Health Program Evaluation 1

Subject POPH90058 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught online/distance.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Classroom or Distance

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: One 2-hour lecture per week (Classroom)
Total Time Commitment:

Classroom mode: Students will be expected to undertake additional study of 6 to 8 hours per week in this subject.

Distance mode : Approximately 120 hours studying course materials, including on-line learning activities, nominated readings and textbooks, and tutorials with forum and asynchronous tutor contact.

Prerequisites:

None.

Corequisites: None.
Recommended Background Knowledge: None.
Non Allowed Subjects: None.
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website.

Coordinator

Ms Rosemary Mckenzie

Contact

Centre for Health Policy, Programs & Economics
Melbourne School of Population Health
Tel: +61 3 8344 0655
Email: r.mckenzie@unimelb.edu.au

OR

Academic Programs Office
Melbourne School of Population Health
Tel: +61 3 8344 9339
Fax: +61 3 8344 0824
Email: sph-gradinfo@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject examines the diverse purposes health program evaluations can serve and the wide range of environments in which health program evaluations are conducted. Using Australian and overseas evaluation examples, students gain an overview of conceptual and methodological issues in the key evaluation approaches. The three major stages in the conduct of an evaluation are covered: planning and negotiating the terms and design of the evaluation; data collection and analysis; and the provision of findings. Each stage is considered through example and critique of those examples, with opportunities to apply these skills in the development of an evaluation plan for a real, work-based program.

Objectives: On completion of this subject students will have:
  • An advanced understanding of the nature and purposes of health program evaluation
  • Ability to apply key evaluation concepts in the design and conduct of health program evaluations at an advanced level
  • Ability to apply the skills of negotiating the terms and design of an evaluation, data collection and analysis and the provision of evaluative findings to stakeholders at an advanced level
  • Ability to critically review evaluation plans
  • Ability to apply the elements of small scale program evaluation planning to real situations at an advanced level
  • An understanding of the limitation of program evaluation in knowledge building and decision-making at an advanced level.
Assessment:

Satisfactory completion of three minor assignments of 700 words each (10% each) set in weeks 4,8 and 9, a major assignment of 3000 words (an evaluation plan)(70%) due in the examination period.

Prescribed Texts:

Hawthorne, G. Introduction to Health Program Evaluation, Centre for Health Program Evaluation, 2000 (provided with subject notes)

Ovretveit, J. (2002). Action evaluation of health programmes and changes: a handbook for a user. Abingdon: Radcliffe Medical Press

Owen, J.M. Program Evaluation: Forms and Approaches, 2nd Edition, St. Leonards, Allen & Unwin, 1990

Recommended Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Upon completion of this subject, students will have developed skills in:
  • Critical thinking and analysis,
  • Initiative, autonomy and organization,
  • Problem-solving,
  • Finding, evaluating and using relevant information,
  • Written communication,
  • Decision-making.
Links to further information: http://www.sph.unimelb.edu.au
Related Course(s): Master of Adolescent Health & Welfare
Master of Genetic Counselling
Master of Public Health
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Health Economics && Economic Evaluation
Health Program Evaluation

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