Postgraduate Module Descriptor

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

This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 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.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will include the following topics in the order indicated:

 

1. Models, Myths and Paradigms; how do we know what we know;

2. The interpretation of facts and the importance of context;

3. Administrative Theories;

4. Administrative practice, the Anglo/American model; the European model; Administration in Africa; Asian models of Administration;

5. Global Governance and the de-territorialization of administration.

6. Issues and problems facing public administration.

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
181820

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching1010 Lectures (1 hours each)
Scheduled Learning and Teaching52 Workshop (2.5 hours)
Scheduled Learning and Teaching31 Guest Presentation (3 hours)
Guided independent study82Reading, thinking and preparing for lectures and workshops
Guided independent study100Assignment preparation

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).