Running a Successful Service module (GM51087)

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) is the treatment of infertility by manipulating egg, sperm, and embryos. It includes techniques such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and intrauterine insemination (IUI). In order to provide safe, effective, and ethical standards in ART and medically assisted reproduction (MAR), it is important to understand the key clinical, laboratory, and regulatory factors essential in running a successful Assisted Conception Unit (ACU).

MAR is often run as a private business and is a highly competitive market, therefore a good understanding of business management is required. This module explores management approaches required to provide a successful service. In this rapidly developing field, the complexities of developing new innovations will be considered.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• learn key aspects of laboratory management, including the procurement of laboratory equipment and gametes
• examine international regulatory frameworks required within ART services
• understand the need for accreditation by relevant regulatory bodies
• understand the various business planning aspects of ART, including the role of the media and marketing, along with financial planning
• consider entrepreneurship to develop new innovations within this service
• learn from internationally distinguished speakers

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• understand the key quality and risk management principles, including the need for regulatory compliance
• perform process and equipment validations, in which you will understand how to ensure these are validated against current literature
• write a business plan relating to a new service development, including aspects of financial planning and marketing
• apply your learning to your own experience and consider how this will apply to your future career
• demonstrate transferable skills key to academic practice (e.g., academic integrity, digital literacy, reflective skills, critical analysis, multi-professionalism)
• communicate and critically discuss with your peers and senior colleagues

Assignments / assessment

• coursework (100%)

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

Teaching is delivered online through a combination of recorded lectures, tutorials, and workshops. Learning materials will be provided to support self-directed study.

This is a part-time, distance-learning module. The equivalent module for the full-time, face-to-face course is GM52035.