Practice-Oriented Project (POP)

A successful manager should be able to induce change management processes in institutions. By using the new knowledge and skills acquired through other International Health Management courses, the participants of the “Practice-Oriented Project” course will plan a project that contributes to change in their chosen institution or area of influence.

The selected project must meet the professional interests of the participants and the needs of the institution they are working for. It is strongly recommended that participants seek approval from the employer before embarking on the proposed project. We are aware that this may not always be possible. The course coordinators will support participants upon request in discussions with their employer.

To determine the value and feasibility of a proposed project, participants should consider the following questions:

• To what extent is the project right for my chosen institution/environment?
• Does this project offer any opportunities to expand or develop my professional sphere?
• Will the institution accept this proposal and if so, is the institution able or willing to back this project?
• How will the institution benefit from the implementation of the project?

The project topic must be narrow enough so that the task can be managed within the given time frame and with the resources available at the workplace; though the problem area identified might be much bigger.

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 develop a small project that could be implemented at their workplace or other organisation. The project is an exercise in transferring participants’ knowledge and experience to a practical setting. The project must be small enough in scale to make it manageable and realistic, given the timeframe and the resources available to him/her. The project should be developed within the participant’s “circle of influence”, with the aim of being implemented.

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 3,000
Fee for Short Course students: CHF 3,480

* 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.