UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON BUSINESS SCHOOL

“I have applied the knowledge I’ve gained in the program to better
understand and propose solutions for business problems. for example,
i relied on skills learned in Managerial accounting and finance to
enhance the process by which we evaluate business cases to determine
which cases bring the greatest financial benefits.”
GiNa HaRRiS
iMPRoviNG tHe FiNaNCiaL HeaLtH oF yaKiMa vaLLey MeMoRiaL HoSPitaL
Jackie Earl ray, a student in the North America program, is already
applying concepts from the Executive MBA program to her work at
the Yakima valley Memorial Hospital, where she is the Director of
rehabilitation Services.
Jackie’s study group used the not-for-profit hospital to test the
balanced scorecard, an objective method to align individual performance
with an organization’s strategic goals. “We were able to
look at my clinical area and develop an objective, quantifiable tool
to track the progress and success of the program,” Jackie explained.
The balanced scorecard is now being used on a quarterly basis;
Jackie’s next step will be to implement it at two other clinical sites
and, ultimately, take it department-wide. Although it’s too early to
UW ExEcUTIvE MBA progrAM
Jackie Ray EMBA 2008 and
COO Russ Myers at Yakima
Valley Memorial Hospital.
quantify how much money will be saved, Jackie said, “I can state
that by achieving the goals on the scorecard, we will reduce our
no-show cancellation rate and our employee sick call, which will
increase overall revenue.”
The Executive MBA, however, is not just benefiting Yakima valley
Memorial Hospital. Jackie was recently promoted to her current
position and now has a major increase in responsibility and
considerably more staff. “I really believe that the EMBA definitely
played a part in this promotion,” she said.
russ Myers, chief operating officer at the hospital and Jackie’s
boss, agrees. “The enhanced perspective and business skills that
Jackie has gained from being in the EMBA program is adding to her
natural leadership calling and to her contributions at Memorial.”