It not only covers the basics of operations management, but also explains how operations and process improvement relate to contemporary healthcare trends such as evidence-based medicine and pay-for-performance. The book's practical approach includes real-world examples to illustrate concepts and explanations of software tools that solve operational problems. Key Features: * Provides methodologies to align strategic and operational goals, including the use of project management tools and balanced-scorecard techniques to execute and monitor projects * Thoroughly explores process improvement tools, techniques, and programs, including Six Sigma, the Lean enterprise, and simulation * Applies performance improvement tools to supply chain management, scheduling, and other healthcare issues * Includes examples from a fictitious but realistic organization that illustrate important concepts discussed in each chapter * Includes chapter overviews, key terms and acronyms, discussion questions, and problems for each chapter * Provides a companion website that features Excel templates, Arena models, tutorials, exercises, PowerPoint presentations, and web links Included CD-Rom: The book explains and demonstrates the use of various software tools associated with problem solving and decision making including Microsoft Excel and Project. A version of Arena software is included in order to practice process modeling. Arena is a powerful simulation tool used by healthcare organizations to optimize patient flow, develop scheduling systems, and improve patient-care processes.

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