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Analysis & Critical Thinking
The ability to analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make evidence-informed decisions in a complex and dynamic environment is the third core competency of the MPA program. This page provides examples of analytical and critical thinking skills.
Private Equity in Healthcare: A Problematic Trend
This paper examines the increasing and problematic role that private equity (PE) groups are playing in the management of healthcare organizations. PE management has proven to be problematic because of how these groups acquire healthcare organizations as well as their detrimental effects on patient outcomes, care providers, and healthcare facilities. Each of these points will be analyzed and backed by evidence to educate readers on the severity of this problem. Several solutions are also proposed based on this analysis, including stronger regulation and executive action. Overall, PE management and their prioritization of profits over patients is ill-suited for the healthcare field. It is incumbent upon public administrators to be aware of this growing issue within America’s dynamic healthcare system. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the administrator to identify these types of problems, analyze their complexity, and make evidence-informed decisions on behalf of the public.
Space Shuttle Columbia: Analysis of a Disaster
This paper applies the four-frame model presented by Lee Boleman and Terrence Deal’s Reframing Organizations: Artistry, Choice, and Leadership to the events surrounding the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. The four-frame model can be deployed by administrators when managing public organizations and includes structural, human resource, political, and symbolic perspectives. Reframing complex problems through multiple frames can create a more comprehensive analysis of an issue. When applied to Columbia, complications that contributed to the disaster can be identified within each of the frames. Communication failures, unapproachable management, power struggles, and a culture of infallibility were just a few of the problems that were discovered. Alternatively, viewing the Columbia disaster from a single perspective would leave administrators with an incomplete analysis of what transpired. The practice of thoroughly evaluating mistakes of the past, and applying the four-frame method, will provide administrators with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Skills that are imperative to identifying, and hopefully avoiding, future catastrophes.