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Course Catalog

380.681.01 Strategic Leadership Principles and Tools for Health System Transformation in Developing Countries

Population, Family and Reproductive Health
2nd term
4 credits
Academic Year:
2019 - 2020
East Baltimore
Class Times:
  • Thursday,  5:30 - 7:20pm
Grading Restriction:
Course Instructor s:

Introduces students to the principles of strategic leadership, placing these in the context of facilitating health systems change in developing countries. Covers the following topics: mental models and the household production of health, systems thinking and strategic leverage, personal mastery and commitment to change, action-learning principles and practice, shared vision and creative tension, the theory of constraints and root cause analysis, strategy design and key moves, implementation with accountability, and linking data to action. Develops leadership skills via interactive computer exercises using STARGuide software, small group work and class presentations.

Learning Objectives:

Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

  1. Recognize the importance of self reflection to clarify one’s values and purpose in life, and understand how one’s mindset (world mental models) shapes the reality that one observes
  2. Describe the underlying relationships and deeper patterns that shape it, and identify leverage points for change
  3. Engage stakeholders at every level in coalitions to generate a shared vision of a better future
  4. Build committed action-learning teams based on shared goals and values, mutual respect, and a willingness to take risks and learn from mistakes
  5. Negotiate conflict, accepting differences, but taking actions from which all sides can learn and benefit
  6. Create organizations with a climate of trust, transparency, mutual cooperation and a desire to learn continuously
  7. Communicate effectively by holding conversations focused on outcomes, balancing advocacy with inquiry, and clarifying assumptions, beliefs and feelings within oneself and others
Methods of Assessment:

Student evaluation based on class presentations of small group work and a final project presentation.

Enrollment Restriction:

Masters and Doctoral students

Instructor Consent:

Consent required for all students

Consent Note:

Permission from instructor is required for this course.

Jointly Offered With: