Postgraduate Module Descriptor

POLM002M: Management and Governance:Comparing Public Administration around the World (MPA only)

This module descriptor refers to the 2017/8 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.

Indicative Reading List

This reading list is indicative - i.e. it provides an idea of texts that may be useful to you on this module, but it is not considered to be a confirmed or compulsory reading list for this module.

Basic reading:

 

Pollit, C, (2008), Time, Policy, Management: Governing with the Past, Oxford University Press.

 KPMG, (2008), Holy Grail or Achievable Quest? International Perspectives on Public Sector Performance Management, London KPMG International.

 Massey, A., and Pyper R, (2005), Public Management and Modernization in Britain, Palgrave.

 Stillman, R. J., (Ed.), (2000), Public Administration: Concepts and Cases, Houghton Mifflin Company.

 Rosenbloom, D,. and Kravchuk, R, (2004), Public Administration : Understanding Management, Politics, and Law in the Public Sector, McGraw-Hill.

 Adamolekun, L., (ed.) (1999), Public Administration in Africa: Main Issues and Selected Country Studies, Westview Pres.

 Fraser-Moleketi, G (2005), The World We Could Win: Administering Global Governance, IOS Press

 Huberts W, et al, (2008), Ethics and Integrity of Governance: Perspectives Across Frontiers, Edward Elgar Publishing

 

 

The module will be supported by ELE materials, including links to core texts

 

ELE – vle.exeter.ac.uk