Public Administration Case Studies
ChironOnlineCourse
padm520publicadministrationsyllabus.docx
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School of Public Service & Health Public Administration PADM 520 Public Administration in Society 3 Credit Hours 8 Weeks Prerequisite: None |
Instructo r: Dr. Tim Bagwell
Emai l: [email protected]
Phone : 314 610-0581
Fax NA
Office Hours: 8-5 MWF
PADM520 Public Administration and Society (3 hours)
The study and practice of public administration is explored in its political context. The student is introduced to the environment within which public administration functions and the dynamics of behavior within large organizations. How choices are made among competing policies, factors affecting the implementation of policy, and the role of policy evaluation in shaping policy choices are examined. Managing large scale bureaucratic organizations is analyzed including the role of leadership, the management of personnel and finances, and the role of communication in inter- and intra-organizational relations.
The course will introduce students to the policy making process. It will examine how choices are made among competing policies, factors affecting the actual implementation of policy and the role of policy evaluation in shaping and reshaping policy choices. Students will also consider approaches to managing large scale bureaucratic organizations, including the role of leadership, the management of personnel and finances and the important role that communication plays in inter- and intra-organizational relations. Perhaps most importantly, students will grapple with the problem of managing to achieve organizational goals in a political context.
The purpose and scope of this course is to describe the fundamental attributes of Public Administration and to provide the student with the analytical tools to comprehend and explain Public Administration and society policy behavior of states. PADM 520 also provides the intellectual foundation for further study in the field of Public Administration.
The successful student will fulfill the following learning objectives:
1. Evaluate the role of values in the development, implementation and management of public policy.
2. Assess the ways in which forces that are external to bureaucratic organizations – such as politics, the economy, and public opinion – have shaped the structure and functions of public administration.
3. Assess the ways in which the structure of the US federal system of government has shaped the administration of policy.
4. Evaluate the nature of modern bureaucratic organizations along with major theories that have been put forward to explain the way those organizations behave.
5. Compare and critique models intended to describe the ways in which public policy decisions are made.
6. Select between major approaches to managing the day-to-day operations of bureaucracies and understand the role and importance of organizational leadership.
7. Rate major issues in personnel administration in the public sector.
8. Formulate the process of financial management in the public sector.
9. Assess the legal context within which public organizations must function.
10. Evaluate the role that evaluation plays in the policy making process.
This course delivered via distance learning will enable students to complete academic work in a flexible manner, completely online. Course materials and access to an online learning management system will be made available to each student. Online assignments are due by Sunday evening of the week as noted and include Forum questions (accomplished in groups through a threaded forum), examination, and individual assignments submitted for review by the Faculty Member). Assigned faculty will support the students throughout this eight-week course.
Required Course Textbooks:
LeMay, M.C. (2006). Public administration: Clashing values in the administration of public policy (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. ISBN 0 – 534 -60137-5.
Required Readings:
In Public Administration we use the parenthetic citation and reference list style of the latest edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) to cite and reference sources.
Additional Resources
Web Sites
In addition to the required course texts, the following public domain web sites are useful. Please abide by the university’s academic honesty policy when using Internet sources as well. Note web site addresses are subject to change.
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Site Name |
Web Site URL/Address |
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Available through EBL at |
http://www.APUS.eblib.com/EBLWeb/patron/?target=patron&extendedid=E_594391_0 |
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Available through EBL at |
http://site.ebrary.com.ezproxy.apus.edu/lib/apus/Doc?id=10021560 |
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Forum Assignments:
Each week, selections of cartoons or articles are assigned from textbook or professional journals available via the Online Research Center. Students must critically review these each week and substantively reply to the contributions of their peers. Postings should include an evaluation of the content of them and the relation to the weekly reading assignment in the text. The postings should be analytic in nature and include comparisons/contrasts, and examples to bolster your argument. Postings and replies should be 3 – 6 paragraphs in length and free of any spelling or grammar errors. Follow APA format.
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Criteria |
Description |
Points |
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Quality |
Student critically evaluated the content of the assigned reading, responded thoroughly to the question, and made connections to the text and the real world. Submission is professional, focused, pertinent, and free of grammar and spelling errors. |
50 |
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Participation |
Student responded substantively to at least 2 classmates. Responses were engaging and encouraged dialogue. |
20 |
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Use of Resources |
Student performed independent research, used and properly cited the assigned reading. Student used appropriate outside sources to support arguments. |
20 |
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Timeliness |
Student posted a response to the question by midnight Friday and responded to at least 2 classmates by midnight Sunday. (This grading criterion is applied in weeks 2-8). |
10 |
Homework Assignments:
Each week, selections of tables or articles are assigned from textbook and professional journals available via the Online Research Center. Students must critically review them each week. The review should include a discussion of the contents and their relations to the weekly reading assignment in the text.
