By the end of the course, students will be able to: Understand the fundamental principles of organizational theory, with special reference to healthcare organizations; Comprehend organizational structures and their functions; Apply techniques of health planning and organizational management; Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of organizational processes; Analyze basic organizational data, such as performance and outcome indicators; Communicate strategies for organizational improvement and development effectively, including through teamwork and the presentation of practical cases.

Knowledge and skills acquired according to the study plan of the degree program.

The course aims to guide students, future professionals, towards organizational responsibility, as well as professional responsibility, fostering an integrated view of the clinical-care and managerial dimensions. In particular, the course is designed to: Reconstruct the complex framework of the Italian National Health Service (SSN) and healthcare organizations; Provide interpretative tools to understand organizational dynamics; Analyze the evolution of health professions from an organizational and managerial perspective; Develop skills in reading organizational data and decision-making processes; Promote an attitude of continuous improvement and effective communication in organized settings. The course is structured around three macro-areas: General Organization: concepts, terminology, and basic organizational models; The Healthcare System: structure, regionalization, service organization, peculiarities of the SSN and the regional healthcare system (Friuli Venezia Giulia); The Role of Healthcare Professions in Organizations: roles, responsibilities, and professional development.

Bergamaschi M. (ed.) (2000), L'organizzazione nelle aziende sanitarie, McGraw Hill Rugiadini A. (1978), Organizzazione d’impresa, Giuffrè Damiani G., Ricciardi W. (2010), Manuale di programmazione e organizzazione sanitaria, Idelson-Gnocchi Teaching materials provided by the instructor during the course

Fundamentals of Healthcare Management Principles and Models of Organizational Theory Fundamentals of Health Planning Epidemiology for Planning Purposes Quality in Healthcare: Principles and Tools The National Health Service and its Regionalization Organization of Health Services Strategic Planning and Management Control in Healthcare Organizations Operational Planning and Control Reading and Analyzing Organizational Data (Indicators, Reporting, Benchmarking) The Friuli Venezia Giulia Healthcare System: Structure and Characteristics

The course is delivered in the first semester, featuring: Lectures supported by PowerPoint presentations; Discussions on case studies and topical themes; Individual and group exercises; Role-playing simulations; Analysis of actual organizational documents and data.

Suggested materials for further study: Mintzberg H., The Design of Organizational Structures, Il Mulino, 1997 Costa G., Nacamulli R.C.D., Manual of Corporate Organization, UTET, 1997 Costa G., Gubitta P., Corporate Organization: Markets, Hierarchies and Conventions, McGraw-Hill, 2004 Daft R., Organizational Theory and Design, Apogeo, 2010 Tomasi D. (ed.), Business Organization: Study Materials, Giappichelli, 2006 Tosi H.L., Pilati M., Organizational Behavior, Egea, 2008 Gabrielli G., People Management: Theories and Practices for Sustainable Personnel Management, FrancoAngeli, 2010 Ricciardi W., The Healthcare We Want. Ideas and Proposals for a Fair and Sustainable NHS, Il Pensiero Scientifico Editore, 2022.

The exam will consist of a written test, composed of: multiple-choice and/or true/false questions, to assess theoretical knowledge and terminology; two open-ended questions, to evaluate critical analysis skills and the application of knowledge to real organizational contexts. The grading will be on a 30-point scale. Evaluation criteria include: mastery of the topics covered; clarity of expression; correct use of specialized terminology; reasoning ability and connection between concepts; willingness to propose improvement solutions.

The course contributes to the achievement of the following SDGs: Goal 3 – Good Health and Well‑being It covers organizational and managerial principles needed to ensure equitable, effective, and sustainable access to health services, promoting population health and high-quality care. Goal 4 – Quality Education By enhancing critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills, the course aids in training competent health professionals aware of their role in the health system. Goal 5 – Gender Equality Promotes inclusive organizational dynamics, valuing professional competencies regardless of gender, including leadership roles in healthcare. Goal 10 – Reduced Inequalities Examines the determinants of access to health services, contributing to the understanding and reduction of social and health inequalities. Goal 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions Studies institutional functioning and organizational mechanisms that ensure transparency, participation, and accountability in public health service management. Goal 17 – Partnerships for the Goals Emphasizes multidisciplinary teamwork and collaboration among professionals, institutions, and regions to improve healthcare quality and efficiency.