Module Descriptors
SYSTEMS THINKING IN HEALTH MANAGEMENT
XCPD70410
Key Facts
Faculty of Health Sciences
Level 7
15 credits
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 36
Independent Study Hours: 114
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- ASSIGNMENT weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Texts
Checkland, P. and Poulter, J. (2006), Learning for Action. Chichester, Wiley.
Pidd, M. (Ed.) (2004), Systems Modelling: Theory and Practice. Chichester, Wiley.
Senge, P. et al. (2005), Presence: Exploring Profound Change in People, Organisations and Society. London: Nicholas Brealey.
Senge, P. (2006 2nd ed), The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organisation. London: Random House.
Pidd, M. (Ed.) (2004), Systems Modelling: Theory and Practice. Chichester, Wiley.
Senge, P. et al. (2005), Presence: Exploring Profound Change in People, Organisations and Society. London: Nicholas Brealey.
Senge, P. (2006 2nd ed), The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organisation. London: Random House.
Module Learning Strategies
Contact Hours: (36)
20 hours On-line activities around sessional activities: 20 hours
6 hours Individual e-mail based tutorials around assignment support: 6 hours
10 hours Tutor interventions in on-line group activities: 10 hours
Independent Study Hours: (114)
50 hours Researching the subject through accessing on-line materials, including reference to case studies involving problem solving and systems modelling in workshops.
45 hours Preparation for Summative assessment
19 hours Group activities with peers
20 hours On-line activities around sessional activities: 20 hours
6 hours Individual e-mail based tutorials around assignment support: 6 hours
10 hours Tutor interventions in on-line group activities: 10 hours
Independent Study Hours: (114)
50 hours Researching the subject through accessing on-line materials, including reference to case studies involving problem solving and systems modelling in workshops.
45 hours Preparation for Summative assessment
19 hours Group activities with peers
Module Resources
Case study material developed by staff.
Access to IT resources and broadband capacity for Blackboard access.
Access to IT resources and broadband capacity for Blackboard access.
Module Indicative Content
Background to different approaches to systems approaches - hard, soft and intermediate.
The application of Systems Thinking to address practical problem situations.
The use of systems approaches as management communication tools.
The nature and use of Soft Systems Methodology in organisational improvement initiatives.
The stages and components of soft systems methodologies.
Systems Dynamics modelling and system archetypes.
Synthesis of different approaches to systems thinking and their application to health care organisations.
Use of case studies from the health care sector to explore the context and appropriateness of applications using systems approaches.
The application of Systems Thinking to address practical problem situations.
The use of systems approaches as management communication tools.
The nature and use of Soft Systems Methodology in organisational improvement initiatives.
The stages and components of soft systems methodologies.
Systems Dynamics modelling and system archetypes.
Synthesis of different approaches to systems thinking and their application to health care organisations.
Use of case studies from the health care sector to explore the context and appropriateness of applications using systems approaches.
Module Additional Assessment Details
One 3,500 word assignment covering all learning outcomes.
This will be a problem focussed case utilising one of the systems approaches and critically reflecting on their choice of methodology.
Additional Assessment Details (including formative feedback / assessment:
Case studies will be used to address problematic issues and feedback will be provided on student work at various points in the module.
This will be a problem focussed case utilising one of the systems approaches and critically reflecting on their choice of methodology.
Additional Assessment Details (including formative feedback / assessment:
Case studies will be used to address problematic issues and feedback will be provided on student work at various points in the module.