“Your essay will be automatically uploaded to Turnitin.com and an originality report will be generated for you. No action is needed on your part. Please contact your instructor if you have questions about this process or your report.”
The criteria for evaluating the weekly assignment are:
· Synthesis of Knowledge 15%: Does the paper cohesively link concepts and learning objectives to the current topic?
· Foundation of Knowledge 15%: Does the paper incorporate appropriate source material to develop and substantiate the analysis.
· Application of Knowledge 15%: Does the student effectively communicate concepts and ideas?
· Organization of Ideas/Format 15%: Does the paper follow APA formatting and style guidelines? There is an introduction, logical body, and summary.
· Writing Skill 15%: The paper is grammatically correct and free of spelling errors. The paper is in the active voice.
· Use of Computer Technology/Applications 10%: Does the student demonstrate an ability to adequately employ online tools, word processing software, and use of the Online Library or other technology to complete the assignment?
· Research Skill 15%: Does the student demonstrate an ability to perform independent academic research by incorporating peer review academic articles, books, or other material from government institutions?
Case Analysis: In the “Course Material” section of the classroom, I have placed case studies (developed by The Electronic Hallway) of actual events and situations that arise in the day-to-day world of policy and public administration. Review the case studies and select two that you wish to analyze. Each analysis should be approximately 6 - 10 pages in length and will be due during the third and seventh weeks of the course. Follow APA format. “Your essay will be automatically uploaded to Turnitin.com and an originality report will be generated for you. No action is needed on your part. Please contact your instructor if you have questions about this process or your report.”
Guidelines: The central issue in your analysis should be to describe what the case tells us about the theory and practice of public administration. There is no one best way to address this. Thus, as you think about the answer to this primary question, you will need to develop your own framework for answering it. Some general questions that you may want to consider include the following:
What are the issues and what are they issues?
Who are the actors?
What are the organizational forces? What are the external forces?
What theoretical perspectives or models help you understand what happened in the case? How?
What does the case tell us about:
The environment within which public administration occurs?
The nature of the policy system and the policy making process?
The decision making process?
Leadership and management?
Administrative ethics?
What recommendations would I make?
How would I propose to do things differently?
In analyzing the case, you should draw upon class readings, internet resources as well as personal experiences that may be relevant.
· The criteria for evaluating the weekly assignment are: Synthesis of Knowledge 15%: Does the paper cohesively link concepts and learning objectives to the current topic?
· Foundation of Knowledge 15%: Does the paper incorporate appropriate source material to develop and substantiate the analysis.
· Application of Knowledge 15%: Does the student effectively communicate concepts and ideas?
· Organization of Ideas/Format 15%: Does the paper follow APA formatting and style guidelines? There is an introduction, logical body, and summary.
· Writing Skill 15%: The paper is grammatically correct and free of spelling errors. The paper is in the active voice.
· Use of Computer Technology/Applications 10%: Does the student demonstrate an ability to adequately employ online tools, word processing software, and use of the Online Library or other technology to complete the assignment?
· Research Skill 15%: Does the student demonstrate an ability to perform independent academic research by incorporating peer review academic articles, books, or other material from government institutions?
Please see the Student Handbook to reference the University’s grading scale.
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Week |
Topic |
Learning Objectives |
Readings |
Assignment |
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1
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Introduction to the Study of Public Administration & Public Administration in Context |
Objectives: Explain the role of public administration in democratic governance Explain the role of conflicting values in public administration Explain the politics-administration dichotomy Describe the cycle of public policy Identify components that comprise the Executive Branch of US Government Describe major approaches to the study of public administration Identify major challenges facing the field of public administration |
Text Readings: LeMay Ch. 1 & 2 |
Forum 1.1 Forum 1.2 Written Ex - wk 1
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2 |
Politics, Power and Bureaucracies & Intergovernmental Relations |
Objectives: Describe and explain the importance of organizational culture Define and explain “groupthink” Discuss the conflict between pluralism and administrative efficiency Discuss the role of ideology in administration Define and explain the bases of bureaucratic power Explain the political role of the bureaucracy Identify the constitutional basis of the US federal system Contrast alternative models of the US federal system Explain how the nature of the federal system has changed over time Describe the major phases of federalism in the US Describe and give examples of “unfunded mandates” and explain why they are important Describe and give example of intergovernmental relations Explain the effects of the federal system on the administration of government |
LeMay Ch. 3 & 4 |
Written Ex - Wk 2 Forum 2 |
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3 |
Organization Theory & Decision Making |
Objectives: Differentiate between major theories of organizations Describe the Classical theories of organizations Describe the Human Relations theories of organizations Differentiate between “Theory X, Theory Y and Theory Z” Describe Neoclassical theories of organization. Describe Systems theories of organizations Describe and compare alternative theories of decision making Explain the role in institutional and personal ethics in decision making Discuss factors that serve as major constraints on decision making
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LeMay Ch. 5 & 6 |
Forum 3 Case Analysis 1 Read the 8 case studies and chose one to analyze. |
