build a strong foundation for this course.
Browse courses on Strategic Management
Show steps
  • Review notes or textbooks on strategic management
  • Summarize key concepts and theories
  • Identify real-world examples of strategic decision-making
Attend Industry Events
Connect with professionals in the healthcare industry to gain insights and expand knowledge.
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant industry events
  • Attend conferences, webinars, or meetups
  • Network with attendees and exchange ideas
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Mentor junior colleagues or students in healthcare management
Reinforce your understanding by sharing knowledge and providing guidance to others in the healthcare field.
Browse courses on Mentoring
Show steps
  • Identify opportunities to mentor individuals
  • Provide guidance on strategic thinking
  • Share real-world experiences and case studies
  • Offer support and encouragement
Create a resource compilation on healthcare strategy
Deepen your understanding by gathering and organizing valuable resources on healthcare strategy.
Browse courses on Industry Analysis
Show steps
  • Identify relevant articles, books, and websites
  • Summarize key insights and findings
  • Organize and categorize resources
  • Share the compilation with peers or industry professionals
Analyze Case Studies
Apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios through case study analysis, strengthening critical thinking skills.
Browse courses on Case Analysis
Show steps
  • Review the case study and identify key issues
  • Develop potential solutions and evaluate their pros and cons
  • Present recommendations based on analysis
Conduct industry analysis
Develop analytical skills by applying industry analysis tools and frameworks.
Browse courses on Industry Analysis
Show steps
  • Choose an industry to analyze
  • Gather data on market size, competition, and trends
  • Apply Porter's Five Forces or SWOT analysis
  • Identify industry opportunities and threats
Engage in Group Discussions
Participate in collaborative group discussions to enhance understanding, share perspectives, and reinforce learning.
Browse courses on Collaboration
Show steps
  • Join or create a study group
  • Engage in online discussion forums
  • Discuss course concepts and case studies
Discuss strategic case studies
Enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills by analyzing real-world business scenarios.
Browse courses on Case Studies
Show steps
  • Find a group of peers to study with
  • Choose a case study to analyze
  • Discuss the case and identify strategic issues
  • Develop and present recommendations
Develop a Strategic Plan
Create a comprehensive strategic plan to demonstrate knowledge of strategy concepts and their application in the healthcare sector.
Browse courses on Business Strategy
Show steps
  • Define the organization's mission, vision, and values
  • Conduct an external and internal environmental analysis
  • Develop strategic goals and objectives
  • Outline implementation and evaluation strategies
Contribute to healthcare industry open source projects
Enhance understanding of healthcare technology and contribute to real-world projects.
Browse courses on Healthcare Industry
Show steps
  • Identify open source projects related to healthcare
  • Review documentation and codebase
  • Identify areas where you can contribute
  • Submit bug reports or code contributions
Participate in a business simulation
Gain hands-on experience making strategic decisions and managing a virtual organization.
Show steps
  • Find a business simulation that aligns with the course content
  • Assemble a team or participate individually
  • Develop and implement a strategic plan
  • Monitor performance and make adjustments
Develop a strategic plan for a healthcare organization
Apply course concepts to real-world problem-solving and demonstrate strategic thinking.
Browse courses on Business Strategy
Show steps
  • Choose a healthcare organization to focus on
  • Conduct external and internal analysis
  • Develop strategic goals and objectives
  • Create an implementation plan

Career center

Learners who complete Intro to Strategic Management for Healthcare Organizations will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare Consultants work closely with healthcare providers, such as hospitals and clinics, to improve their operations. They use their understanding of the healthcare industry to help their clients develop and implement strategies to improve patient care, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. This course provides a strong foundation in healthcare strategy, which is essential for success in this role. The course covers topics such as healthcare market analysis, strategic planning, and financial management. This knowledge will help you to better understand the healthcare industry and to develop effective strategies for improving healthcare delivery.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrators oversee the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and clinics. They are responsible for ensuring that the facility is running smoothly and efficiently, and that patients are receiving quality care. This course provides a strong foundation in healthcare strategy, which is essential for success in this role. The course covers topics such as healthcare market analysis, strategic planning, and financial management. This knowledge will help you to better understand the healthcare industry and to develop effective strategies for improving healthcare delivery.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Policy Analyst
Healthcare Policy Analysts analyze healthcare policies and make recommendations on how to improve the healthcare system. They work with government agencies, insurance companies, and other healthcare stakeholders to develop and implement policies that improve the quality, accessibility, and affordability of healthcare. This course provides a strong foundation in healthcare strategy, which is essential for success in this role. The course covers topics such as healthcare market analysis, strategic planning, and financial management. This knowledge will help you to better understand the healthcare industry and to develop effective strategies for improving healthcare delivery.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Policy Analyst
Healthcare Marketing Manager
Healthcare Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing campaigns for healthcare products and services. They work with marketing agencies, advertising firms, and other healthcare stakeholders to create and execute marketing campaigns that reach target audiences and promote the benefits of healthcare products and services. This course provides a strong foundation in healthcare strategy, which is essential for success in this role. The course covers topics such as healthcare market analysis, strategic planning, and financial management. This knowledge will help you to better understand the healthcare industry and to develop effective marketing campaigns for healthcare products and services.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Marketing Manager
Healthcare Financial Analyst
