Code: DES8RX021

Extent: 3-ECTS (81 h)

Timing: Period 4 & 5

Language: English

Level: Professional studies

Type: Free-Elective

Prerequisites

No prerequisites

Course description

Management is a profession in its own right, yet it is often expect those in wellness businesses to manage effectively with almost no training.  This can lead to a lack of confidence and indecision that may damage all areas of the business. Manager of wellness companies need to acquire the necessary competences for such rewarding and influential role. In addition, despite management being a quite discursive subject and much been written about it, little reflection has been made about how management is applied to wellness businesses. This is designed to discuss management theories, concepts, and techniques, from the perspective of the practising wellness manager. Students are exposed to the fundamental knowledge underlying the art and science of management. The topics covered in the course are intended to apply to managers at every level in wellness companies. The course explores key aspects of management theory and will critique these theories from the perspective of the practising manager. In essence, the course examines aspects of management decision making in wellness context. This will equip students with a framework for understanding and analysing the nature of managerial works and the determining factors of managerial success in wellness companies. Learning will be encouraged via learning activities and application of the learning resources to wellness management in practice.

Course outcomes

On successful completion of this course students should be able to:

› demonstrate an understanding of the usefulness or otherwise of management theory to the wellness practitioner;

› demonstrate an appreciation to the dichotomy between much of management theory and management practice;

› demonstrate an understanding of the domain of the wellness manager and how s/he performs management; and

› engender positive critique and reasoning ability in determining good management practice in wellness context.

Course contents

This course addresses the following topics:

› is management a science or an art?

› how managers learn to manage?

› management in context

Cooperation with the business community

Students will take part in learning activities about selected local partner organisations or local community members.

International aspects

In this course taught in English it is ensured that the learning activities include a global/ international perspective. The facilitator is Portuguese and infuses international elements into the learning content and international resources are used in the courses readings. The facilitator also uses instructional methods appropriate to a culturally diverse student population.

Learning and teaching methods

In this course two main learning methods are used:  (1) directed learning; and (2) self-directed learning. Directed learning is used in form of assignments. Self-directed learning is also an important part of this course, and students are encouraged to develop the ability to learn on their own and thus take more responsibility for setting the objectives of their learning. Students should put emphasis on text review and vigorous reflection and debate. This is particularly important to explore and develop ideas from specific texts and evaluate issues related to Wellness Management in Practice. Reading texts support the learning activities. In short:

› 81 hours of directed and self-directed learning

Course assessment and grading

In this course students’ learning is assessed as follows:

› 20% written individual learning assignment 1

› 20% written individual learning assignment 2

› 60% written individual learning assignment 3

Grading on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 = min. 45%-pts, 5 = min. 85%-pts

Course resources

Handouts and essential reading list posted in Moodle

Course Management System (CMS)

The Course Management System used in this course is MOODLE

Feedback and Development

The facilitator will provide students with feedback, and students will be asked to complete an anonymous feedback form at the end of this course. The course will be improved based on student feedback.

Identifying and acknowledging previously acquired skills (in Finnish AHOT)

Studies completed at other educational institutes and/or work experience are not accredited as such towards the HAAGA-HELIA studies directly, but the required competences can be demonstrated by a ‘skill test’, individually agreed with the facilitator.

Course facilitator

Dr. Mário Passos Ascenção | mariopassos.ascencao@haaga-helia.fi | 040 4887 203