PROJECT STUDY

PROJECT STUDY
Structure
1.0 Objectives
1.1 Introduction
1.2 What is a Project?
1.3 Characteristics of a Project
1.4 What is Project Study?
1.5 Why Project Study?
P

1.6 Types of Project Study

1.7 Process of Project Study
1.8 Project Report

1.0 OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this project work is to help you to apply the concepts and techniques learnt
earlier to develop an action plan for improving the effectiveness of a selected area of an
institution/hospital. The manual outlines a framework for integration of various concepts
and provides guidelines for collection, analysis and interpretation of data of a particular
health institution.

After going through tlie project guidelines, you should be able to:
@ understand the meaning, characteristics and types of the project;
o apply the multidisciplinilry concept, tools and techniques to solve hospitalhealth
management practical problenls.
e critically appraise the functioning of an institution providing medical carelhealth care
services;
0 identify the key problem areas; and
o suggest measures to improve the effectiveness of the selected institution.
* .

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1.1 INTRODUCTION
fioughout the various courses of this programme you have learnt that globalisation and .
liberalisation have made the organisations more competitive. You have also learnt that the
+ focus has shifted from home turf to the international market, where the operating area for
the organisations are not marked by boundaries of countries. For them it is open market or
progressing towards open economy. Consequently the pressure on organisations is
increasing to maintain a corripetitiveedge in all areas of its operations. You will appreciate
that competitive edge can be maintained only by the improvement of its processes and
products and the onerous task of improving upon the processes and products requires a
thor-ough study and careful examination of the issues involved. The multiple factors that
influence these issues have to be viewed in corre~tperspective before assessing the
influence by them as well as on them, A group of people from multiple disciplines are
employed to study these multiple factors in a given time frame who examine and study the
issues involved in detail to suggest a range of possible solutions. It is expected that after
going through these guidelines you should be able to write a project report on a topic
related to a hospital management on health service management. .

1.2 WHAT IS A PROJECT?

Let us now try to understand, what is a project?

Various authors have defined project differently as per their own point of view depending
Project S t u d y upon their particular field of activity. A very simple and explicit definition of project is as
follows:
"A project is any task which has a definable beginning and definable end and requires the ,
expenditure of one or more resources in each of the separate but interrelated and
interdependent activities which must be completed in the given time frame to achieve the
objectives for which the task (or project) was instituted."
From above definition you will see that a project has a definite aim to achieve in the given
time frame and requires the firm commitment of resources to achieve the objective.

A project has following characteristics:

A project is an entity by itself.
A project has a specific purpose that can be readily defined.
It is made up of a collection of activities that are linked together because they all
contribute to the desired result.
It has identifiable eiid product.
It is non-repetitive.
It has clearly defined and agreed time constraints. It has to be completed in a given
thne fkme.
It involves high degree of uncertainty and risk at every step of the process and the
management of the risks to sustain the focus on the desired results.
It is complex because the work involves the commitment and coordination of resources
in different departments and even on different sites.
It has to be flexible to accommodate change as the work proceeds.
It involves many unknowns both within the work itself and the external influences on
the project.
It has cost constraints, which must be clearly defined and understood to ensure the
project remains viable at all times.
It challenges the traditional lines of authority with perceived threats to tlie status quo.

WHAT IS PROJECT STUDY?

Having understood the definition and various characteristics of the project, it will be easier
for you to understand what is meant by project study.
"Project Study is the method of study of all the variables involved in a given project by the
application of various scientific principles, statistical and management techniques with the
aim of arriving at a set of feasible and practical solutions, one of which provides the most
optimum option to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the ultimate aim involved for
which the project study has been ordered."
In simple terms project study is the scientific examination of a problem andlor concerned
issues, to assist the decision-makers arrive at conclusions with a sharper focus over a broad
perspective. Project study involves the process of following a logical way to carry out tlie
careful examination ofmultiple factors involved in a project, based on sound and time tested
scientific principles and management techniques. The outcome of a project study must
result into a "Project Report"

