QUESTION: Assume that you have been asked to procure a new integrated software application for patient records management. Describe the process you would follow to shortlist suppliers for this purpose. How will you determine if the supplier is an approved National Health Service (NHS) supplier?

Note: The NHS refers to the set of public healthcare systems within the UK.

Your answer should discuss the following points: .How would you determine requirements? For example: How would you determine what capabilities the software application is required to have? .What criteria would you use to select the suppliers? Cite two different approaches that you can use to make your decision. Compare and contrast these approaches, identifying their strengths and weaknesses. Which one would you choose and why? .How would you narrow the list of suppliers down to the top three candidates?

REQUIREMENT:

1) Please make sure that you cite and reference all sources properly, as per the Harvard Referencing System which should include: a)Sollish, F., & Semanik, J. (2012) The Procurement and Supply Manager's Desk Reference. 2nd ed. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons. b) Project Management Institute (2008) A guide to the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK). 4th ed. Newton Square: Project Management Institute.

2) Word Count: 1000