Strategic Planning for Health Interventions (SPHI)

In resource poor settings, health intervention managers and planners must give weight to strategies to successfully implement health projects and programmes, without losing sight of the demands and needs of populations. Therefore, the aim of this course is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills relevant to strategic planning, including approaches and tools for analysing the present situation (situation analysis), identifying problems and incorporating relevant stakeholders (priority setting).

To set up interventions in resource poor settings, the first requirement is a sound analysis of the situation, based on existing data and information from primary and secondary stakeholders. Case studies will be used to show participants the process of conducting a situation analysis and setting priorities accordingly. These exercises will be done in small groups, followed by group presentations of results and recommendations to the plenary.

Building on these analyses, participants will learn how to appraise possible interventions using the tools and instruments of project cycle management and the Logical Framework Approach and considering the pros and cons of these approaches and how they fit into a strategic plan. This includes defining and formulating indicators for success and integrating monitoring and evaluation into project plans, as well as budgeting for the interventions.
 

The Strategic Planning for Health Intervention course is one of our Management Courses that can be taken as stand-alone courses or combined to achieve the MBA in International Health Management.

The course consists of 3 phases combining blended and hybrid learning formats, offering the benefits of both self-paced learning and synchronous real-time interaction.

Phase 1: Preparation

During the preparation phase, participants familiarise themselves with the course topic by studying materials and completing assignments under the guidance of the facilitators.

→ Self-paced distance learning and an introductory online session

→ 4 weeks part-time

→ Approx. 40 hours of student investment

Phase 2: Hybrid Face-to-Face Week

During the hybrid face-to-face week, participants engage in five days of intensive discussions, reflection exercises, case studies, group work, quizzes and presentations, either on-site at the Swiss TPH headquarters in Allschwil, Switzerland, or online. Active participation (online or on-site) is expected throughout the week. 

→ On-site in Allschwil or online

→ 5 days full-time

→ Approx. 40-45 hours of student investment

Typically, there are two hybrid/face-to-face weeks with two courses back-to-back to allow participants from abroad to attend two courses on one flight.

Phase 3: Final Assignment

In the post phase, participants consolidate their learning through the development of a final assignment, such as essays, project outlines, presentations or online quizzes, supported by the course facilitators.

→ Distance-based and mostly self-paced

→ 8 weeks part-time

→ Approx. 95-100 hours of student investment

Participants are equipped with the knowledge and skills to assess the health situation in resource poor settings in order to set priorities for interventions that are consistent with existing national health policies. Moreover, participants will focus on how best to meet the needs and demands of the population and will be able to design a health programme or project using standard planning tools.
 

Participants are assessed during both, the distance-based and on-campus phases of the courses, through individual and team assignments, professional presentations, quizzes or short tests, reflective papers and proposed projects.
 

The course is designed for those working, or wishing to work, in the field of international public health cooperation at all levels. It is of particular interest to (future) leaders and managers addressing the need to combine strong business management skills with a sound public health education.
 

To enrol, you need a bachelor's degree and at least two years' relevant work experience, as well as a passion for global and public health. As all management courses are taught in English, strong oral and written English skills are also required. In order to attend the course, the fee must be paid before the course starts.
 

Fee for MBA-IHM students*: CHF 2,450
Fee for Short Course students: CHF 2,850

* The same fee applies to tropEd students and students enrolled in an SSPH+ professional postgraduate Master's or PhD programme.

Course fees must be paid in advance to gain access to the online learning materials. Tuition fees do not cover insurance, travel or personal living expenses incurred during your stay in Basel.

Swiss TPH and the University of Basel do not offer scholarships for management courses.

Disclaimer: In the event of an insufficient number of participants, the course may be cancelled up to 4 weeks prior to the start of the course. Swiss TPH is not responsible for any costs related to flight bookings, etc.