PUB HLTH 7501OL - Doing Business in Health

Online - Online Teaching 5 - 2025

The healthcare system is complex with a myriad of organisations planning and delivering health care across the health continuum. The complexity is intensified by stakeholder?s expectations that health services meet budget allocations while also delivering safe and quality health care. Health services include pharmacies, allied health services, GP clinics, specialty clinics, imaging and diagnostic services and hospitals. This course gives an overview of the Australian health system and describes how these different providers intersect to deliver primary, secondary and tertiary health care to the community. The different approaches to `doing business? by public and private health care providers is explored and the funding models that affect the health sector are detailed. Various solutions like value-based funding, use of technology, workforce development and training, early intervention models and strengthening regional infrastructure have been proposed to address these challenges. This course will discuss these solutions in addition to students learning about the main drivers of the health `business?. Service quality ? including patient safety and accreditation - is discussed along with elements of human resource management, risk management, and governance that are unique to the health sector. Students will come away with an understanding of the key stakeholders in the health sector and will be equipped to address the problems facing delivery of sustainable and quality health care in Australia.

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Course Details

Course Code	PUB HLTH 7501OL
Course	Doing Business in Health
Coordinating Unit	Public Health
Term	Online Teaching 5
Level	Postgraduate Coursework
Location/s	Online
Units	3
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	N
Prerequisites	MANAGEMT 7123OL, MANAGEMT 7124OL, MANAGEMT 7125OL, MANAGEMT 7126OL, ECON 7244OL, MANAGEMT 7127OL, MANAGEMT 7128OL and MANAGEMT 7131OL
Restrictions	Restricted to Master of Business Administration students only

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Dr Athar Qureshi

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .

Course Learning Outcomes

1	Understand the key players involved in the planning, delivery and maintenance of healthcare in Australia
2	Evaluate the significant issues driving the demand for healthcare including demographic, epidemiological and social factors.
3	Analyse the main problems facing the delivery of safe and sustainable healthcare for the Australian population.
4	Appraise various financial, technological, governance, and social propositions to address the challenges facing the Australian healthcare system.
5	Create and apply a sustainable business framework to address the problems facing a mid-size health service.

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.	1, 4, 5
Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.	3, 4, 5
Attribute 7: Digital capabilities Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.	5

Learning Resources

Required Resources

The required reading list per module has been uploaded to the University library.

Access the reading list in your MyUni through Leganto Course Readings.

Recommended Resources

In each module of the course, a variety of material is provided to you as additional/optional resources to expand your learning. These are in addition to the required readings.

Online Learning

Course is in MyUni in modular format and includes announcements, discussion boards, module content, videos, podcast interviews, online readings, and synchronous zoom sessions.

Learning & Teaching Modes

Learning and teaching will include asynchronous learning modules, online weekly tutorials, discussions, videos and practice.

The course adopts a case-based learning approach. Students will be provided with case studies and a number of questions. They need to read the case and provide answers and discuss it in the weekly Zoom tutorial session.

A weekly Zoom Tutorial session is conducted in which the tutor facilitates students’ learning, answers questions, and conducts problem-solving activities with students based on scenarios shared with students in advance (problem-based learning).

Students are expected to conduct ‘independent study’ throughout the course using all the materials and guidance provided to them in advance.

The course uses Australian as well as international resources and includes interviews with industry specialists/practitioners sharing essential insights (hands-on knowledge).

