Ateneo - UPO

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

None. Professor will provide handouts and materials through the DIR - Didattica InRete 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.

Sociology: the origins of the discipline; its social and theoretical context; the concepts of the individual and society; major sociological paradigms; social and gender inequalities; deviance and social control. Principles and Foundations of Social Work: the role of the social worker; welfare systems; the principles underpinning the social work profession. Prerequisites as specified in Article 18 of the Degree Programme Regulations.

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.

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

To achieve the minimum passing level of knowledge and competence, by the end of the course students are expected to have acquired the following: Knowledge: understanding of the fundamental concepts of organisational theory and organisational analysis; knowledge of the main features of the Italian social service system and of its evolution over time, with particular reference to organisational structures and governance arrangements. Competences: ability to analyse the structures and organisational arrangements of health and social care systems; ability to understand key organisational issues and dilemmas as they apply to health and social care organisations. Skills: ability to conduct basic organisational analyses at the macro, meso and micro levels; ability to interpret and critically read basic empirical data relating to the main dimensions and variables of health and social care systems. To achieve an advanced level of learning, students are expected to demonstrate that they can: conduct comprehensive organisational analyses of health and social care services and critically evaluate organisational challenges; design organisational change strategies aligned with objectives of improving efficiency, effectiveness and other dimensions of organisational performance and quality; critically map and assess the resources, stakeholders and organisational arrangements within a local context, and effectively integrate these assets into the planning and design of social interventions and services.