PUBH 844: Decision-Making for Public Health Policy

The Leadership and Decision-Making course concentrates on the concepts, theories and models that influence, shape and guide a leader and their decision-making within any public health organization. The traits, skills and styles of leadership are first examined to help students define and develop their own individual style. Building on this foundation of leadership styles, the principles and approaches which guide a leader to effectively practice within any public health organization, are then examined. These practical guiding principles for a leader include: culture and diversity; team leadership; the role of power; and being able to prepare for a response to any crisis. These theoretical concepts are guided by the decision making process of a leader. Analysis of an evidenced based decision-making model, will be used to establish a framework which, will lead to more successful outcomes and becoming an more effective public health leader.

This course will be offered as a dual delivery where students have the option of either attending lectures in person or via web conference.

Over the 12 weeks of the course, there is a total of 48 contact hours with students, with 4 hours per week, where each lecture session is 2 hours.

For each lecture, the following breakdown is a general guideline as to how the contact time of 2-hours will be divided:

  • 1 1/2 hour lecture time
  • 1/2 hour discussion on pre-assigned case study/video/article associated with the specific lecture topic.