Strategic planning remains an important and frequently used management tool. A sound strategic plan helps hospitals and systems cope with the variety of contingencies that arise in the changing healthcare environment. This simple and straight-forward book provides you with practical guidance to address short-term pressures as well as to achieve long-term goals. Descriptions, examples, and guidelines will lead you step by step through a proven strategic planning process. Strategic planning in the healthcare environment has evolved significantly since the first edition of this book was published. This edition invigorates the discussion with many new ideas and additional information. The text is illustrated with a large number of diagrams and tables. Intended for students pursuing courses in hospital administration and students of nursing, the book would be equally useful to all professionals engaged in hospital administration, and nursing administration.