Improvement Goals: Achieving Sustainable Growth & Performance - Research Paper

Introduction

An improvement goal is a specific goal that is supported by various changes and activities aimed at making a previously deteriorating situation much better. An improvement goal can be applied to a person's lifestyle, a company's way of operation, and also to the running of a hospital facility. An improvement goal is not only a one-time activity but a continuous process that promotes sustainability and promises growth in terms of improved performance, improved service delivery, increased profitability, efficient processes of operation, a happier working environment and a general feeling of satisfaction from the clients as well (Goldratt & Cox, 2016). These are some of the indicators that can be used to measure the changes done to a previously dormant institution. Growth can only be positive, negative growth would indicate that the goals were not well aligned with the proposed changes, or the challenges could not be easily overcome.

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Resources in a Project Plan

For any project to be successful, different resources would be required. A well-detailed plan is necessary to improve and bring about change in the proposed project. These resources include but are not limited to the following;

• A well-detailed budget that shows estimated amounts needed to carry out the research
• A well-detailed resource plan document that captures the time schedules, the total number of projected personnel and equipment required to accomplish the goal.
• A sample medical facility representative of those intended for the proposed change. The nurses who work there would be used as a sample population for interviews, the equipment to be analyzed such as the beds, the hospital machinery, the working hours, the staff and the patients will be used in quantitative analysis to make comparisons.

Time Frame for Project Plan Implementation

A working schedule is essential when carrying out any research. A time frame plays a vital role in ensuring that the project is on track, resources are assigned adequately, and quality of the project is maintained to reduce any prolonged period that will result in significant delays. Below is a proposed working timeframe.

The study will be done in 6 weeks, therefore:

• Week 1; planning and budgeting for the survey
• Week 2; identifying the sample populations under study, and getting permits
• Week 3; Visiting the identified samples and conduct interviews, surveys, FGDs
• Week 4; carrying out online research, review online literature and web-based analysis
• Week 5; Finalize on the research findings and compile a project paper
• Week 6; Report the findings and do a presentation for proposed recommendations

Data Collection Mechanisms

We would use various data collection methods to help us through this planning and implementation period, and for this study project to support the need for change. A quantitative approach would be desirable. The use of surveys, carrying out interviews and filling in questionnaires are some mechanisms we would use. For the interviews and questionnaires, we will use both closed and open-ended questions to gain clarity and in-depth information. Holding focused group discussions with the sample population under study will also be a method used. In this case, the sample population will include the hospital management, the working staff, and a sample patient population that will act as critical respondents of our proposed study. These methods will provide us with first-hand numerical information that will help in making proper findings. Further, online content analysis, social network analysis and conducting web-based analysis will also be used in finding quality data that will form part of literature review, comparing the past and present situations (Goldratt & Cox, 2016).

Change and Leadership Theories That Ensure the Success of A Project Plan

According to Winkler (2010), leadership plays an important role to ensure effective delivery of a project plan. Leadership styles vary from one region to another, but to build a more competent team and better project management, specific theories may be applied to ensure the success of a proposed project. These include situational theory, paticipative theory and the contingency theory.

Situational Theory expects the project leader to be able to make decisions based on the situation on hand. According to Patterson (2010), it is essential to have such an attribute in project management, which may require unexpected adjustments concerning equipment, methodology, and even weather changes.

Participative theory guides the leader to consider all the inputs from the team members. To record a successful implementation, a leader must ensure that the project personnel co-exists harmoniously, are satisfied and have positive feelings amongst themselves. This will boost the productivity of the team and a thus good result (Patterson, 2010).

The contingency theory doesn't follow any style but is generally required during emergencies in case things don't fall into the plan as earlier expected. A contingency theory is always dependent on a predetermined outcome. Some of the leadership styles may include; autocratic, transactional, bureaucratic, and charismatic, transformational, democratic, and laissez-faire style of leadership (Winkler, 2010).

Different people may prefer different styles of leadership. This notwithstanding, great leaders should be able to quickly adapt to any style to assist and generate a positive outcome.

References

Winkler, I. (2010). Contemporary Leadership Theories: Enhancing the Understanding of the Complexity,

Subjectivity and Dynamic of Leadership. Heidelberg: Physica-VerlagWinkler, I. (2010). Contemporary Leadership Theories: Enhancing the Understanding of the Complexity,

Subjectivity and Dynamic of Leadership. Heidelberg: Physica-VerlagWinkler, I. (2010). Contemporary Leadership Theories: Enhancing the Understanding of the Complexity,

Subjectivity and Dynamic of Leadership. Heidelberg: Physica-VerlagGoldratt, E. M., & Cox, J. (2016). The goal: a process of ongoing improvement. Routledge. https://www.amazon.com/Goal-Process-Ongoing-Improvement/dp/0884271951

Patterson, J. H. (2010). Leadership: project management essential. Production and InventorManagement Journal, 46(2), 73. https://search.proquest.com/openview/f1294ef16099b8d5f7655aa4c95f20be/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=36911

Winkler, I. (2010). Contemporary leadership theories: Enhancing the understanding of the

Complexity, subjectivity and dynamic of leadership. Springer Science & Business Media. https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783790821574