Module POLM220M for 2021/2
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Postgraduate Module Descriptor
POLM220M: Management and Governance: Comparing Public Administration around the World
This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 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.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. 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 Skills | 4. Appraise and critically evaluate government reports and public policy 5. Synthesize and comment critically on a corpus of academic literature 6. Link public administration concepts and theories to real world examples |
| Personal and Key Skills | 7. 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 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:
- Models, Myths and Paradigms; how do we know what we know;
- The interpretation of facts and the importance of context;
- Administrative Theories;
- Administrative practice, the Anglo/American model; the European model; Administration in Africa; Asian models of Administration;
- Global Governance and the de-territorialization of administration.
- 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 Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 278 | 0 |
...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 22 | 11 Seminars (2 hours each) |
| Guided independent study | 118 | Reading set texts and wider reading and preparatory notes use of ELE for asynchronous activities and discussions. |
| Guided independent study | 160 | Assignment preparation |
Online Resources
This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).
The module will be supported by ELE materials, including links to core texts
How this Module is Assessed
In the tables below, you will see reference to 'ILO's. An ILO is an Intended Learning Outcome - see Aims and Learning Outcomes for details of the ILOs for this module.
Formative Assessment
A formative assessment is designed to give you feedback on your understanding of the module content but it will not count towards your mark for the module.
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short briefings | 2 x 750 words | 1-9 | Written feedback |
Summative Assessment
A summative assessment counts towards your mark for the module. The table below tells you what percentage of your mark will come from which type of assessment.
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 35 | 2,000 words | 1, 3, 5 | Written feedback |
| Reflective Learning log | 15 | 1,000 words | 6-9 | Written feedback |
| Policy Briefings | 50 | 3,000 words | 2, 4-7 | Written feedback |
Re-assessment
Re-assessment takes place when the summative assessment has not been completed by the original deadline, and the student has been allowed to refer or defer it to a later date (this only happens following certain criteria and is always subject to exam board approval). For obvious reasons, re-assessments cannot be the same as the original assessment and so these alternatives are set. In cases where the form of assessment is the same, the content will nevertheless be different.
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay (2,000 words) | 1,3,5 | Next reassessment period |
| Reflective Learning log | Reflective Learning log (1,000 words) | 6-9 | Next reassessment period |
| Policy Briefings | Policy Briefings papers (3,000 words) | 2, 4-7 | Next reassessment period |
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.
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
