HACM9400B Thesis in Health Care Management (18/36 units)

This topic is taught and assessed as a continuum. Students must enrol and complete the topic components in two consecutive semesters.

Students undertake 18 units of HACM9400A and 18 units of HACM9400B usually in consecutive semesters. These are assessed as a continuum.

Students plan, undertake and report on a substantial research project in health care management. The completed thesis will be approximately 36,000 words in length. Theses must be presented in the form and format specified by the University in the Rules for Higher Degree Coursework Theses, detailed in the Student Related Policies and Procedures Manual. Theses will be examined by two examiners, at least one of whom will be external to the University.

This topic requires the student to formulate and investigate a research question of importance to the health or aged care industries; and prepare a thesis of approximately 36,000 words (total for both HACM9400A and HACM9400B). Analysis will be situated within an appropriate body of management theory. The thesis is an opportunity to further develop skills in analytical thinking, research design, project management and presentation through the successful completion of a thesis. It aims to equip health care managers for senior management careers or for academic careers in health care management.

1. Design a health management research question
2. Thoroughly search and critically appraise the literature in the area
3. Write and submit a research proposal and application for ethics approval
4. Use appropriate research methodology(ies) and techniques of data analysis
5. Evaluate and report on the results of the study