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INR142Social Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To Public Administration

This course introduces students to the theory and practice of public administration. It explores the concept of public administration, its scope, and importance. The course distinguishes between public and private administrations, examines various approaches to administrative inquiry, and introduces students to policy implementation and bureaucratic functions. Students will develop analytical skills to understand theoretical approaches and apply them to real-world administrative phenomena, particularly within the Nigerian context.

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65h
Study Time
13
Weeks
5h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Public AdministrationPolicy ImplementationBureaucracyAdministrative TheoryCivil Service

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Definition of Public Administration

2

History of Public Administration

3

Administrative Theories

4

Public Policy Formulation

5

Civil Service Functions

6

Development Administration

7

Bureaucracy

8

Decision Making Process

Total Topics8 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Public Sector Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Government Administrator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Civil Servant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Non-profit Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentPublic SectorNon-profitInternational OrganizationsConsulting

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Public Administration: An Introduction

5h

Unit 1: Definition of Public Administration

3 study hours
  • •Read the definition of administration and identify its key components.
  • •Discuss the history of administration and its evolution over time.
  • •Explain the basic administrative principles and their application in different contexts.

Unit 2: General Introduction to the Studies of Public Administration

2 study hours
  • •Explore the general introduction to the studies of public administration.
  • •Examine the history of public administration and its development.
  • •Identify the key milestones and influential figures in the field.
Week
2

Module 1: Public Administration: An Introduction

3h

Unit 3: Importance of Public Administration

3 study hours
  • •Discuss the importance of public administration in modern governance.
  • •Analyze the role of public administration in various sectors of society.
  • •Evaluate the impact of public administration on citizens' lives.
Week
3

Module 2: Basic Practices of Public Administration

5h

Unit 4: Scope of Public Administration

2 study hours
  • •Examine the scope of public administration and its various dimensions.
  • •Identify the key areas and functions covered by public administration.
  • •Discuss the relationship between public administration and other disciplines.

Unit 1: Functions Performed by Public Administration

3 study hours
  • •Explore the functions performed by public administration.
  • •Analyze the role of public administration in sustaining the government.
  • •Discuss the provision of employment and social welfare services.
Week
4

Module 2: Basic Practices of Public Administration

5h

Unit 2: Methods of inquiry in Public Administration

3 study hours
  • •Examine the methods of inquiry used in public administration.
  • •Discuss the historical and descriptive methods of inquiry.
  • •Analyze the experimental and survey methods of inquiry.

Unit 3: Civil Service

2 study hours
  • •Define civil service and discuss its functions.
  • •Explain the principles of civil service and its importance.
  • •Analyze the control mechanisms of the civil service.
Week
5

Module 2: Basic Practices of Public Administration

5h

Unit 4: Development Administration

5 study hours
  • •Define development administration and its goals.
  • •Discuss the theories of development administration.
  • •Analyze the obstacles to development administration.
Week
6

Module 3: Issues in Public Administration

5h

Unit 1: Basic Concepts of Public Administration

5 study hours
  • •Define bureaucracy and list its features.
  • •Discuss the concept of organization and its characteristics.
  • •Explain the responsibilities of the chief executive.
Week
7

Module 3: Issues in Public Administration

5h

Unit 2: Public issues in Administration

5 study hours
  • •Define public policy and provide examples.
  • •List the implications for the concept of public policy.
  • •Mention the stages of policy process and their significance.
Week
8

Module 3: Issues in Public Administration

5h

Unit 3: Practical issues in our society in Nigeria

5 study hours
  • •Trace the major historical developments in Nigerian public service.
  • •Discuss the Public Service Review Commissions and their impact.
  • •Describe the structures of public administration in Nigeria.
Week
9

Module 3: Issues in Public Administration

5h

Unit 4: Practical issues in the world

5 study hours
  • •Discuss decision making process in Nigerian Public Administration
  • •Describe the African Experience of Public Administration
  • •Explain the concept of continuity in the American public administration
Week
10

Module 1: Public Administration: An Introduction

4h

Module 1 Revision

4 study hours
  • •Review Module 1: Public Administration: An Introduction
  • •Focus on key definitions, concepts, and theories.
  • •Prepare summaries and concept maps for each unit.
Week
11

Module 2: Basic Practices of Public Administration

4h

Module 2 Revision

4 study hours
  • •Review Module 2: Basic Practices of Public Administration
  • •Focus on practical applications and case studies.
  • •Practice applying administrative techniques to real-world scenarios.
Week
12

Module 3: Issues in Public Administration

4h

Module 3 Revision

4 study hours
  • •Review Module 3: Issues in Public Administration
  • •Focus on current challenges and debates in the field.
  • •Analyze policy issues and their implications for governance.
Week
13

Comprehensive Course Review

4h

Final Revision

4 study hours
  • •Complete all outstanding assignments and TMAs.
  • •Review all course materials and notes.
  • •Prepare for the final examination by practicing with past papers.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed summaries of each module, focusing on key concepts and theories.

2

Practice applying administrative theories to real-world case studies.

3

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and identify areas for improvement.

4

Develop a study schedule that allocates sufficient time for each unit.

5

Form study groups to discuss complex topics and share insights.

6

Familiarize yourself with past exam papers to understand the format and types of questions.

7

Focus on understanding the Nigerian context and its specific administrative challenges.

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