1.5 WHY PROJECT STUDY?

The advantages of doing a project study are:
a) It helps you to gain experience in the application of theoretical knowledge to real
life managementsituations.
 b) It helps you to increase your awareness of the need for synergy and teamwork in Practical Mnnual
dealing with complex problems.
c) It helps you 6examine real life problems critically, with a view to analyse them,
formulate findings and reconlmendations and thereby improve system efficiency and
cost effectiveness.
d) It helps you in exponential expansion of human knowledge, skill and aptitude.
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1.6 TYPES OF PROJECT STUDIES
The project studies are initiated to help the decision-makers in choosing the most optimum
solution depending upon his requirements after bringing forth all the relevant issues in
sharper focus. The project studies are classified into different types depending upon their
proposed utilisation. They are of following types:
a) Exploratory Studies
b) Problem Solving Studies
c) Designing, Refining or Modifying Systems
d) Designing Interventions
e) Evaluating Options
f) Validating Hypothesis

Exploratory Studies

This type of study is carried out to gather some specific informationlfacts about some
management issue. The issue and its attributes are explored and analysed and a "cause-
effect" relationship is established, based on which meaningful solutions are recom~nended
for desirable changes.
Examples of such studies in Health and Hospital settings are:
Project study on acceptance of family planning methods in some specific community
Project study on motivation profile of health workers in public sector
Project study on impact of National Health Programme on health status of population

Problem Solving Studies

This type of study is carried out to find solution for a specific problem confronting the
organisation. Often the normal functioning in an organisation gets interrupted due to a
problem, Problem solving technique involving broadly the following steps is used:
9 Defining and diagnosing the problem
Collection of information and its ailalysis
9 Finding Alternatives
Choice and evalpation of alternatives
9 Selecting the.mostoptimum alternative
9 Recommending solutioil based on that alternative
Some of the examples of such study in health and hospital settings are:
9 How to reduce the waiting time in OPD (Outdoor Patient Department) services.
How to reduce the unnecessary laboratory investigations.

Designing, Refining or Modifying Systems

This type of study is carried out when new organisation components are evolved, or when
newroutines are introduced or when new norms are evolved. In such studies the existing
issues are studied and based on the new requirements the appropriate solutions are
designed or systems are recommended to be modified.
Few examples of such studies are:
Project Study ' s Study to evolve a uniform organisational structure in health departments for various . . ,
states.
Study on evolving staffing norms for a 400 bedded district hospital:
Study on expansion of out door patient services of a hospital.
e Study on hospital information system.
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Designing Interventionsflnterventionnl Studies

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This type of study is carried out when the decision maker is confronted with the situation
where he seeks assistance to find ways and means for implementing a solution, i.e., how a
particular intervention should be designed. So in this type of study the problem and'its
solution has already been identified, only the way the solution is to be implemented has to
be designed. II
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Some of the examples of such type of studies are:
s Study to devise a method for administration of Oral Polio Vaccine to eliminate polio
Ir
from India within a defined time frame (Pulse Polio Campaign). I
. e Study to design a method for distribution of nutritional supplements to school going
children to reduce incidence of Kwashiorkor and Marasmus (Mid-day Meal
Programme).
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Study to devise a methods for increasing the access of health services to rural
population and people staying in remote areas (Mobile Clinics and Medical Camps)
etc.

Evaluating Options

This type of study is required to be carried out when the decision-maker requires assistance
in selecting the best option as per his requirement, out of a number of alternatives available
to him. It may include even generating the alternatives and then selecting one out of them.
Examples of this kind of study are:
@ ~ e c h a n i c alauiidry
l versus conventional (manual) laundry services in a hospital.
@ Developing hospital services in-house versus contracting out services.
Evaluating drug distribution methods in pharmacy services.

Validating Hypothesis c

Hypothesis as you know is an assumptive statement of facts made by an investigator health

manager based on scientific facts after carrying out a study or research. At times the
b
decision maker may be interested in lcnowiiig the degree of tn~thness'orsuccess of the
hypothesis or idea, i.e., the validity of hypothesis. Under these circumstances such a study
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is required to validate hypothesis.
Examples of this type of study are:
e Study t ~ t e sthe
t hypothesis that improving OPD (Out Patient Department) services
reduces the average length of stay of an indoor patient.
* Study to test the hypothesis that improving hygiene factors improve themotivation of
workers.

