A case study approach to health care facility construction projects

In this paper, the authors present a useful overview of the planning, design, and construction process, emphasizing the importance of the practical application of management skills to that process. They suggest that health administration students develop "real life" skills by participating in case studies and role playing, led by planning and health care professionals. Educators frequently look for ways to assist the student in transferring the didactic skills learned in the classroom to their practical application. Case studies and role playing have been used in the management curriculum for this purpose. In this article, the authors use the construction project management process as a model for exploring the many interactions which take place during this process and relate those interactions to specific management skills needed by the health care executive. The use of the construction project as a case study allows the student an opportunity to experience a multidisciplinary team effort and to relate the principles of such academic disciplines as economics, organizational behavior, financial management, and labor relations to a real life setting.