Assignment : Business Case for Quality – Each student will select a topic and develop a business case for implementing a quality improvement program or project. This assignment includes problem/need identification, market analysis, implementation, plan, implementation timeline, evaluation plan, budget development, and financial analysis.
Rubric
instructions
Business Case for Quality Grading Rubric
/0.5 Introductory paragraph (one paragraph). The paragraph must end with a thesis statement that tells the reader the purpose of the paper and what will be discussed in the paper.
/3 Describe the current situation, state of practice, and summary of existing conditions – Describe the present situation and why change is needed. Include relevant data regarding cost and productivity with the current state of practice. Describe what is not working and make it clear why the proposal should be accepted.
/4 Describe the new program or proposed solution – Presenting the differences in the current state and the future state is considered the gap – your proposal should close this gap. Explain in detail the solution. The proposed change in practice is based on the best available evidence (peer reviewed references required). Research the literature and gather best evidence from professional organizations and regulatory agencies to assure that your analysis and subsequent recommendations are evidence-based. Make your suggested practice change as specific as possible.
/3 Market analysis – Perform a SWOT analysis – a review of the strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats. Include as an appendix.
/3 Implementation plan – Explain how the program will be implemented into practice and describe what needs to be done. A clear and realistic implementation plan and timeline is critical. Things to consider – Will a team need to be created with designated roles and responsibilities? Will a policy need to be revised or developed? Materials and supplies purchased? Staff education?
/3 Timeline – Create a GANTT chart depicting timeline for implementation. Attach as an appendix.
/6 Evaluation plan – Discuss how you will measure effectiveness. Once the proposal has been implemented, how will you know it is effective?
(A.) What structure, process, and outcome measures are appropriate for evaluation? What nurse sensitive outcomes are appropriate for your program? What benchmarks or metrics will aid in the evaluation?
(B.) Return on Investment (ROI ) – The administrative team will expect you provide an evaluation plan that best measures the return on investment (ROI). What is the expected return on investment (ROI)?
/6 Financials – Is the program revenue generating or expense reducing? When will the program break-even? Develop a program budget including direct and indirect costs. Consider projected program costs such as personnel expenses/salaries and operating expenses such as marketing, capital equipment, software, physical space, and revenue. The budget should be attached as an appendix.
/0.5 Conclusions: summarize the essential points of paper in one paragraph.
/1 Executive summary (1 page max) – Attach as an appendix . Use bullet point formatting. The summary should convey what the project is, why it is being proposed, what the projected results will be, and the ROI. An overview of the total budget should be included. If the proposed program or initiative will generate revenues, estimates of the revenue and profits should be included in the executive summary.
/30 Total Points
The paper should be written in a formal, scholarly style, and based on primary resources. Correct APA format is required. The paper should provide an organized flow, logical progression of ideas, and clarity in thought.
For a paper of this length, students are expected to use to use heading consistent with the rubric sections. In addition, students should follow the order of the grading rubric.
References should not be older than 5 years