Healthcare Financial Analysts analyze the financial performance of healthcare organizations. They use their understanding of healthcare finance to help their clients make informed decisions about how to allocate resources and manage costs. This course provides a strong foundation in healthcare strategy, which is essential for success in this role. The course covers topics such as healthcare market analysis, strategic planning, and financial management. This knowledge will help you to better understand the healthcare industry and to develop effective strategies for improving healthcare delivery.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Financial Analyst
Healthcare Operations Manager
Healthcare Operations Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and clinics. They are responsible for ensuring that the facility is running smoothly and efficiently, and that patients are receiving quality care. This course provides a strong foundation in healthcare strategy, which is essential for success in this role. The course covers topics such as healthcare market analysis, strategic planning, and financial management. This knowledge will help you to better understand the healthcare industry and to develop effective strategies for improving healthcare delivery.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Operations Manager
Healthcare Information Systems Manager
Healthcare Information Systems Managers oversee the information systems used by healthcare organizations. They are responsible for ensuring that the systems are running smoothly and efficiently, and that they are meeting the needs of the organization. This course provides a strong foundation in healthcare strategy, which is essential for success in this role. The course covers topics such as healthcare market analysis, strategic planning, and financial management. This knowledge will help you to better understand the healthcare industry and to develop effective strategies for improving healthcare delivery.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Information Systems Manager
Healthcare Risk Manager
Healthcare Risk Managers identify and assess risks to healthcare organizations. They develop and implement strategies to mitigate these risks and protect the organization from financial and reputational damage. This course provides a strong foundation in healthcare strategy, which is essential for success in this role. The course covers topics such as healthcare market analysis, strategic planning, and financial management. This knowledge will help you to better understand the healthcare industry and to develop effective strategies for improving healthcare delivery.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Risk Manager
Healthcare Quality Improvement Manager
Healthcare Quality Improvement Managers oversee the quality of care provided by healthcare organizations. They develop and implement programs to improve the quality of care and patient safety. This course provides a strong foundation in healthcare strategy, which is essential for success in this role. The course covers topics such as healthcare market analysis, strategic planning, and financial management. This knowledge will help you to better understand the healthcare industry and to develop effective strategies for improving healthcare delivery.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Quality Improvement Manager
Healthcare Compliance Officer
Healthcare Compliance Officers ensure that healthcare organizations are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. They develop and implement compliance programs and train employees on compliance issues. This course provides a strong foundation in healthcare strategy, which is essential for success in this role. The course covers topics such as healthcare market analysis, strategic planning, and financial management. This knowledge will help you to better understand the healthcare industry and to develop effective strategies for improving healthcare delivery.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Compliance Officer
Healthcare Project Manager
Healthcare Project Managers oversee the implementation of healthcare projects, such as new construction projects or the implementation of new information systems. They are responsible for ensuring that the projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required specifications. This course provides a strong foundation in healthcare strategy, which is essential for success in this role. The course covers topics such as healthcare market analysis, strategic planning, and financial management. This knowledge will help you to better understand the healthcare industry and to develop effective strategies for improving healthcare delivery.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Project Manager
Healthcare Data Analyst
Healthcare Data Analysts analyze healthcare data to identify trends and patterns. They use this information to develop insights that can help healthcare organizations improve the quality of care and reduce costs. This course provides a strong foundation in healthcare strategy, which is essential for success in this role. The course covers topics such as healthcare market analysis, strategic planning, and financial management. This knowledge will help you to better understand the healthcare industry and to develop effective strategies for improving healthcare delivery.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Data Analyst
Healthcare Privacy Officer
Healthcare Privacy Officers ensure that healthcare organizations are in compliance with all applicable privacy laws and regulations. They develop and implement privacy policies and procedures, and train employees on privacy issues. This course provides a strong foundation in healthcare strategy, which is essential for success in this role. The course covers topics such as healthcare market analysis, strategic planning, and financial management. This knowledge will help you to better understand the healthcare industry and to develop effective strategies for improving healthcare delivery.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Privacy Officer
Healthcare Marketing Specialist
Healthcare Marketing Specialists develop and implement marketing campaigns for healthcare products and services. They work with marketing agencies, advertising firms, and other healthcare stakeholders to create and execute marketing campaigns that reach target audiences and promote the benefits of healthcare products and services. This course provides a strong foundation in healthcare strategy, which is essential for success in this role. The course covers topics such as healthcare market analysis, strategic planning, and financial management. This knowledge will help you to better understand the healthcare industry and to develop effective marketing campaigns for healthcare products and services.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Marketing Specialist
Healthcare Business Analyst
Healthcare Business Analysts analyze the business operations of healthcare organizations. They use their understanding of business analysis to help their clients identify and solve business problems. This course provides a strong foundation in healthcare strategy, which is essential for success in this role. The course covers topics such as healthcare market analysis, strategic planning, and financial management. This knowledge will help you to better understand the healthcare industry and to develop effective strategies for improving healthcare delivery.
