Module Code - Title:
PA4021
-
IDEAS AND CONCEPTS IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Year Last Offered:
2016/7
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
Aims:
This foundation course aims to introduce students to the ideas and concepts used in the study of Public Administration.
Objectives:
To provide an overview of the different principles and theoretical perspectives applied to the study of public administration and underlying recent changes in the scope and management of the public sector
Indicate the significance and shortcomings of each school of thought
Illustrate working examples of the various models in different state settings and the challenges facing public administration in the 21st century
Highlight that accountability and ethics are core values in public administration
Introduce students to the career development skills module
Syllabus:
Public Administration as a field of studyûidentity, interdisciplinary character, profession, differences between public management and public governance; growth and role of government; development of civil service systems; origins and theoretical pillars of traditional model of public administration û Northcote Trevelyan Report, Pendleton Report, Max Weber, Woodrow Wilson, organisational theory; politics-administration dichotomy in Europe; demise of traditional model of public administration; managerialism, entrepreneurial government and public choice theory; New Public Management; results of public sector reforms; accountability; ethics; e-government; globalization.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Identify the principal characteristics of Public Administration as an academic study
Describe the main changes in the structure, functioning and ethos of public administration systems since the mid-nineteenth century
Explain the contributions of the foremost theorists associated with public administration
Review the types of reform introduced in public administrations as a result of the New Public Management agenda
Recognise administrative reform ideas as they appear in practical procedures and official documentation
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Articulate the values and ethics that are inherent in the roles of officials who develop, promote and implement public policy
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
Demonstrate independent work through course assessment, self-organisation and development of study skills
Use a variety of web-based information resources to research and evaluate career opportunities
Display communication skills through participation i
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
A variety of learning styles and skills are catered for in this module. Students will be taught through a programme of lectures and tutorials (with specific tasks and activities). SULIS will be used as a medium to promote and facilitate learning and assessment. The module is designed such that students undertake specific tutorial exercises in groups, individual written assessment and an introduction to career development skills.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Hughes, Owen (2003)
Public Management and Administration
, Palgrave
Other Relevant Texts:
Bovaird, Tony and Loffler, Elke (eds.) (2008)
Public Management and Governance
, Routledge
Peters, B.Guy (2008)
The Politics of Bureaucracy
, Routledge
Ott, Steven J. & E. W. Russell (eds.) (2001)
Introduction to Public Administration - A Book of Readings
, Longman
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester - Year to be First Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
ber.connaughton@ul.ie