Diploma in Health and Social Care Management Assignment

Research Methods for Health and Social Care Managers

Unit Aims

The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ research skills, to include understanding different research approaches, formulation of research proposals, planning research activity, analysing and interpreting data, and the relationship between research and evidence based practice.

Instructions

Develop an extended research proposal about an area of interest to you within a relevant health and social care management context. Ideally, the research proposal should deal with an opportunity or a problem at an organisation where you have worked at previously or are currently employed in. You are advised to check with your tutor that your choice is appropriate.

Research Critique

You are required to undertake a research critique of a research article relating to Health and Social Care. The article should be research based (for example a peer reviewed journal) You are advised to check with your tutor that your choice is appropriate. The following points need to be addressed when preparing the critique: 

• Justify the contribution of research to health and social provision 
• Critically evaluate a range of research philosophies 
• Examine different approaches to research 
• Analyse the ethical aspects of research 
• Explain types and sources of research data 
• Analyse data using appropriate approaches 
• Draw conclusions from data collected 
• Analyse the relationship between research and evidence based practice 
• Evaluate an existing piece of research relevant to Health and Social Care 
• Analyse the contribution of research and evidence based practice to decision making

Resource Management in Health and Social Care

Unit Aims

The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ understanding of the processes involved in the management of human and financial resources. The unit explores recruitment, and the management and development of people in the health and social care workplace. Key financial concepts and tools used by managers in health and social care organisations are also looked at.

Instructions

Having read the article, prepare a report, in which you:

• Analyse internal and external influences affecting human resource planning in health and social care. 
• Explain the determinants of skills required by health and social care organisations. Describe how to address any skills gaps which might exist in an organisation. 
• Explain the factors involved in the planning of recruitment in health and social care. 
• Describe the relevant legislative and regulatory frameworks that affect the recruitment and selection in health and social care.
• Evaluate the different techniques used in the selection process in health and social care

Brief Summary of Assessment Requirements

This assessment comprises two key components, focusing on Research Methods for Health and Social Care Managers and Resource Management in Health and Social Care.

1. Research Methods for Health and Social Care Managers

Learners are required to:

• Develop an extended research proposal within a relevant health and social care context, ideally based on an organisational problem or opportunity.
• Undertake a research critique of a peer-reviewed journal article, addressing:
  • Contribution of research to health and social care provision
  • Research philosophies and approaches
  • Ethical considerations in research
  • Types and sources of research data
  • Data analysis and drawing conclusions
  • Relationship between research and evidence-based practice
  • Contribution of research to decision-making

2. Resource Management in Health and Social Care

Learners are required to prepare a report analysing and evaluating HR and resource management in a health and social care context. Key areas include:

• Internal and external influences on human resource planning
• Determinants of required skills and addressing skills gaps
• Planning recruitment, including relevant legislative and regulatory frameworks
• Techniques for selection and evaluation of recruitment practices

Approach Taken by the Academic Mentor

The Academic Mentor guided the student step by step, ensuring clarity, structure, and alignment with learning outcomes:

Step 1: Understanding the Requirements

• The mentor reviewed the brief with the student to identify key areas and objectives.

• Clarified expectations for both the research proposal and HR management report.

Step 2: Selecting Topics and Research Article

• For the research proposal, the student selected a relevant organisational problem based on prior workplace experience.
• The mentor advised on identifying a suitable peer-reviewed research article for critique.

Step 3: Structuring the Research Proposal

• Introduction & Rationale: Mentor guided the student to justify the significance of the chosen topic.
• Research Objectives & Questions: Formulated clear, measurable objectives.
• Methodology: Critically evaluated qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method approaches.
• Ethical Considerations: Detailed potential ethical issues and mitigation strategies.
• Data Collection & Analysis: Outlined appropriate techniques and tools for data handling.
• Expected Outcomes & Contribution to Practice: Explained how findings could inform evidence-based practice.

Step 4: Conducting the Research Critique

• Mentor guided the student to:
  • Analyse research philosophies
  • Evaluate approaches and methods used in the study
  • Critically assess ethical considerations and data validity
  • Draw conclusions and reflect on implications for practice

Step 5: Resource Management Report

• HR Planning & Influences: Analysed internal/external factors affecting workforce planning.
• Skills Analysis: Identified organisational skills needs and strategies to close gaps.
• Recruitment Planning: Explained recruitment frameworks and compliance with legislation.
• Selection Techniques: Evaluated methods such as interviews, psychometric testing, and assessment centers.

Step 6: Review & Feedback

• Mentor reviewed drafts, providing feedback to ensure logical flow, proper referencing, and alignment with assessment criteria.

• Encouraged the student to integrate theory and practice, making the report actionable and evidence-based.

Outcome Achieved

• The student produced a comprehensive research proposal and HR management report that met all assessment criteria.
• Demonstrated critical thinking, application of research methods, and analysis of resource management practices.
• Successfully linked research findings to evidence-based decision-making in health and social care management.

Learning Objectives Covered

• Understanding research approaches and methodologies in health and social care
• Developing a research proposal addressing organisational problems
• Critically evaluating existing research for validity and applicability
• Analysing ethical considerations and evidence-based practice integration
• Planning and managing human and financial resources in health and social care
• Evaluating recruitment, skills planning, and workforce management strategies

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