The application of STEP analysis within the HSCNI has a great deal of relevance for today’s NHS sector.
This from of analysis is aimed at identifying the external environment in which the organisation operates in.
It is beneficial as it helps define and rationalise important external issues for the organisation.
This is crucial as the very nature of the organisation, is one which is under intense and continual scrutiny.
There is a great deal of accountability and transparency required within this organisation, and STEP analysis is an excellent starting point to provide for this.
Benefits of STEP analysis include: * It provides an understanding of the wider business environment, and helps keep management focused on the relevant issues * It encourages the development of strategic thinking, seeking to address externalities. * It May raise awareness of threats to a particular project, most importantly that of public opinion. * it allows the organisation to prioritise and monitor those factors which greatly influence the sector as a whole.
This tool is used to discipline the identification and anticipation of the external social, Technological, economic and political factors affecting the organisation.
In recent years typical strategies within the NHS anticipate what the organisation is trying to accomplish over periods from a year to five years ahead.
Before an organisation can achieve its strategic goals, it must first understand its current place within the competitive environment. It can then define a strategy to achieve the desired target position.
In terms of STEP analysis, there are a number of areas where it is particularly relevant, and it provides a great deal of insight into identifying the challenges faced by the health service.
The very nature of the services being provided, are those which are aimed at combating