1.7 PROCESS OF PROJECT STUDY

As already discussed, tlie type of project study depends upon its proposed utilisation.
Therefore it is not correct to label a particular process, which can be followed for every type
of project study. However general guidelines are described here which could be applied for
conducting most of the project studies. The process of project study consists of essentially
following steps:
* Selecting Aim, Objectives and Scope of study
e Methodology including tools of data collection
@ Analysis of existing system
 ,ga Data collection
Inference and Interpretation
@ Discussion
Conclusions and Recommendations

1.7.1 Selecting Aim, Objectives and Scope of Study

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Aim as you know is the ultimate end towards which all objectives are directed. In fact aim
' should define the solution to the problem or the issue or the "felt need". For example the felt
need of the user for the construction of a multi-speciality hospital in terms of aim, can be
defined as "To prepare a project report on planning of physical facilities, staffing,
equipment and utilisation of a 300 bedded multi-speciality hospital hia metropolitan city"
Objectives are the important ends towards whichtall activities are directed. The list of
objectives should cover the main issues. In selecting objectives, one should list out
attributes, which when measured will provide the necessary analytical context of the
subsequent work. Objectives should be verifiable and should state what is to be
accomplished and when. Objectives should present a challenge and indicate priorities. A
few important points to be kept in mind while formulating objectives are as follows:
Do the objectives cover the main feature?
@ Are the objectives expressed clearly?
@ Are the objectives verifiable?
,ga Do the objectives indicate:
- Quantity (how much)?
- Quality (how well or specific characteristics)?
- Time (when)?
- Cost (at what cost)?
@ Are the priorities assigned to ihe objectives?
Are the assumptions underlying the objectives clearly identified?
@ Are the objectives achievable within available resources.
After the objectives are formulated, it should also be decided how to quantify these
objectives, meaning thereby that how the objectives contribute quantitatively towards
achieving the aim of the study. A decision has to be made how to measure these objectives.
The objectives 'cover lot of issues some small and others big, and dimensions and
interrelationship of all these issues and attributes are required to be measured and identified.
The physical attributes can be measured with the help of physical instruments but the
measurement of psycl~ologicaland social attributes does require a different set of
instruments.
Scope or the limits of the study should also be clearly defined. It means what the
study will include and what it will not. What considerations will be taken into account and
what will be left out? The constraints of the study should be clearly spelt out in the scope.

1.7.2 Methodology
Methodology adopted to carry out these study varies with the type of study. It may involve
retrospective study, present study or prospective study. Retrospective study is the one in
which the past events are studied. The prospective is the forward-looking study for the '

future period. For example in case of a project like " Study of health practices of a given
community and their impact on the existing health system with a view to plan for expansion
of health care facilities in that convnunity " may involve all the three types of studies
mentioned above.
In certain projects, networking techniques like PERT ( P r o g r a m Evaluation and Review
Technique), CPM (Critical Path Method) may be required. For example projects concerning
construction of a hospital, project like installing MRI (Magnetic Resonailce Imaging)
Project Study facilities or expansion of a hospital, application of PERT/Cost techniques is very useful. You
have already learnt in detail about these techniques in Block 1 of Course 1.
Certain projects may require the application of Operations Research techniques like
Simulation, Linear programming, Work-study, Activity Sampling, Method Study,
Distribution logistics etc. For example in a project study to work out the staffing norms for a
hospital or its department will require the use of technique of "Work Measurement " or
"Activity Sampling". You have been exposed to these operation research techniques in
Course 1.
Besides the techniques mentioned above, there are other techniques like Quality Circles,
Total Quality Management, Value Engineering, CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Designs/
Computer Aided Manufacturing) which can be applied in project studies.
The important aspects which has to be decided in methodology is, that What data is to be
collected, how the data is to be measured and how it is to be collected ?

What is Data?

Data as you know is an organised collection of information, containing the values of the .
variables, obtained fiom a sample of the subjects, and which would be sequentially used to
derive conclusions through the process of scientific analysis and reasoning. In all types of
studies the process df making measurements obtains data.

Typesof Data

In clinical and health research the data, which is generally collected, is of two types:
e Quantitative data
e Qualitative data

Quantitative data is when the information is collected in the form of mathematical figures
and it is recorded in the form of numerals. For example, height, weight, length etc. It is also
called 'Numerical data'. The statistical methods employed in analysis of such a data or
mean, range, standard deviation, co-efficient of variation and co-relation co-efficient.

