Ateneo - UPO

This course aims to provide students with the foundational knowledge necessary to analyze and understand social services from an organizational perspective. It will introduce both individual and collective actors involved in the structure of social and healthcare systems, the basic concepts of organizational analysis, and different welfare models, with particular attention to how these models influence the organization and planning of social and healthcare services. It will also examine the recent transformations in the field of social services, with a particular focus on the Italian context. Special emphasis will be placed on key concepts such as participatory social planning and evaluation, co-programming and co-design, and the integration of policies, services, and interventions in the social and healthcare sectors.

None. Professor will provide handouts and materials through the DIR - Didattica In Rete platform.

The course, combining both theoretical insights and empirical approaches—including the analysis of practical case studies—will provide students with the knowledge and tools necessary for a critical understanding of the social services system from an organizational perspective. In particular, students will learn to: 1) Identify the key actors involved in the provision of social services; 2) Recognize how different welfare models influence the structures and processes within the social services system; 3) Identify and interpret the consequences of recent changes in the social services system, with a particular focus on the Italian context; 4) Understand and apply the concepts of participatory social planning and evaluation, as well as co-programming and co-planning; 5) Identify and assess various models of integration among policies, services, and interventions in the health and social care sector.

This course has no prerequisites.

The professor favours an interactive teaching style that encourages active student engagement. This method builds on learners’ existing knowledge and fosters the development of critical awareness of the theoretical categories explored throughout the seminar. The approach is supported by seminar-style sessions, practical exercises, and simulation activities.

Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or Special Educational Needs (SEN) may request dedicated services and support tools by contacting the Career Development and Student Services Coordination Staff and consulting the dedicated page on the University website: https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studenti-disabili-e-dsa Additionally, students with disabilities, SLD, or SEN are encouraged to contact the course teacher to clarify or define the specific exam arrangements. The second year training report will contain elements of analysis of the organization

Assessment will consist of an oral examination and will be based on the materials and handouts available on the DIR – Didattica in Rete platform. During the exam, students will be invited to refer to the theories and analytical tools acquired during the course in order to frame and address practical issues and situations commonly encountered in the organization of social services.

Lecture 1 – General Introduction to the Course: Topics, Objectives, Course Structure, Exam Materials, Final Assessment Lecture 2 – Elements of Organizational Theory and Analysis I Lecture 3 – Elements of Organizational Theory and Analysis II Lecture 4 – Welfare Models and Their Impact on Health and Social Care Systems: General Overview Lecture 5 – Welfare Models and Their Impact on Health and Social Care Systems: The Italian Case Lecture 6 – The Italian Health and Social Care System: Historical Background, Key Issues and Challenges I Lecture 7 – The Italian Health and Social Care System: Historical Background, Key Issues and Challenges II Lecture 8 – Policy Integration: General Issues Lecture 9 – Policy Integration: The Case of the Italian Health and Social Care System I Lecture 10 – Policy Integration: The Case of the Italian Health and Social Care System II Lecture 11 – Social Planning and Participatory Social Planning Lecture 12 – Social Planning: Professional Skills and Roles Lecture 13 – Evaluation in the Social Project Cycle Lecture 14 – Evaluation Models and Participatory Evaluation Lecture 15 – Co-programming and Co-planning

By the end of the course, students are expected to have acquired the following: Knowledge - An understanding of key concepts in organizational theory and analysis; knowledge of the specific features of the Italian social services system and its evolution over time, particularly in terms of organizational structures and dynamics. Skills: The capacity to analyse the structures and organizational configurations of health and social care systems. Understanding: The capacity to comprehend the various issues and dilemmas related to organizational challenges in the context of health and social care systems. Abilities: ability in organizational analysis at the macro, meso, and micro levels; ability to interpret and analyse empirical data concerning the multiple dimensions and variables related to health and social care systems—including their planning, design, and especially their organizational aspects—as well as their evaluation.