Tag: Online Graduate Certificates

New Online Program Launch: The Power of a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Systems Engineering

New Online Program Launch: The Power of a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Systems Engineering

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our newest online program, the 100% online and asynchronous Graduate Certificate Healthcare Systems Engineering.  This degree is ideal for current and future healthcare professionals who are looking to enhance their skillset, improve healthcare processes and procedures, and advance professional leadership roles by gaining technical skills in analytics, predictive modeling, patient safety, and health IT. The online Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Systems Engineering is a 9-credit hour program, with each course delivered in an 8-week course format, 100% online. 

In the rapidly evolving field of healthcare, effective management and optimization of healthcare systems have become crucial. As the demand for high-quality and cost-effective care continues to rise, healthcare organizations are increasingly turning to professionals with expertise in healthcare systems engineering. Our program offers the opportunity for individuals seeking to make a significant impact in the healthcare industry by applying engineering principles and strategies to improve healthcare delivery, patient safety, and operational efficiency. 

Healthcare Systems Engineering is an interdisciplinary field that combines principles from engineering, operations research, management science, and healthcare management. It focuses on developing and implementing innovative solutions to enhance the performance of healthcare systems, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and healthcare supply chains. By employing engineering methodologies, data analysis techniques, and process improvement strategies, healthcare systems engineers aim to optimize workflows, reduce waste, and enhance patient outcomes. 

Benefits of a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Systems Engineering from the University of Louisville include: 

  1. Specialized Knowledge: A graduate certificate program in Healthcare Systems Engineering provides specialized knowledge and skills tailored specifically for the healthcare industry. Participants gain a deep understanding of the complex healthcare system, including the integration of technology, data analysis, and process improvement techniques. 
  1. Operational Efficiency: Healthcare systems engineers are trained to identify inefficiencies in healthcare processes and develop innovative solutions to streamline workflows. By optimizing processes such as patient flow, appointment scheduling, inventory management, and resource allocation, healthcare organizations can enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve patient satisfaction. 
  1. Quality Improvement: Quality improvement is a fundamental aspect of healthcare systems engineering. Students learn how to analyze data, identify quality metrics, and implement evidence-based practices to enhance patient safety and outcomes. By applying engineering principles to healthcare systems, graduates can drive continuous improvement initiatives and promote a culture of excellence within healthcare organizations. 
  1. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Healthcare systems engineering requires collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including clinicians, administrators, engineers, and IT professionals. A graduate certificate program fosters interdisciplinary collaboration by providing opportunities to work on team projects and engage in discussions with professionals from various backgrounds. This collaborative environment enables students to develop effective communication and leadership skills necessary for driving change in complex healthcare settings. 
  1. Career Advancement Opportunities: The demand for healthcare systems engineers is rapidly growing as healthcare organizations recognize the need for innovative approaches to optimize their operations. Graduates of a healthcare systems engineering program are equipped with in-demand skills and are well-positioned for career advancement. They can pursue roles such as healthcare consultants, process improvement specialists, healthcare project managers, or operational leaders within healthcare organizations. 

In an era of increasing complexity in healthcare, the role of healthcare systems engineers has become indispensable. A graduate certificate in Healthcare Systems Engineering equips individuals with the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to drive transformative change in healthcare organizations. By combining engineering principles with healthcare management, graduates can enhance operational efficiency, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to the overall advancement of the healthcare industry. Embracing the principles of healthcare systems engineering is a powerful step towards creating a more efficient, safe, and patient-centered healthcare system.  

If you have questions about online Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Systems Engineering at UofL, need more information on the course structure or guidance on how to get started, feel free to contact our dedicated online enrollment counselors at 800.871.8635 or online@louisville.edu.  

Solid Connections are Essential in Franchising

Solid Connections are Essential in Franchising

By Kathleen Gosser, Ph.D.

Learning is a continuous process, and can come from many different avenues in franchising. Your franchisor will provide you with the information you need for your brand and formal education can provide the business acumen needed to run a business. But there are also other resources for learning and growth in the franchising industry.

Major Franchising Associations

In today’s online world, there are so many resources to guide you in your franchising adventure.

The International Franchising Association (IFA) produces a robust website, with so much information in general and directly from franchisees. Connecting with the IFA is a great source of education. Further, becoming a member gains you access to experts across the industry, who you can learn from as well.

Peer Support

In my experience, franchisees are always willing to help other franchisees. Some franchise organizations have associations that are specifically organized for franchisees to help one another.

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), for example, has associations across the country. KFC’s founder, Colonel Harland Sanders, encouraged the franchisees to form their associations to help each other. These associations provide educational programming, mentoring and other forms of support.

Business School Community

Becoming a part of a university business school community also provides valuable growth opportunities. Often times, there is more learning among the students than even from the course materials or the professors. Lifelong connections can be made in this setting. Business school education focused on franchising—such as the Franchise Management Certificate program from the College of Business at the University of Louisville—can provide critical, practical information on running a franchise business.

