Introduction
The Internet is a global network that has greatly transformed business operations in the contemporary world. While there are negative aspects associated with the Internet, organizations can use it to improve efficiency, fight competition, and delight customers.
This paper provides a discussion on the use of the Internet at MD Anderson Cancer Hospital. The hospital was established in 1941 by the University of Texas and is recognized as one of the most outstanding cancer centers in the world.
Internet Advertising at MD Anderson Cancer Hospital
MD Anderson Cancer Hospital uses the Internet to convey information to existing as well as potential clients. Through its website, the hospital provides the public with useful information about its products and services. It is thus possible for anyone to learn so much about the organization from its website.
Among other things, the website presents guests with information about its history, existing care centers and clinics, cancer and cancer related issues, as well as planned events (MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2014). Apart from retaining existing clients, the hospital is able uses the Internet to attract potential customers.
Using the Internet to Communicate with Employees, Customers, and Partners
As explained in the previous section, the hospital’s website provides access to a lot of information about its services and activities. Customers can therefore get updates on any new services or developments that may be beneficial to them. The information on the website is also accessible to partners and employees.
Besides using the website to relay information about the company to interested parties, the hospital administration uses an email system to communicate with employees, customers, and partners on specific matters.
Using the Internet for Marketing Research
With the help of the Internet, an organization can easily learn how to improve efficiency and serve customers with dignity. The Internet at MD Anderson Cancer Hospital provides a useful means for gaining access to critical information about the industry. Services available via the Internet enable the hospital to understand the prevailing market conditions in order to package its products appropriately.
With a perfect knowledge of the market situation, MD Anderson Cancer Hospital is also able to figure out the best way to utilize the four P’s model of marketing to excel and successfully deal with competition.
Using the Internet for Value Adding Services
The Internet presents a number of services that can add great value to the operations of MD Anderson Cancer Hospital. These include social media networks, communication, and e-commerce to name but a few (Bidgoli, 2004). Using these services, the hospital will be able to cut down its operating expenses, collaborate better with partners, differentiate itself from competitors, and extend its market reach. Supply chain solutions, for example, can help the hospital to efficiently handle the entire procurement cycle and to collaborate well with service providers. Clearly, this improves important processes such as ordering, delivering, and payment.
The Internet and the Hospital’s Strategic Plan
MD Anderson Cancer Hospital envisions being the best service provider in the sector by delivering high quality services to all its customers. Considering that this has to be achieved through quality patient care, research and education, the Internet will play a big role in ensuring that the hospital succeeds in its endeavors. With the help of the Internet, the hospital will be able to conduct research that will facilitate the provision of quality services to customers.
Conclusion
There is enough evidence that the Internet is very critical to the operations of MD Anderson Cancer Hospital. By taking advantage of the opportunities presented by the Internet, the hospital will be able to delight its customers and effectively deal with competition.
References
Bidgoli, H. (2004). The Internet Encyclopedia. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Web.
MD Anderson Cancer Center. (2014). Patients and Public Events. Web.