Qualitative data is when the information can not be recorded in the form of numbers, but
according to some certain defined attributes. For example "Sex-Malememale", " Satisfaction
level - SatisfactoryiUnsatisfactory".The results of a qualitative data are always expressed
as a ratio, proportion, percentage or a rate. The statistical methods commonly employed in C

analysis of such a data are standard error of proportion and Chi-square tests.
Data can also be classified according to the source:
@ Primary Data which is collected for the first time and thus is original in character. 1

@ Secondary Data is that which has already been collected by someone else and has
already been statistically process~d.It can be obtained from various sources such as
hospital registers, reports and returns of health centres, published data of some
research studies etc.

Measurementof Data ,

Measuring or quantifying of the data isvery important step in any project study. The data
or the attributes in a project study are measured with the help of indicators. Indicators as
you know are the specific instruments in the form of questions, scales or devices by which
respondent's knowledge, opinion, expectations or the other data being collected in the
study is measured. There is seldom a perfect measure of an attribute. Therefore it is
desirable to consider and use different measures to gauge the same dimensionlattribute. At
times it is necessary to develop an instrument for measuring a specific attribute or data
under study. At times when we have several attributes of a concept resulting in multifarious
measurements, it may become necessary to combine these measurements into a single index
so that they can be related to the original concept in a comprehensive way. The method of
'scaling is used to quantify data.
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Scaling

Scaling is the procedure for the assignment of numbers (or other symbols) to a property of
, objects in order to impart some of the characteiistics of numbers to the properties in Practical Manual
question.'In physical sciences the numbers are assigned to the measurement of various
parameters like length, time, mass and so on, but in social research the numbers assigned do
not have the one and the same inte~pretation.The interpretation of the numbers assigned in
scaling depends upon the levels of measurement. These four levels are:
a) Nominal Scale
b) Ordinal Scale
c) Interval Scale
d) Ratio Scale

Nominal Scale: The ilominal scale is used to measure qualitative data. In nominal scale, an
attribute is marked as being either present or absent. The number of objects are recorded
either those which have the defined or the specific attribute or those which do not have the
defined or'the specific attribute. So nominal scales merely classify without indicating order,
distance or unique origin. In nominal scaling the given sarnpleipopulationis labeled into a
predetermined ciass. Examples are:
a) Marital Status - Single, Married, Divorced.
b) Status - Member/Nonxr~ember
c) Smoker - YesINo

Ordinal Scale: The ordinal scale uses numerical symbols for recording the data, but these
numbers do not have any meaningful mathematical relationship. Ordinal scales indicate
magnitude relationships of "more thah" or "less than". Ordinal numbers do not permit
mathematical operations. Since the number of this scale have only a ranking meaning, the
appropriate measure of central tendency is the median. Example of ordinal scale: the fever
can be graded as Mild =1, Moderate =2, High Fever =3. So when ranking the degree of fever
these numbers can be used for mild, moderate or high fever but these numbers 1,2, and 3 do
not have same mathematical relationship between them as in other mathematical operations.

Interval Scale: Interval Scale has the property ofboth the nominal as well as the ordinal
scale. In addition the interval between numbers, on an interval scale represents equal
distances in the variable being measured. The scale does not have a unique or absolute
zero, but an arbitrary zero. For example Fahrenheit temperature scale.

Ratio Scale: This scale includes the features of nominal, ordinal and interval scdes and in
addition provides an absolute (non-arbitrary) zero point. Ratio scales represent actual
amounts of variables. Measures of physical dimensions such as weight, height, distance.
etc. are examples where ratio scales can be used. In project studies ratio scales are used to
obtain stock levels, transit time etc. All the statistical techniques can be used with ratio
scales and all the manipulations that one carries out with real numbers can also be carried
out with ratio scale values.
Based on these rating scales and techniques a decision is made how to evolve criteria for
analysis of existing system by applying these scales and techniques.
After a decision has been made which methodology is. to be used for the project study, what
data is to be collected,-how it is to be collected, what measurement techniques are to be
used, the next step in project study is to apply these decisions to the existing system.

