The main objective of this study is to help the management and stakeholders of Carson Manor nursing home understand how effective the decisions they made on spending were, as far as the provision of quality services to the community was concerned. Purchasing and supply are essential components for achieving these objectives because some of the decisions that the organization makes on expenditure are directly related to the two concepts (Bhardwaj, & VJ, 2007). The items purchased by Carson Manor are the same ones which they supply to their clientele which translates into the quality of life in homes. The quality of life of the departments' staff and residents is a measure of performance for the spending decisions made by the management. Besides, recommendations adopted by the management regarding demand and supply would consequently determine the cost effectiveness of the operations within the home.
If the management were to increase the standard of care in the home, they would improve the quality of life for the residents. However, that would translate into additional staffing costs regarding hiring and training for personnel. The second option is to have an independent firm to carry out an operational review for the home. The consulting firm's strategies would only be an addition to what previous studies recommended. Besides, it is not certain that the management would implement the new recommendations. However, it would be unwise not to employ the services of a consulting firm because its findings would serve as a basis for future development of Carson Manor. It may also discover some crucial details which previous studies did not detect.
The RFP addressed two specific needs at Carson Manor. It addressed the need for the management to apply appropriate expenditure decisions to ensure operational cost effectiveness. It also addressed the need for the firm to make expenditure improve the quality of life of its residents.
The process of soliciting proposals was effective because it came up with real solutions to specific problems facing Carson Manor. Rather than relying on one consultant, Ms. Taylor employed the services of three groups for the RFP. This technique reduced the chances of her basing the decisions on a biased review. It also provided a broad perspective and different points of view which would not be possible under a single consultant.
Reference
Bhardwaj, M K, &, V K. J. (2007). Glossary of Purchasing and Supply Chain Management. New Delhi: Excel Books.
