Strategic Management in Radiology Department

"nA radiologist makes literally hundreds of decisions each day, but once each of those decisions is made, the case is finished. The radiologist is free to move on to the next set of decisions. Radiology practice administrators, in contrast, may be tied up solidly for 6 months while carrying out one business decision. The decision-making processes, environments, and timetables differ so greatly between physicians and administrators that bridging those cultural gaps becomes, in itself, an important step in planning, strategic and operational. "nOne of the main premise is that there is no “Holy Grail” to be found in strategic management, only an understanding that planning and change are the responsibility of senior management in radiology sector. "nIn fact, it is now their primary job in today’s radiology world of constant change, “Analogue to Digital”. "nExcellent organizations don’t just have a budgeting cycle each year; they have a “strategic management” cycle led by senior management as they work on the organization, rather than just in the organization. As planning is just the first function of management, and strategic planning is just the highest order of planning and the purview of senior management in every radiology department, then every department has three basic goals: "n1. Develop strategic and operational plans. "n2. Ensure their successful implementation and change. "n3. Build and sustain high performance over the long term.