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.

This part-time and flexible study programme caters to the needs of working professionals. More than 75% of all learning takes place at a distance, giving students the opportunity to learn and progress at their own pace. All courses adopt a blended learning approach, offering the advantages of both self-directed and face-to-face phases. Participants benefit from a wide range of learning methods designed to achieve the best possible individual learning experience: lectures, seminars, case studies, group work, pre-recorded videos, self-directed learning with feedback from lecturers and/or the course coordinator as well as practical exercises.

During the preparation phase course materials are accessed via our Learning Management Platform at the participants’ own pace with guidance from course coordinators and facilitators.

The preparation phase is followed by a hybrid face-to-face week at the Swiss TPH headquarters. Active participation (online or in person) is expected from 9:00-17:00 CE(S)T. At least one facilitator is always on site and in-person teaching is prioritized whenever possible, although in exceptional circumstances facilitators may join online. Online spaces for participation is limited. These spaces are allocated based on student need (i.e. travel restrictions, etc.).

Learning outcomes are consolidated during the post phase with a final assignment that is introduced during the hybrid face-to-face week. This phase is self directed and guided via our Learning Management Platform. The post phase is finished when the final assignment has been handed in.

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.

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

* Same fee applies to tropEd students and students enrolled in a SSPH+ professional postgraduate Master 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 expenses or personal living costs incurred during your stay in Basel.

Scholarships: Neither offered by the institute nor the University of Basel.