Module 6
Discussion Thread- Akron Children’s Hospital
XXXXXX
Department of Business, Liberty University
BUSI600: Business Research Methods (D05)
XXXXXX
XXXXXXX
Q1. What is the management-research question hierarchy for Akron Children’s Hospital?
The management-research question in this case study is how to gain more customers to
increase the bed occupancy rate. Akron Children’s Hospital is the region’s largest pediatric care
provider with 253 beds. The Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic are
also very highly ranked children’s hospitals. This presented the management at Akron
Children’s Hospital with a dilemma. Management identified the dilemma as declining sales. I
know this may sound inhumane since the goal of Akron Children’s Hospital is to treat sick
children, but they were in the process of losing market share to two other competing hospitals.
Akron needed to determine how they could gain the confidence of their market once again.
Llopis (2013, November 4) wrote that there are four ways that effective leaders solve problems.
They are transparent communication, break down silos (how to make the organization better),
open-minded people, and a solid foundational strategy.
In this case study, Akron Children’s Hospital knew that a change needed to be made and
communicated that need. People within in the organization spoke up and determined that they
needed help. Therefore, Marcus Thomas LLC was hired for their insights and recommendations
(Schindler, 2004, p 2). Second, the way they broke down the silos was to hire the assistance of
an outside organization. Akron Children’s Hospital was still committed to helping children, but
they needed to communicate the message. Next, they had open minded people. Marcus
Thomas LLC introduced a concept that hadn’t been thought of before. They devised a plan that
would expand to neighboring counties. Also, they conducted research that included shadowing
physicians, parents, and child patients to record the emotional connections that went into the
decision-making process. Lastly, they used a solid foundational strategy. Once all the research
was complete, Marcus Thomas LLC determined a brand promise that would be the foundation of
trust with their customers.
Q2. What are the advantages/disadvantages of an observation study for this research?
The first advantage to the observation study is the first-hand observation of the
physicians, parents, and child patients. Marcus Thomas LLC was able to shadow each one and