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4 |
Strategic Management & Personnel Administration |
Objectives: Explain the functions of personnel management in government Describe the typical structure of personnel management systems in the public sector Describe the development of the current civil service system Appraise the positive and negative aspects of the civil service system along with efforts to “reform” it Discuss the effects of public employee unions on personnel management Describe major attempts to “reform” the Federal Government Describe and compare contemporary approaches to management Explain strategic management and the factors that limit its effectiveness in public administration Explain the intent of the Government Performance and Results Act |
LeMay Ch. 7 & 9 |
Written Ex - Wk 4 Forum 4 |
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5 |
Leadership & The Role of Communication |
Objectives: Define and distinguish between authority and leadership Discuss the role of leadership in the management of public agencies Differentiate between transactional and transformational leadership Explain alternative leadership styles Explain the role of accountability in leadership After studying this lesson, you should be able to: Explain the importance of communication in public management Describe factors that facilitate and impede effective communication Explain the flow of communication in organization Cite examples of federal government efforts to deal with communication issue Define and explain the role of electronic government |
LeMay Ch. 10 & 11 |
Written Ex - Wk 5
Forum 5 |
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6 |
Financial Management & Administration and the Law
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Objectives: Explain the principal functions of financial management Describe the federal budget process Discuss efforts to reform the federal budget process Explain the government’s role in managing the nation’s economy Describe the current financial issues facing states After studying this lesson, you should be able to: Discuss the regulatory functions of government Discriminate between various type of regulation Explain the roles of the courts in regulatory actions Define administrative law Discriminate between types of administrative rules Explain the function of administrative judges Discuss the effects of deregulation |
LeMay Ch. 12 & 13 |
Written Ex - Wk 6 Forum 6
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7 |
Interest Groups and the & Bureaucracy |
Objectives: Explain process of administrative rule making Analyze the role of clientele groups in the process of rule making Explain why some agencies become “captives” of clientele groups Assess the impact of clientele groups in the policy process Explain New Public Management |
LeMay Ch. 14 |
Case Analysis 2 Forum 7 Read the 8 case studies and chose one to analyze. |
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8 |
Policy Evaluation |
Objectives: Describe the role of evaluation in the policy process Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of evaluation research Differentiate between outcome oriented and process oriented management Differentiate between policy analysis and program evaluation
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LeMay Ch. 8
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Written Ex - Wk 8 Forum 8 |
Please see the Student Handbook to reference all University policies. Quick links to frequently asked question about policies are listed below.
Writing Expectations
Describe your writing expectations.
Citation and Reference Style
Attention Please: Students will follow the APA Format as the sole citation and reference style used in written work submitted as part of coursework to the University. Assignments completed in a narrative essay or composition format must follow the citation style cited in the APA Format.
Late Assignments
Students are expected to submit classroom assignments by the posted due date and to complete the course according to the published class schedule. As adults, students, and working professionals, I understand you must manage competing demands on your time. Should you need additional time to complete an assignment, please contact me before the due date so we can discuss the situation and determine an acceptable resolution. Routine submission of late assignments is unacceptable and may result in points deducted from your final course grade.
Netiquette
Online universities promote the advancement of knowledge through positive and constructive debate – both inside and outside the classroom. Forums on the Internet, however, can occasionally degenerate into needless insults and “flaming.” Such activity and the loss of good manners are not acceptable in a university setting – basic academic rules of good behavior and proper “Netiquette” must persist. Remember that you are in a place for the rewards and excitement of learning which does not include descent to personal attacks or student attempts to stifle the Forum of others.
· Technology Limitations: While you should feel free to explore the full-range of creative composition in your formal papers, keep e-mail layouts simple. The Sakai classroom may not fully support MIME or HTML encoded messages, which means that bold face, italics, underlining, and a variety of color-coding or other visual effects will not translate in your e-mail messages.
· Humor Note: Despite the best of intentions, jokes and especially satire can easily get lost or taken seriously. If you feel the need for humor, you may wish to add “emoticons” to help alert your readers: ;-), : ),
Disclaimer Statement
Course content may vary from the outline to meet the needs of this particular group.
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Turnitin.com |
Turnitin.com is a web-based plagiarism prevention application licensed, for campus use, through the APUS Online Library. Your assignments will be automatically submitted for review and requires no action on your part.
Turnitin.com analyzes electronic submissions of student writing, compares them to the contents of a huge online database, and generates a customized Originality Report. The database used to produce this analysis contains a massive collection of documents available on the Internet from both free and commercial sources, as well as the full texts of all other papers that have been previously submitted to Turnitin.com.
Similarity index is based on the amount of matching text to a submitted paper:
Blue = no matching text
Green = one word to 24% matching
Yellow = 25 -49% matching text
Orange = 50-74% matching text
Red = 75-100% matching text
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