Module Code - Title:

PA4012 - PARA-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS

Year Last Offered:

2021/2

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

2

Lab

0

Tutorial

1

Other

0

Private

7

Credits

6

Grading Type:

N

Prerequisite Modules:

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

To analyse and explore the role and functions of Paragovernmental Organisations (PGO) as instruments of 'indirect' public administration generally and within the context of the politico-administrative system in Ireland.

Syllabus:

Part A:Paragovernmental Organisations as instruments of indirect administration; State-sponsored Bodies (SSBs) as manifestation of the PGO type in Ireland;commercial (public enterprise) and non-commercial (administrative agency) SSBs;legal,structural and financial characteristics of SSBs; roles of minister,board ,management and Houses of the Oireachtas in the structure of accountability of SSBs. The evolving regulatory environment of SSBs. Part B:Economic rationale for government intervention in the economy and the role of public enterprise;review and performance evaluation of public enterprise in Ireland since the foundation of the state; major concepts and trends in the regulation of public enterprise,privatisation and public private partnerships generally and in Ireland

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

Master the essential features of PGOs as instruments of indirect administration Identify the SSB as the Irish exemplar of the generic PGO type, with reference to its legal, structural and financial features Distinguish commercial (public enterprise) and non-commercial (administrative agency) SSBs Identify and appraise therespective roles of minister, board, management and Houses of the Oireachtas with respect to SSBs Master the rationale for government intervention in the economy and the role of public enterprise Display familiarity with current concepts and trends in regulation, privatisation and public private partnerships

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of PGOs/SSBs as instruments of public administration,both generally and in Ireland Evaluate the role and effectivness of public enterprise,both generally and in Ireland

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

Demonstrate competencies in library based research skills; exam derived writing skills; tutorial based verbal articulation skills; and career development derived computer based learning skills.

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

The module is delivered in lectures and tutorials. The lectures set out the basic framework of the course. The tutorials provide students with the opportunity to discuss course themes based on selected readings from newspapers,journals and official reports.Assessment is by way of final exam requiring students to address both partsof the course;and asupplementary career development component exercise

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

Prime Texts:

McGauran,M et al (2005) The Corporate Governance of Agencies in Ireland , IPA

Other Relevant Texts:

Sweeney,P (2004) Selling Out? Privatisation in Ireland , New Island

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

Semester - Year to be First Offered:

Autumn

Module Leader:

chris.g.mcinerney@ul.ie