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

Learning Activities Summary

Schedule
Week	Title	Topics
1	Module 1 – Healthcare Systems In this module, you will develop an understanding of the Australian healthcare system, its stakeholders, processes and functions. The purpose of this module is for you to be able to critique the key players involved in the planning and delivery of healthcare in Australia and to compare the Australian system to international healthcare systems. Weekly learning outcomes At the end of this week, you will be able to: examine the principles, structure, and function of healthcare provision in Australia. differentiate the roles that the key stakeholders play within healthcare systems in Australia. examine the various governance and reform mechanisms prevalent in the Australian healthcare system. compare the Australian healthcare system with different international healthcare systems.	The healthcare system and its components and functions. Two-tiered structure and function of the Australian healthcare system. Governance and Accountability in the Australian healthcare system. International healthcare systems.
2	Module 2 – Healthcare Drivers In this module, you will evaluate the drivers of healthcare in Australia and apply the knowledge to your healthcare organisation. The purpose of this module is for you to identify and interpret the issues driving healthcare demand, and to evaluate potential strategies to address these issues. Weekly learning outcomes At the end of this week, you will be able to: evaluate the key features, patterns and determinants of health and illness. analyse the health status of Australian at a population level. evaluate key health services, support, and inequities for (i) aged Australians; (ii) Australians living with disabilities; and (iii) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.	Features of health and illness, including determinants of health. The health status of Australia. Key health services for vulnerable Australians. Health Disparities in Australia
3	Module 3 – Healthcare Financing In this module, you will identify the various funding mechanisms and how they apply to the Australian healthcare system. The purpose of this module is for you to understand the financial challenges facing healthcare organisations and to identify approaches to address these challenges. Weekly learning outcomes At the end of this week, you will be able to: appraise funding systems and healthcare costs and the influence they play in resource allocation and priority setting. analyse the role of governments and markets in health expenditure in Australia. evaluate the role that Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme play in the Australian healthcare system. examine the health insurance framework and policies in Australia. Evaluate the financial challenges in the Australian healthcare system.	Funding systems (federal, state and territory) Healthcare costs Medicare and PBS Private health insurance in Australia
4	Module 4 – Healthcare Workforce In this module, you will examine the healthcare workforce and the role workforce planning and development plays in this process. The purpose of this module is for you to understand the nature and challenges of workforce planning and development in healthcare businesses. Weekly learning outcomes At the end of this week, you will be able to: appraise the characteristics and profiles of the healthcare workforce in terms of supply and demand in Australia. evaluate the principles of healthcare workforce planning and development for their influence on healthcare service provision. examine the role management and leadership play in Australian healthcare organisations. consider the emerging trends and issues in the Australian healthcare workforce.	Healthcare workforce characteristics. Principles of healthcare workforce planning and development. Various healthcare workforce categories in Australia. Management and Leadership in Australian Healthcare.
5	Module 5 – Healthcare Challenges In this module, you will critique the various challenges faced by healthcare businesses to determine solutions relevant to your specific healthcare organisations. The purpose of this module is for you to understand the complexity of the healthcare environment and the issues associated with healthcare business performance. Weekly learning outcomes At the end of this week, you will be able to: evaluate the key categories of healthcare system performance. consider the current and future challenges of healthcare management. examine the policy, governance, and accountability challenges in the Australian healthcare system. debate the challenges in the primary care and acute care sector sectors in Australia.	Healthcare system performance measures. General challenges for healthcare systems. Financial and governance challenges in the Australian healthcare system. Specific challenges in the primary and acute care sectors in Australia.
6	Module 6 – Healthcare Reform In this module, you will evaluate healthcare reform and the various issues that need to be considered in strategic decision-making. The purpose of this module is to enable you to identify approaches that will enable you to address the healthcare challenges facing your organisations. Weekly learning outcomes At the end of this week, you will be able to: determine the goals for evaluating healthcare systems. deconstruct the steps to health sector performance and reform. evaluate the healthcare planning and strategic collaboration and their influence on the business of healthcare. establish an evidence-based approach to decision-making to respond to healthcare challenges.	Evaluating healthcare systems. Principles and steps of healthcare reform. Planning in the healthcare context. Various approaches to address healthcare challenges.

Specific Course Requirements

N/A

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Assessment Task	Assessment Task Type	Due	Assessment Weighting %	Course Learning Outcomes being assessed	Related Weeks
Assessment 1 Comparative Analysis 1800 words	Summative	End of Week 2, Sunday 11.59pm	30%	1, 2	1, 2
Assessment 2 Executive Brief 1200 words	Summative	End of Week 4, Sunday 11.59pm	20%	3	3
Assessment 3 Executive Report 2000 words, and Pitch (3-minute)	Summative	End of Week 6, Sunday 11.59pm	40%	1, 2, 3, 4, 5	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Assessment 4 Critical Business Reflection 800 words	Summative	End of Week 6, Sunday 11.59pm	10%	1, 2, 3, 4, 5	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Assessment Detail

No information currently available.

Submission

Assessments tasks will be submitted through MyUni

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through .

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The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
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Email: info@assureprograms.com.au

Go to the to learn more, or speak to your Student Success Advisor (SSA) on 1300 296 648 (Monday to Thursday, 8.30am–5pm ACST/ACDT, Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm ACST/ACDT)
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Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.

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