Explain the purpose of variance analysis to the Board members

Each of the following problems is a case problem that you may face as a health care manager. Write a clear response as if you were responding to a memo that was presented to you. Make sure that you utilize excellent writing skills, and your thoughts are complete. The answers must be typed. Make sure your name is on each page, and your answers identify the questions being answered. You may utilize your textbook and notes to answer the exam questions. Note that each question is worth 40 points, and you may select any five (5) of the six (6) questions to answer. This is an individual assignment. Spelling, grammar, and/or typographical errors may cause you to lose points. This exam must be completed and submitted by the final day of class by 11:59 PM. No late exam submission will be accepted. Scholarly references are required for each question.
1. You are the CEO of Lakeshore Regional Medical Center and are reviewing the planning and budgeting process for the next fiscal year, with the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors. They want to change the process and are considering options. They have requested that you review the following options and provide them with a written response in the form of a memo. Write this memo as if you were writing to individuals that were new to these concepts.

a. Should the budget be zero-based or conventional?
b. Are you in favor of a top-down or bottom-up process?

c. Should the budget be fixed or flexible?

d. Explain the purpose of variance analysis to the Board members.

e. Explain to the Board members how planning and budgeting are linked.

2. MEMORANDUM

TO: BILL RIGHT, RADIOLOGY DIRECTOR

FROM: JEFF BROWN, CFO

SUBJECT: CAPITAL BUDGET

DATE: xx/xx/xxxx

____________________________________________________

I need your assistance in preparing the capital budget for the hospital. It is my understanding that the CAT scanner needs replacement during the next fiscal year. Please explain, via a return memo, the financial analysis that you have conducted to determine the viability of the replacement project. Be

Final Exam Name_______________________

Page 2

sure, to explain how cash flow analysis and breakeven analysis affect this decision.

3. You are the Administrator of The Miami Internal Medicine Group, P.A. You and your CPA have decided to implement a planning and budgeting program for the group practice. Please explain the process you would use and the type or types of budgets that you would develop and why.

4. You are a guest lecturer in graduate finance and budget course. Please explain to the students the importance of the planning and budgeting process. Tell them about the various types of plans that they might be required to develop in their workplace.

5. You are attending a meeting with the Board of Directors of The Miami Heart  Group, P.A. The doctors are concerned about the large amount of cash that

accumulates in the practice checkbook for long periods. Explain to them cash management and how you think they might approach putting this money to work earning interest.
At the same Board of Directors meeting mentioned in Question 5, the doctors ask you to explain how capitation affects the breakeven point for the practice.