This is a complex situation in an organization that has had a difficult history (e.g., mismanagement, nurses strike, low patient satisfaction, problems in the ED-lifeline to the hospital). Newcastle lacks well-defined organizational and IT strategies. The ED has a unique set of challenges, and it serves as the lifeline to hospital admissions, with over half of all admissions entering through the ED. Patient satisfaction in the ED is low, patients complain of long waits, physicians have been resistant to change, and the data available within the ED to track performance measures has been either unreliable or non-existent. This case study illustrates a real challenge faced by many hospitals. There are a number of underlying factors that contribute to the perception of poor quality. Some of these issues are captured within the case and will need to be carefully examined.

1. Differentiate between a centralized and decentralized IT departmental structure as it pertains to customer responsiveness, innovation, functionality, staffing, management of resources, supervisor oversight, and strategic planning.

2: Identify and discuss the core IT competencies and capabilities in a typical healthcare organization (based on support and service, care improvement, and technical infrastructure).

3: Evaluate the effectiveness of an IT department with a special emphasis on governance, budget development and resources allocation, systems acquisition, system implementation, IT service level.

4: Formulate IT strategic and tactical plans that align with the organizations strategies, plans, and initiatives to ensure congruency.

5. Give four references and a conclusion