Course content
The course is intended to be an introduction to the theory and practice of management for specialists moving into leadership roles in the health care field. It is intended to support the content and outcome orientation of core analytical and health policy courses, by providing relevant knowledge and skills for formulating and leading organisational development and change. Students will explore the evolution of management theories and their implementation in health care contexts, reflecting on their own practice and developing skills to apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges. Course coverage includes:
Management in theory and practice
The course examines the evolution of health care management in theory and practice, from scientific management to contemporary approaches like systems thinking. Students will analyse how these frameworks have shaped management practices and develop critical understanding of their applicability across diverse health care settings. This theoretical foundation connects directly to practical challenges facing health care managers today.
Vision, mission and strategy
Students will explore perspectives on strategy relevant to health care organisations, including various approaches to strategic planning and decision-making. The course examines strategic management frameworks orientated towards both public organisations and for-profit organisations, considering how these different contexts shape strategic choices. The section explores strategic management for public value creation and how health care organisations can balance multiple stakeholder interests while pursuing their mission. Innovation management is emphasised as a critical component of health care strategy.
Organisational structure and coordination
This course will explore organisational design principles in health care, exploring approaches to coordination and integration across traditionally siloed services. Students will examine the tension between specialisation and collaborative care, studying structural responses to evolving health care demands. Case studies of organisational redesign provide practical insights into implementation challenges and success factors.
Financial management for value-based health care
Students will explore how financial analysis informs strategy and decision making in health care. Financial management is presented as a critical competency for delivering quality care within resource constraints, with an emphasis on measuring costs and outcomes, financial incentive structures, and the potential and challenges of implementing value-based health care models.
Managing performance, learning and improving
The course will address continuous improvement and organisational learning in health care. Students will develop understanding of approaches to performance management and quality improvement methodologies. The course addresses challenges in measuring performance in complex health care systems, the implementation of learning health systems, and the role of culture in driving improvement.
Leadership, culture and changeThe final section examines leadership theories and styles in health care contexts, analysing approaches to organisational change and transformation. Students will develop skills in planning and implementing change initiatives while managing resistance. The course explores leadership capabilities for navigating complexity and uncertainty, with emphasis on creating cultures of excellence that support continuous improvement in health care delivery and outcomes.