Data Collection
Following methods are used to collect the primary data:
@ Observation
@ Interview
@ Questionnaire
Documents
Observations: In this method, the information is sought by way of investigator's own direct
observation without asking anything from the respondent. While recording observations,
the investigator should take care to rule out all kinds of bias. Care should also be taken that
others do not become conscious of the fact that they are being observed, as this will not
produce the correct data. Observations therefore should be recorded discretly. The
Project Sludy recording of observations should be carefully planned and proper checks and controls for
validity and reliability of data should be made. Advantages of this method are that
subjectivity is reduced and there is complete separation from past or future. Disadvantages
of this method are that it is relatively costly, time consuming and provides limited
information.

Interview: This method is used to collect data from the subjects who have the knowledge 0:
the subject under investigation. Interviews may be Personal Interviews or Telephonic
Interviews. In personnel interviews, the information is collected by face to face physical
presence of the interviewer and the respondent. But nowadays organisations are taking help
ofmodern technological tools like video-conferencing, in which face to face interview is
conducted but both inteiviewer and the respondent are located at a far of distance, bnt both
can see each other as sitting face to face. In telephonic interviews, contacting respondents
on telephone collects the information. Interviews can be Structured inteiviews, Semi-
Sructured interviews and Unstructured Interviews.
In Structured Inteiviews, a set of questions related to the project under study aTe prepared
and asked. The questions are so designed so as to provide specific information about the
issues under study. The interviewer in structured interview follows a rigid procedure laid
down, asking questions in form and order prescribed and recording of responses is also
done in the fornl and order prescribed. Structured interviews require lesser skill on the part
of interviewer. Structured interviews are usually used in descriptive studies.
In Unstl-uctul.edInterview, the interviewer is allowed much greater freedom to ask
supplementary questions or onlit certain questions. He has greater freedom while recording
responses to include some aspects and exclude others. Here the aim is to extract information
about the issues, which are important from the point of view of person who is being
interviewed. This gives an insight about the human behaviour of persons pe~foinlingthe job
under study. Unstructured interviews demand greater skill and knowledge on the part of
interviewer. Unstructured interviews are generally used in case of exploratory studies.
In ~enli-struclnredlitterview,the interviewer follows the interview guideor the set pattern,
but in addition may asks other questions.
Interviews may be focussed interviews, clillical interviews and non-directive interviews. In
focussed interview the aim is to focus qttention on the given experience of the respondent
and its effect. The main task of the interviewer is to confine the respondent to a discussion
of issues with which he seeks conversance. Such interviews are used in the development of
hypothesis.
The clinical interview is concerned with broad underlying feelings or motivatioils or with the
course of individual's life experience. In case of non-directive interview, the interviewer's
function is simply to encourage the respondent to talk about the given topic with bare
n~ininlumquestioning.

Questionnaire: This method is used when large size inquiries are to be conducted. A
number of questions, presented in a definite order on a specially designed form are
administered to the subjects under study, either personally or through post or through
telephone. It is important to shucture the questionnaire and validate it through pilot survey.
before presenting it to the subjects under study. Care should be taken that questions are
short and simple. Questions may be of closed type (with 'yes' or 'no' type answer) or they
may be of open type (inviting free response). They may be of the type where they provide
fixed alternative responses.

Documents: In this inethod the data is collected from the records, documents, report and
retunls, research papers and recorded forms. Documents or records provide a reliable source
of observation. They can also be used to verify the articulation of policies, rules and
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS).

1.7.3 Analysis of Existing System

The next step is to analyse the existing system. An analysis is made of the existing
objectives, existing functions being performed, the different relationships including
functional relationship, the existing expznditure or the costs involvcd, the effectiveness of
the existing way of functioning, existing policies,,rules bylaws and so on. This review of'the
 existing system may require visits, discussions, briefingsand interactions with a wide Practical Manual
variety of people both inside and outside the organisation. It may include the review of
literature available on the subject. It includes, not only the study of the organisation for
which the project study is being done, but also, the analysis of the external environment,
that is, the similar projects1 industries outside, their profitability, su vival, success.
For example in case of a project of construction of a multidisciplinary hospital in a district,
the of existing systems will include:
The present system of health care delivery in the district
The present number of health care facilities, hospitals, hospital beds, general
practitioners, Registered Medical Practitioners and alternative health care system
facilities and their capabilities. r

' Demographic profile of the dependent population ofthe district.

