Ateneo - UPO

The course introduces the fundamental concepts of business economics, with particular reference to healthcare organizations. It covers the characteristics and objectives of organizations, key organizational and management models, processes for planning, control, and performance evaluation, as well as criteria regarding economic viability, effectiveness, and efficiency in resource utilization. Particular attention is devoted to human resource management, organizational and managerial accountability, and the role of healthcare professions in decision-making processes and the pursuit of service quality and sustainability.

E. Santesso (a cura di) (2010), Lezioni di Economia aziendale, Giuffrè.
A. Pennini (2015), Modelli organizzativi in ambito ospedaliero, McGraw Hill.
D. Maggi (2026), La persona e il lavoro, Interlinea.

The course aims to provide students with the fundamental knowledge and tools of business economics necessary to understand the functioning of healthcare organizations and to interpret their key economic, organizational, and managerial dynamics. By the end of the course, students will be able to understand the criteria guiding resource allocation, activity planning and control, and performance evaluation; to grasp the relationships between economic viability, effectiveness, efficiency, and service quality; and to interpret the role of individuals and healthcare professionals within organizational and decision-making processes. Furthermore, the course seeks to develop the ability to apply business-economic knowledge to support the assumption of managerial and organizational responsibilities, with a particular focus on sustainability and value creation for the patient, the organization, and the community.

None

Lectures, case discussions

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/servicesstudents-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Particular attention is paid to the gender dimension throughout the program, especially in the sections concerning organizational and corporate governance variables.

The exam consists of a written test comprising 10 multiple-choice questions, each offering four answer options, only one of which is correct.
A predetermined score is awarded for each correct answer; incorrect or missing answers do not incur a penalty.

The course introduces the fundamentals of business economics, with a specific focus on the characteristics and unique features of enterprises and organizations operating in the healthcare sector.
The first part addresses the concept of the business entity, its objectives, the stakeholders involved, and the key categories used to interpret its operations. Concepts such as economic viability, effectiveness, and efficiency will be examined in depth, alongside the relationship between available resources, needs to be met, and outcomes achieved.
A second part is dedicated to the characteristics of healthcare organizations and their organizational and managerial complexity. Institutional and organizational structures, decision-making processes, coordination mechanisms, and the interplay between professional and managerial responsibilities will be analyzed, with particular attention paid to the role of nursing and midwifery professions.
The course also covers key management planning and control tools, addressing objective setting, the budgeting process, cost analysis, resource utilization, and performance measurement and evaluation. These tools will be presented primarily in terms of how they support decision-making processes and the management of healthcare activities.
Special emphasis will be placed on human resource management and organization, processes for fostering accountability, the coordination of professionals, and the importance of people in ensuring the quality of services provided.
The final section examines the relationships between economic viability, quality, appropriateness, and sustainability in healthcare services, highlighting how organizational and managerial decisions contribute to creating value for the patient, the healthcare organization, and the community.

1. Knowledge and understanding
By the end of the course, students will have acquired knowledge of the key concepts and tools of business administration and management, and will be able to understand the economic, organizational, and managerial characteristics of healthcare organizations. In particular, they will be able to recognize and understand the concepts of economic viability, effectiveness, and efficiency; key planning and control processes; resource allocation criteria; and performance assessment tools.

2. Applying knowledge and understanding
Students will be able to apply business administration and management knowledge to interpret situations and issues specific to healthcare organizations. They will understand the economic and organizational implications of decisions and utilize key tools—such as planning, budgeting, cost analysis, and results assessment—to support decision-making and management processes.

3. Making judgements
Students will be able to critically evaluate decisions regarding resource use and the organization of healthcare activities, considering the dimensions of economic viability, efficiency, effectiveness, quality, and sustainability. Furthermore, they will be able to form their own judgments regarding the economic and organizational consequences of choices made within the scope of their professional and managerial responsibilities.

4. Communication skills
Students will be able to appropriately use the fundamental language and terminology of business administration and management. They will be able to communicate information, assessments, and issues of an economic and managerial nature within healthcare organizations, fostering dialogue and exchange among professionals with diverse backgrounds and competencies.

5. Learning skills
Students will have developed the ability to independently explore economic, organizational, and managerial topics related to the functioning of healthcare organizations, updating their knowledge and integrating it with the professional skills acquired during their education and work experience.