Module Code - Title:
PA4022
-
INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION II
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
PA4001
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
Awareness of different systems is essential for explanation, theory and practice in Public Administration. This module explores how new national and international realities shape administrative practices and systems and draws on examples from throughout the world. It examines public service systems in different contexts, the roles and functions they fulfill and the administrative traditions that shaped them. It explores how common administrative problems are dealt with and the processes used to deal with contemporary challenges. It also identifies trends in public sector reform and the role of international institutions, such as the OECD, in promoting public sector modernization.
This module will be offered on the new BA Arts programme.
Pre-requisite module for this modules is Module ID 1548 Introduction to Public Administration I.
Syllabus:
• Major functions of the modern democratic state
• Postmodern public management
• Organizing the civil and public service - different approaches, different roles
• Structures, processes and institutions in different contexts
• Coordination of public policy and administration - towards joined-up government
• Links between administrative and political systems
• Decentralization, devolution and the hollowing out of the State
• Reform trends
• The influence of supranational organisations
• Contemporary Issues in public administration e.g., the challenges and potential of technology for public service systems ; accountability; gender; ethics
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On completion of this module, students should:
• display disciplinary knowledge of key public service systems, theories and comparative examples
• show awareness of the relevance of this knowledge to real world problems and challenges
• be familiar with the analytical and normative concepts and empirical evidence required for critical evaluation of different systems and practices
• Have the competence to articulate and evaluate different interpretative approaches to Public Administration
• demonstrate the ability to access, analyse and synthesize relevant information
• have developed the research and communication skills required for effective (oral, written and digital) and informed presentation of their views
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On completion of this module, students should:
demonstrate an appreciation of the differences between different approaches to public service organisation.
• exhibit the ability to relate appropriately to other people and function collaboratively
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be taught interactively using a range of pedagogic and investigative strategies to broaden students' knowledge, awareness and understanding. Both formative and summative assessments will be used. Individual and group-work techniques will be employed to provide opportunities for students to articulate perceptions, apply knowledge and show the confidence to initiate action and be pro-active and creative. Some activities will be carried out online.
State-of-the-art and classic reading material and current cases will be included to develop students' ability to identify, analyse and synthesise information and to present it in oral, written or digital forms
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Boyle, R. &MacCarthaigh, M. (2013)
Fit for purpose?
, IPA
Kuhlmann, S., and Wollmann, H. (2014)
) Introduction to Comparative Public Administration: Administrative Systems and Reforms in Europe
, Edward Elgar Publishing
Massey, A. (2011)
International Handbook On Civil Service Systems
, Edward Elgar Publishing
Other Relevant Texts:
Chandler, J. (ed.) (2013)
Local government in liberal democracies: an introductory survey
, Routledge
Kippin,J. Simon Griffiths and Gerry Stoker (eds.) (2013)
Public Services: A New Reform Agenda.
, Bloomsbury
Neuhold, C., Sophie Vanhoonacker & Luc Verhey (eds.) (2013)
Civil servants and politics: A delicate balance
, Palgrave MacMillan
Raadschelders,A. Theo A.J. Toonen and Frits M. Van der Meer (2007)
The Civil Service in the 21st Century
, Palgrave MacMillan
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BAARTSUEA - ARTS (EVENING)
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
nita.mishra@ul.ie