The social, economic and educational status, the health practices and social customs
and taboos.
Common health problems and disease prevalence in tile dependent population so that
concerned departments in the hospital can be developed more.

. The detailed examination of the system involves the following:

Enumeration and description of all the elements
Appreciation of the policies governing the relationships amongst 'the elements
Identification of the opportunity elements
Task analysis of the opportunity eIenlents

Opportunity Elements

when you enumerate and describe various elements of the system, look for the elements,
which promise scope for improvement, These elements are called Opportunity elements. The
focus should be kept on these elements, but the care should be taken that the focus does
not become too narrowed. Therefore elements of associated system should also be
included, but the study should remain manageable. The opportunity elements are perused
for the task analysis

Task Analysis

It basically means getting details about the task elements of each opportunity element so
that the focus can be emphasised on these elements, The aim is to control the lspecific parts
of the operations.

Effectiveness Criteria

Afi effectiveness criteria is basically the degree to which the system achieves the desig-
nated task or function while operating in the specified environment. The cost of operation
related to the effectiveness should also be measured.

The'good review of the system helps in better appreciation of the task and enables the
study team to arrive at a range of feasible options as well as the attendant consequences.

1.7.4 Data Collection

The data relevant to the project study should be collected applying the methodology and
using the parameters and attributes, decided as per study plan. While recording the data
due care need to be taken to rule out the observer and instrument error. The observations
should be recorded carefully and all types of biases should be ruled out. Any deviation, if it
is there, should be explained by logical, sound and scientific reasoning. The overall plan or
desigii for the study and the time frame as decided earlier should be strictly followed and
adhered to. How the data being collected will contribute to the aim and objective of the
study should always be kept in mind to avoid wasting of time and money in collecting data
irrelevant to the study. Facts, figures, observations and data so collected should be
Projcct Study arranged, tabulated and presented in a simple and easily understandable manner. All
statements should be supported suitably by relevant facts and figure.

1.7.6 Inference and Interpretation

After the data has been collected, it is analysed to draw inferences. The puiyose of
collecting, collating and analysing info~matioilis to arrive at objective assessment of the
selected attsibutes of the system under considerat~on.The info~mation,available on the
basis of the processed data, is to be utilised in drawing inferences about the status of the
selected attributes on which data is collected. These inferences are to be inteipreted in
larger context to a~riveat meaningful conclusion.
Inferences in simple terms mean estimation. Use of both qualitative and quantitative
techniques is made. The qualitative technique used can be intuition based on the experience
or past practices. The quantitative techniques used are:

e Hypothesis testing
Chi-square test
e Analysis of Variance
@ Regression Analysis
@ Co-relation Analysis
@ Trend Analysis

All these techniques come under Statistical Analysis and beyond the scope of this project
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works and, therefore, are not being described here. The inferences should be drawn
objectively and should be restricted to the information procured from the available data.
After drawing inferences coi~ectly,the next step is to make corect interpretation. The
'Interpretation' is the process of establishing links within the inferences and possible
cause-effect relationship within the sub-system as well as with the larger system. The
inferences should also be linked with the other studies on the same or related subject.

1i7.7 Discussion
After the inferences have been drawn and an appraisal of the organisational
system including its processes with specific reference to areas of interest has been made,
brainstorming sessions are held with in the study team to threadbare various conclusions
drawn. The nodal points of the system needing attention and further study are en~phasised
to find ways and means to provide effective solution to the problem. The possible
approaches/techniques/conceptsthat can be employed are explored. The options are
generated and shortlisted based on the criteria of feasibility from'all aspects including their t

evaluation for cost and effectiveness. Tlle discussions are also held with the important
users and outside experts and different options are generated. The consequences of
implementing various options are also discussed and recorded. Any specific preferences of
the user/sponsorer for a particular set of options are noted and specific interventions if
required are designed. This helps in finding solutions, appropriate to the organisation and
also improves acceptability subsequently. If the circumstances pennit, a limited trial on a
small scale can also be conducted to give confidence to the sponsorer/user as regards to
viability of the proposal. This will help the study team in collecting data on post
implementation changes and modify the proposal, if necessary.