Being an avid learner is a key to success as a franchisee. With technology driving so many advancements in our world, staying in touch with fellow franchisees and continuing your own learning will make a difference in your business.

For more information on the Franchise Management Certificate from the College of Business at the University of Louisville visit uofl.me/2WCGeMI

Dr. Kathleen Gosser (PhD, University of Louisville) is an experienced leader in the franchise industry and a passionate educator. In her 30 year career in the franchise industry, she has enjoyed numerous roles, including leadership of customer satisfaction programs, operations measurement, employee recognition, training and team member engagement efforts. She also had direct P&L accountability as the Region Coach of 10 restaurants in Louisville, Kentucky.

This blog post was originally published on Fransocial.

Business Knowledge Equals Business Results In Franchising

Business Knowledge Equals Business Results In Franchising

By Kathleen Gosser, Ph.D.

Buying a franchise provides you with the business format including products and branding; however, your franchisor expects that you have the business acumen it takes to run a great franchise, take necessary risks, follow all legalities and maximize sales and profits.

Is all of that business knowledge given to you with your franchise agreement? Sadly, no it is not.

It is up to you as the franchisee to have that knowledge to run a great business. The current marketplace is highly competitive and without deep knowledge of basic business skills, it will be difficult to succeed. 

What business knowledge should you have to supplement your franchisor support? 

Know the Legal Landscape

The first step is to ensure you understand all of the legal fabric of franchising. This includes a thorough knowledge of the Federal Disclosure Document and the franchise agreement. While ensuring an attorney evaluates all documents, it is important that you as the franchisee understand what these documents mean as this is your investment and livelihood that could be at risk.

Understand Financials

You also need to have a strong understanding of financials. This includes knowing what it takes to make a return on your investment. You’ll need to understand where to get the investment dollars you need in the beginning.

Then, managing a Profit and Loss statement is a critical role for every franchisee. Knowing all the manageable expenses in the P&L and how to minimize costs while maximizing profits AND taking care of your employees and customers is a skill that takes time. Knowing how to leverage labor costs and manage cost of goods sold are two areas of the P&L that will make the most difference in your profitability. Before you embark on a franchise adventure, having a clear foundation of knowledge in this area is imperative.

The Knowledge to Succeed

These are just two areas that require extensive business familiarity. While you could learn this in the marketplace, it will take a great deal of time. A solid business school education will provide the springboard you need to success quickly.

For more information on the program, visit uofl.me/2E7vHTf.

Dr. Kathleen Gosser (PhD, University of Louisville) is an experienced leader in the franchise industry and a passionate educator. In her 30 year career in the franchise industry, she has enjoyed numerous roles, including leadership of customer satisfaction programs, operations measurement, employee recognition, training and team member engagement efforts. She also had direct P&L accountability as the Region Coach of 10 restaurants in Louisville, Kentucky.

This blog post was originally published on Fransocial.

Franchisee Leadership Makes A Difference

Franchisee Leadership Makes A Difference

By Kathleen Gosser, Ph.D.

In order to ensure consistency, your franchisor will have established standards and procedures for their franchise locations. The goal of the franchisor is to guarantee uniformity so that customers have the same experience at each location. To ensure compliance with these standards, your franchisor will most likely have regular audits.

However, in order to excel in today’s world, a franchisee should have his/her own leadership footprint in the operations—going above and beyond the minimum standards set by the franchisor.

By definition, franchising means you are provided with a business plan that has a proven track record of results. Your franchisor will provide you with this business model, which will guide you in getting your franchise up and running. 

What is Leadership Footprint?

It is your mark as a franchisee on your business. You own the culture of your establishments. Though your franchisor will have goals and a vision, you should too. You should share your values with your teams so they understand and recognize your leadership.

You also should have your own strategic vision of where you want to take your franchise in the future. 

Having an annual operating plan as well as a 3- or 5-year vision is critical for success. Your franchisor will have goals for the entire system, but only you can know what you expect in your own operation. 

Defining Your Strategy

Understanding how to write a mission statement, vision statement and strategic plans is essential for success. You may be able to survive a year or two, but to be truly successful, you need to define the roadmap for where you are headed. This would include goals around sales, profits, people and growth. 

This is the type of information you won’t necessarily learn from your franchisor—and yet another reason why additional education from an accredited b-school is critical in your journey. With a program like the Franchise Management Certificate from the College of Business at the University of Louisville, you can learn the necessary skills to create a strategic plan as well as learn proven leadership theories.

For more information on the program, visit uofl.me/2E7vHTf.

Dr. Kathleen Gosser (PhD, University of Louisville) is an experienced leader in the franchise industry and a passionate educator. In her 30 year career in the franchise industry, she has enjoyed numerous roles, including leadership of customer satisfaction programs, operations measurement, employee recognition, training and team member engagement efforts. She also had direct P&L accountability as the Region Coach of 10 restaurants in Louisville, Kentucky.

This blog post was originally published on Fransocial.