Postgraduate Module Descriptor

POLM002M: Management and Governance: Comparing Public Administration around the World

This module descriptor refers to the 2018/9 academic year.

Module Aims

The module aims to explore comparative administrative theories, practice and processes and the importance of the context in which they operate. It also aims to enhance a critical awareness of the approaches of different political regimes to public administration and public sector management and to develop a Masters level practical and theoretical understanding of the impact of globalisation and de-territorialization on national and international governance. The module examines some of the main issues and problems confronting public sector managers such as modernization, accountability in a complex age, ethical action, oversight, audit and private-public partnerships

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here - you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Critically examine the importance of the temporal, geographical, social and economic context of public administration and demonstrate this by analysing real world examples using complex theoretical frameworks;
2. Identify examples of best practice and evaluate their transferability to other jurisdictions;
3. Explain the dynamics towards public administrative reform with reference to a range of theoretical models
Discipline-Specific Skills4. Appraise and critically evaluate government reports and public policy;
5. Synthesise and comment critically on a corpus of academic literature;
6. Link public administration concepts and theories to real world examples;
Personal and Key Skills7. Undertake independent/self-directed learning (including time management) to achieve consistent, proficient and sustained attainment;
8. Work as a participant or leader of a group and contribute effectively to the achievement of objectives; and
9. Reflect on the process of learning and evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses.