Question

Continuing with the case: Community Blood Center of the Carolinas: Donations, Donations, Donations, Complete a full case analysis incorporating your work from your SWOT analysis this week. Use the following format to complete this assignment.

An introduction

Definition of the problem.

Identification of the stakeholders.

Identification of alternative solutions.

Evaluation of alternative solutions.

Solution chosen and how to implement it with the stakeholders.

Conclusion and reflection of this process.

Answer 1

SWOT Analysis

Regarding this case study, SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis is identified as as well as analyzed in order to evaluate the communities different procedures, decisions,weaknesses and strengths and identify other strategies that could be related to a possible alternative to the current plan. SWOT analysis involves listing the organizations strengths and weaknesses as well as perceived external opportunities and threats (Swayne, Duncan & Ginter, 2008, p. 248).

STRENGTHS	WEAKNESSES
Discussions with the American Red Cross (ARC) for possible pricing negotiations Talking/networking with other hospitals to find out about their issues/identify opportunities Collaboration with hospitals Feasibility study Memberships to ABC and AABB Local control of operations leading to lower costs. High regard for customer service, regulatory compliance and QA standards	Began operation without licensing Big initial goals High volume of staff at start-up Leased a facility bigger than what is needed during start-up/ high lease range Competitor advantage over blood collection Decreased ability to attract more donors Increased screening requirements which added to costs and impacted number of donors Inability to meet blood collection volume Budget deficit: higher cost compared to what was budgeted
OPPORTUNITIES	THREATS
Focus on marketing strategies in order to make their presence known and increase sponsorship Hold more blood drives and penetrate the ARC clienteles Provide high level of customer service and satisfaction Identifying the right amount of staff needed to perform the job and the volume so as not to burden the budget Create more business by soliciting other healthcare systems with processing contracts Downsize on square footage of the plant and machineries, just enough to handle the right volume Improve cash flow and re-evaluate payment contracts with customers Focus on immediate plans as above; once resolved immediately move to long-term plans	Increased possibility of losing customers if CBCC continues to not be able to handle the demands of the hospitals Increased possibility of bankruptcy if financial concerns are not addressed Possibility of losing qualified staff who will handle the operations if volume is not brought up Possibility of ARC monopolizing the business again, thus increasing its cost that will affect the hospital’s budget.

SWOT Analysis

            Based on the above data, the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC) need to apply adaptive methods, market strategies and competitive strategies that will position their business alongside competitors. I believe that CBCC had a very strong directional strategy because right from the start, they have been very clear with their goals and the direction they are headed as far as positioning themselves against ARC in order to compete and bring blood prices down which will help out with their budget and finances. They failed to focus and do a good job on the marketing and competitive strategies. In order to be successful, as part of their immediate plan, the company should focus on getting their name out to the community along with their mission and vision. Once they create their presence, they can now move on with market development, highlighting how their services are better compared to ARC. CBCC should then continue to increase their efficiency and product delivery to the customers by increasing volume and increased ability to meet the demands for blood. This is referred to as product development. They also have a bigger task to penetrate the area, especially since they are having difficulty attracting blood donors, whose loyalty remain with the ARC.All of the above strategies are essential to maintain the viability of Community Blood Center of the Carolinas to compete against the American Red Cross.