See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Business Analyst

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Intro to Strategic Management for Healthcare Organizations.
Cover image
The Outsiders
Save
Provides case studies of eight successful CEOs who defied conventional wisdom to achieve extraordinary results. Readers will learn about the principles that these CEOs followed, how they overcame the challenges they faced, and how they built their companies into industry leaders.
The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their...
Hardcover
$$
(Español) Los outsiders: Ocho CEOs no convencionales y su...
Paperback
$$
非典型經營者的成功法則：8個企業成功翻轉的案例，巴菲特、《從A到A+》作者柯林斯推薦必讀(Outside...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
The Crux
Save
Provides a simple and clear framework for developing effective strategies. Readers will learn the key elements of a good strategy, how to avoid the pitfalls of bad strategy, and how to implement strategies that will lead to success.
The Crux: How Leaders Become Strategists
Hardcover
$$
The Crux: How Leaders Become Strategists
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Strategic Management: Theory: An Integrated Approach
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of strategic management concepts and frameworks, with a particular focus on how these concepts can be applied to the healthcare industry. Readers will gain insights into developing and implementing effective strategies for healthcare organizations, including detailed case studies of successful and unsuccessful strategic decisions.
Strategic Management: Theory: An Integrated Approach
Paperback
Check
Strategic Management: Theory: An Integrated Approach
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Innovator's DNA, Updated, with a New Preface
Save
Provides a framework for developing the skills of a disruptive innovator.
The Innovator's DNA, Updated, with a New Preface:...
Hardcover
$$
The Innovator's DNA, Updated, with a New Preface:...
Audible Audiobook
$$
Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Save
Provides a practical guide to implementing the Lean Startup methodology, which can help healthcare organizations to develop and test new ideas quickly and efficiently. Readers will learn how to use the Lean Startup method to identify and solve customer problems, and how to create a culture of innovation within their organization.
The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Hardcover
$$
The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Hard Thing About Hard Things
Save
Provides insights into the challenges of building a successful business, particularly in the face of adversity. Readers will learn about the importance of vision, resilience, and execution, and how to overcome the obstacles that can stand in the way of success.
The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a...
Hardcover
$$
The Hard Thing About Hard Things [Hardcover] By Ben...
Paperback
$$
(Español) Emprender y liderar una startup: El duro camino has...
Kindle Edition
$
The Hard Thing About Hard Things [Hardcover],...
Paperback
$$
The hard thing about hard things: ondernemen zonder...
Paperback
$$$
Summary of 'The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben...
Audible Audiobook
$
Cover image
The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword
Save
Provides insights into the challenges of innovation and how large organizations can overcome them. Readers will learn about the different types of innovation, how to create a culture of innovation, and how to avoid the pitfalls that can lead to failure.
The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword: When...
Hardcover
$$
The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword: When...
Audio CD
$$
The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword: When...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Crossing the Chasm, 3rd Edition
Save
Provides insights into the challenges of marketing and selling new technologies to mainstream customers. Readers will learn about the different stages of the technology adoption lifecycle, how to identify and target early adopters, and how to develop a marketing strategy that will reach and convert mainstream customers.
Crossing the Chasm, 3rd Edition: Marketing and...
Paperback
$$
(中文) Crossing the Chasm: A Guide to Marketing Disruptive...
Paperback
$$
Crossing the Chasm, 3rd Edition: Marketing and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Lean Six Sigma Pocket Toolbook: A Quick...
Save
Provides a comprehensive reference guide to 100 Lean Six Sigma tools.
The Lean Six Sigma Pocket Toolbook: A Quick...
Kindle Edition
$

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Course image
Effort
13 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Northeastern University
Instructors
Paul Levy
John Friar
Language
English
Transcript
tiếng Việt
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on healthcare industry, which is relevant to individuals in the healthcare sector
Taught by Paul Levy and John Friar, recognized experts in healthcare strategy
Builds a strong foundation for understanding business strategy as it relates to healthcare
Provides hands-on experience through individual analysis of a service line
Requires a basic understanding of healthcare industry concepts
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