1.7.8 Recommendations
Recornmendatioils form the most important part of the project study. While framing
recommendations due care should be taken that they provide answer to the aim and all the
objectives set forth in the stbdy. The recommendations should cover all aspects of the
problems/issues for which the sponsorer/user has requested the study.

1.8 PROJECT REPORT

After the study has been conlpleted, it is necessary to reduce in writing the entire thought
, process as evolved during the study. All underlying assumptions and information on which
the recommendations were based and formed should be recorded in a logical sequence. The Practical ~ a n u a l
most well designed and conducted study and the most revealing findings are of little value
unless they are communicated properly. The purpose of project study is served only when
the findings and recommendations are made well known to all concerned. Writing of the
repo1-t is basically an ai-t and requires special skills. The important thing to be kept in mind
while writing the project report is that the whole subject matter should be written logically
and chronologically and all facts, figures and statements sliould be stated along with
various options and the implications and consequences of implementing these options. The
following format as a guideline is suggested for the project report:

Layout of a Project Study Report

1) Cover Page : It should contain the following:

@ Title of tlie project report
@ Organisation or project study team or individual's name who has conducted and
prepared tlie project report
The organisation for which the project repoi-t has been prepared
@ Date and year of project report

2) Table of Contents
3) ' List of Abbreviations
4) Project Report Sunlnlaly
5) Details of project study as under:
a) Introduction
b) Aims, Objectives and Scope of project study
c) Background material like review of literature
d) Methodology
e) Findings/observations including analysis
f) Discussion giving details of inferences and interpretations
g) Recommendations with detailed justifications.
6) Areas of further study
7) Acknowledgements
8) Appendices, Chai-ts, Graphs, Sketches etc.

1.9 LET US SUM UP

In this project manual you have learnt that a project study is the scientific examination of a
problem andlor concerned issues, to assist the decision-makers arrive at conclusions with a
sharper focus over a broad perspective. Organisations, as you know, are increasingly
requesting for project studies in order to maintain their competitive edge in this era of
globalisation and liberalisation. You have also learnt tliat project studies help to examine real
life problems critically, analyse them and provide solutions to improve system efficiency and
cost effectiveness. You have also learnt about the classification of project studies which
can be classified in to different types depending upon their proposed utilisation, These can
be Exploratory, Problem solving, Designing or modifying systems, Interventional studies,
Evaluating options and Validating hypothesis. You have learnt that the process of
conducting project study which consists of various steps viz. selecting aim, objectives and
scope, methodology, analysis of existing system, making observations and collecting
data, making inference and interpretation, discussion, recommendations, and summary. You
will appreciate that the purpose of project study is served only when the findings and
recommendations are made well known to all coilcemed and this is best done with the help
ofproject report,
Project Study
ACTIVITY
You would be required to write disseitation/project on a topic related to hospital
management or health services management or on health problems. A list of suggested
topics for dissertation project is given here:

1) Study of OPD services of a district hospital.

2) Study of purchase system and management of medical and surgical stores in the
hospital.

3) A study of Nursing service in a district hospital.

4) An evaluatoiy study of some of CGHSIESI dispensaries in the station.
5) A study of hospital laboratory services of a dist~lcthospital.

6 ) A study of Blood Bank services in a district hospital.

7) A study of Radiological services in a district hospital.
8) A study of Dietary sirvices in a district hospital. '.

9) A study of absentesm among class D employees.

10) A study of Disaster plan for a hospital.
11) Procurement, storage and consumpti011 pattern of crystalloids at a district hospital.
12) A study of the problems in maintenance of hospital buildings and equipments.
13) Any other subject pertaining to General Administration, Personnel Management,
Financial Management, Materials Management.

This list is suggestive in nature only but you may select any other s,uitablesubject for
study. The dissertation should be based on a practical field study carried out by the
candidate.

You should identify'and select an institution/hospital or an area which has about average
performance. You may finalize the selection of instilutionkospital in consultation with your
academic counsellor at programme study centre.

After the selection of the institution; you must:

a introduce yourself to the head of institution
a explain him the purpose of your study

seek his approval for carrying out the project work in the institution
request him to provide you access to various records and reports available at his end
develop rapport with head of institution and other staff members
develop the tools for collection of data i.e., questionnaire, interview schedules and
checklists for observational study.