Module Code - Title:
PA6021
-
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION THEORY AND PRACTICE (ONLINE)
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module was developed for the revised MPA programme (full time and part time) and serves as an advanced introduction to Public Administration. The online version of the module will be offered in the proposed Graduate Certificate in Public Administration and Law.
The module explores key ideas and theoretical perspectives in Public Administration and relates them to debates and issues in the daily work of public administrators, often working within complex networks with other public, non-profit and private sector organisations.
Syllabus:
Traditional public administration model, NPM/Post NPM, new public governance and public value management
Public management reform in Ireland
Representative bureaucracy
Public leadership
Strategic planning
Regulation
Digital governance
Modes of politicisation in public administration
Public Organisation Reviews
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Compare and contrast theoretical positions in public administration (traditional public administration, NPM, new public governance) in verbal and written forms.
Demonstrate an understanding of the debates and issues influencing how public services are delivered.
Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of public leadership and distinguish between different leadership traits, styles and models.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Identify the importance of values and norms in public administration and policy making.
Recognise key ideas and concepts in public administration and their application to practice.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
n/a
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be taught online using the range of tools available in the VLE to promote student engagement and assist their learning through participation in forums and discussion spaces, recorded lectures, learning materials, use of e-tivities and other online assignments. Individual and group work where appropriate.
Students will engage in presentations and discussions to encourage critical reflection of the impact of theory on practice. The topics contained in the syllabus are relevant to the work of the public service practitioner and resources will be updated to reflect current thinking on these themes.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Hughes, Owen (2018)
Public Management and Administration - An Introduction (fifth edition),
, Palgrave Macmillan
Pollitt, Christopher (2016)
Advanced Introduction to Public Management and Administration,
, Edward Elgar
Bovaird, Tony & Loffler, Elke (eds) (2016)
Public Management and Governance, Routledge
, Routledge
Other Relevant Texts:
Peters, Guy.B. & Pierre, Jon (2012)
Handbook of Public Administration (second edition),
, Sage
MacCarthaigh, Muiris (2017)
Public Sector Reform in Ireland: Countering Crisis,
, Palgrave Macmillan
Ongaro, Edoardo & Van Thiel, Sandra (2018)
The Palgrave Handbook of Public Administration and Management in Europe,
, Palgrave Macmillan
Michiel de Vries (2016)
Understanding Public Administration
, Palgrave Macmillan
Hammerschmid, G., Van de Walle, S., Andrews, R. & Bezes, P. (eds) (2016)
Public Administration Reforms in Europe,
, Edward Elgar
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MAPUADTPA - PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (PART-TIME)
MAPUADTFA - PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
GDPUADTPA - PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
ber.connaughton@ul.ie