American University Armenia Yerevan Armenia
Human Resources Management In Health Care with Selected Concepts of Organizational Theory & Organizational Behaviour
Activity 1: Developing Syllabi
During this activity main topics were selected. It was decided to develop comprehensive syllabi with detailed description of used literature, overview of the course, methods. This kind of syllabi was a new standard in teaching and was well received from students. Syllabi was developed in English and after peer reviewing it was translated into Armenian and Russian.
Activity 2: Developing teaching materials
Teaching materials for this course are developed using existing materials, provided by the School of Health Care Management (SCHMA), as well as articles from scientific journals and books. It was a priority to adapt teaching materials to the needs of
Activity 3: Developing manual
Manual for this course consists of handouts, cases and reading material. Manual was distributed among students in class after each session. During the first part of the session a power point presentation was delivered, followed later by discussions and exercises.
Activity 4: Translation of teaching materials
All teaching materials were developed in Armenian. During this activity teaching materials were translated into English and Russian.
Activity 5: Teaching the course
The course was intended for professionals who hold managerial and executive positions in health services organizations (not necessarily in human resource departments).
A group of 12 professionals was selected and 2 weeks course was organized. All participants received certificate of completion.
Course Description (Overview)
The course is designed to expose course participants to the main concepts of Human Resources Management (HRM) in health care. The subjects covered include the major managerial functions of the human resource management “circle”, such as human resources planning; job design, staff recruitment, selection and orientation; staff retention, development and training; performance appraisal; supervision and support, etc. HRM topics are logically built upon the key concepts of general management. Additionally, selected concepts of organizational theory and organizational behavior such as motivation, leadership and teamwork will be discussed.
Course Goals and Objectives
a) The overall goal is to create a favourable environment for the introduction of the updated principles and approaches to effective and efficient human resource management within health care organizations.
b) General objectives:
The purpose of this course is to give participants systemized background knowledge and develop basic skills in Human Resources Management.
The behavioral objectives for the course are:
- to increase understanding of human resource issues, problems and solutions,
- to develop skills in problem diagnosis, critical thinking and problem solving,
- to provide effective management of human resources in health care through assessment of situation, development and implementation of a plan of action.
One of the critical tasks on the way of achieving these objectives is the assurance that course participants understand that human resource management is more than the function of the personnel office.
c) More specific objectives:
It is expected that at the conclusion of this course, trainees will be able to:
- Describe the basic principles of governance of health services organizations, key management roles and functions.
- Compare and contrast different healthcare systems and health policies.
- Determine and apply an appropriate leadership style in a given job situation by using the situational leadership model.
- Communicate and present ideas in both formal and informal settings.
- Use a systematic approach / logical model in executing decision-making and problem solving functions.
- Utilize different motivational techniques (tools) for creating an environment that stimulates the motivation for good performance in employees.
- Understand the major components of human resource management in health care and HRM’s place within an organization.
- Determine staffing needs by using different methods of estimating these needs and planning human resources.
- Define specific tasks and develop job descriptions for staff members.
- Recruit, select and orient staff.
- Implement staff retention strategies; manage staff turnover effectively.
- Develop performance appraisal form(s) and undertake staff performance evaluation(s).
- Identify staff development strategies, including staff training needs and the development of a training plan.
- Identify the major strategies to provide supervision and support to the staff.
- Enhance team building and teamwork
Target audience
The course is intended for professionals who hold managerial and executive positions in health services organizations (not necessarily in human resource departments).
As a short-term/one-week training course, health care managers/administrators from different levels of Marzes’ health care system may participate as trainees. Diversity of their professional backgrounds and managerial experiences will enrich and enhance the learning process within the group. Interdisciplinary participation is required.
Methods
The basic principles of the course are competency-based and task-oriented, using adult learning methodologies and aiming not simply to transfer knowledge, but to develop skills, attitudes and competences within the target audience of the course.
The course follows an adult-teaching model and action training methodology. Active participation and discussion by the trainees is encouraged, so that the learning process is facilitated and a friendly and favorable environment for learning and exchange of ideas is created.
The course uses a range of teaching methodologies and techniques including readings, interactive lectures, guided class- and small group discussions, role-plays and games, experiential exercises and case-studies along with group and individual presentations.
Activity 5: Online development of the course
After successful pilot course all teaching materials were peer- reviewed and checked once more. Also teaching material were adapted to independent learning requirements needed for e-learning. Peer reviewers are Kathleen White from
Activity 7: Final report
Final report was prepared in December 2005. It includes all teaching materials used during pilot course and last report from AUA’s accountant office about budget of the project.
Price: 
