Public Administration MGNE 4228B

Course description:

This course introduces the basic ideas and theories of public administration. Whether we need government or not, what is bureaucracy and whether it is a bad thing, how can we reform the public sector, what tools does the government use in order to reach its goals and how does the decision-making process takes in the public sector.  The course discusses basic concepts like public vs. private organizations, central and local public administration (organization and functioning), governmental reform, and public policy.  The course approaches the problem of public sector ethics, corruption, its causes and consequences and the most common alternatives for fighting against it.

Course Aims:

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Familiarize students with the major topics of public administration. 
  
• Development of critical and analytical thinking. 
  
• Develop the capacity to use abstract concepts in real-life situations. 
  
• Increase the capacity to argue and debate. 
  
• Develop oral and written skills through in class discussions and written assignments. 
  
• Acquire the ability to write and present papers according to specific format and content requirements. 
  
• Understand and form the teamwork and workgroup.
  
• Development of performance oriented.
  

Course outcomes:

By the successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

• Defining public administration. Political administrative relationship. 
  
• Public and private sector. What is the difference. 
  
• The general environment of public administration – political, legal, societal pressures. 
  
• Bureaucracy. Advantages and critics. Parkinson’s law. 
  
• Reforming bureaucracy. New Public Management. 
  
• Performance in the public sector. 
  
• Decision making process. 
  
• Public policy cycle. 
  
• Public policy instruments.
  
• Public administration ethics and corruption.