The Fairfield University School of Business is expanding its MBA concentrations and certificate programs to include e-Business and Health Care Management.

"We are introducing these new programs in direct response to market demand in this region," says Dr. Walter G. Ryba, dean of the School of Business. "We continuously review our curricula and believe these additions will enhance students' professional development and productivity on the job."

In the present high-speed business environment, students may use Fairfield's certificate programs to update their skills quickly. All 15 of the graduate-level credits they earn for the certificate of advanced study - in areas such as finance, human resource management, marketing and now e-business and health care management - are transferable to the Fairfield MBA if they choose to continue their studies.

Fairfield University's decision to offer an e-Business concentration, reflects the rapid growth of e-commerce, which incorporates research in business and the Internet. With the dramatic impact of e-commerce on the marketplace, the e-Business program will focus on preparing students to meet the dynamic rise of technology in business. The first courses will cover online marketing, project management, online transactions processing, and global e-operations.

In addition, the School of Business will introduce Health Care Management in the fall. Cynthia S. Chegwidden, assistant dean and director of graduate programs, says, "Practitioners in today's health care environment face tough issues that require updated skills." Physicians, nurse practitioners, psychologists, veterinarians, HMO administrators and pharmaceutical professionals must cope with changes in regulations, changes in public policy, industry consolidations, and shortages of professional personnel. "They must not only stay current in their specialties, they must understand strategic management," she said.

Fairfield University's health care management certificate "will help practitioners to build the technical competencies and leadership skills to respond effectively in one of the most dynamic, competitive industries in the world," she noted. "And the classroom experience will reinforce opportunities for health care professionals to network with colleagues from varied sectors of the industry."

Beginning in the fall, courses in Health Care Management Strategy, Ethics in Health Care, and Legal Issues in the Health Care Environment will be offered in addition to electives including Quality Management and Operations, Marketing Management, Negotiations and Dispute Resolution, and Creating, Managing, and Measuring Customer Value.

Dorothy Bellhouse, senior vice president of Planning & Marketing at Bridgeport Hospital, will teach the first course in Health Care Management Strategy. She previously taught graduate courses in health administration at Duquesne University.

"I think that the exciting part of this program is how people will bring their own experiences and prior academic knowledge to bear on the Health Care Management Industry," she noted. "This will offer students a unique opportunity, allowing them an overview and context of the Industry." Health Care Management Strategy will examine the current state of the U.S. health care delivery system, including hospitals, physician practice, mental health, long-term care, home health care and public health. The course also will look at the role and impact of government and third party payors on the provision of health care services.

For additional information regarding the School of Business e-Business or Health Care Management concentrations and the certificate prorgrams, please call (203) 254-4070 or fax: (203) 254-4029.

Posted On: 07-09-2000 09:07 AM

Volume: 33 Number: 9