Supply Chain and Business Process Evaluation Case Study (Case Study Sample)

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Supply Chain and Business Process Evaluation
Introduction
The complexity of business processes cannot be overemphasized and the level of competition that exists in different markets makes those processes even more complex (Alexander & Gregory, 244). Therefore, businesses endeavor to make all of their operations as effective as possible so as to remain relevant in the market. In order to do so, they have to constantly analyze and evaluate themselves in relevance to market so that they can come up with strategies that will give them a competitive edge in the market.
For many years, research has been done with the major aim of coming up with models and business analysis tools to help business owners to do a thorough evaluation of their businesses. By using these tools, businesses are able to find out major issues that are facing their businesses and therefore they are able to make corrective steps for constant improvement. “The Fishbone Analysis” tool is one of the most popular analysis models of the recent times. In this essay, this model will be used to figure out problems in a case study of St. Lucy Hospital also provide possible solutions to the problems.
Background information
The case study on St. Lucy Hospital is concerned with the supply chain management of the hospital and how to make it as effective as possible. The study shows that the process is facing major challenges especially those of haphazardness and lack of coordination. There is lack of a proper chain of command, no proper stocking procedures for supplies, too many suppliers, and employees are unlinked to the hospital system. This has made the hospital to lose its long-lasting reputation of providing high quality services.
Statement of the problem
Lack of proper equipment
Procuring the right equipment and utilizing them to their full capacity is the backbone of any successful operation (Alexander & Gregory, 245). The supply chain management of St. Lucy Hospital is faced with the challenge of inadequate equipments and the available equipments are not fully utilized. The equipments are also not well maintained due to lack of technical support. The high cost of equipment is the major impediment to acquiring the proper equipment and thus the hospital is left behind in terms of having a competitive advantage.
Faulty processes
An efficient supply chain and operation process is vital to an effective business process. A sound business process is one that ensures business success by ensuring synergy and contributing towards effective service and product delivery (Alexander & Gregory, 247). St. Lucy Hospital has an extremely faulty stock management and ordering system. This is evident from the occasional stock short falls and overstocking at other times. Too many suppliers and a high lead time worsen the situation.
Misdirected employees
Employees make up the backbone of an organization. When the employees of an organization are not well motivated and directed, it becomes extremely hard for the organization to grow. The coordination of the employees at St. Lucy hospital is wanting. Very few of the staff members actually know there job descriptions and the rest spend most of the time in power struggles and distrust. This has led to failure in the supply management system of the hospital and also failure of the organizational goals at large.
Poor stock management
A smooth running and well performing supply chain management system cannot exist without proper stock management. The stock management system of St. Lucy Hospital is extremely messed up. There is no clearly defined ordering system wish leads to duplicity of orders and there is no proper storage capacity for the available stock. This has led to high cost of supplies and lack of stock when required.Problem solution
Lack of proper equipment
Firstly the hospital needs to establish an equipment management system that is able to track and account for each and every equipment. The system should be able to analyze the utility of all equipments for purposes of maintenance and replacement when necessary. This will ensure that all the equipment is used to maximum capacity. Secondly the hospital should outsource experts who will provide valuable information during the procurement of new equipments. The experts should also be able to advice on the use of the new equipment.
Faulty processes
An electronic ordering system could be the most effective way of solving the crisis the stock management and ordering system the hospital is facing. The electronic system will be able to track the entire available stock and keep proper records. Most importantly, it will solve the problems of under stocking, overstocking and faulty ordering processes like duplicity. It will also be easier and more efficient if the hospital dealt with fewer suppliers who are efficient.
Misdirected employees
The hospital should provide each and every employee with a job description that spells out the individual responsibility that every employee has to the hospital. This will enhance coordination among employees and also improve ...