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PAD202Management Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To Public Administration

This course, Introduction to Public Administration, is designed for 200-level students. It offers a detailed exploration of public administration theory and practice. Students will learn to apply various approaches to public policy implementation and understand mainstream literature. The course covers the evolution, scope, and importance of public administration, distinguishing it from private administration and politics. It also examines contemporary issues within Nigeria and globally, equipping students with analytical skills.

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208h

Study Time

13

Weeks

16h

Per Week

none

Math Level

Course Keywords

Public AdministrationPolicy ImplementationAdministrative TheoryNigerian Civil ServiceOrganizational Structure

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

Evolution of Public Administration

2

Theories of Public Administration

3

Public vs. Private Administration

4

Relationship with Politics

5

Scientific Management

6

Nigerian Civil Service

Total Topics6 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

Local Government Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentPublic SectorNon-Profit OrganizationsPolicy and GovernancePublic Service

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 1: Evolution of Public Administration in Nigeria

2 study hours

•Read the introduction to understand the scope and objectives.
•Trace the historical development of public administration in Nigeria.
•Identify the influences of colonial rule on current administrative practices.

Week

2

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 2: Growth of Public Administration

2 study hours

•Explore the factors contributing to the growth of public administration.
•Analyze the role of scientific and technological advancements.
•Discuss the impact of economic planning and welfare state emergence.

Week

3

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 3: Meaning/Definition of Public Administration

2 study hours

•Define public administration and differentiate it from general administration.
•Examine the characteristics of public administration.
•Identify the qualities of an effective public administrator.

Week

4

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 4: Reasons for Studying Public Administration

2 study hours

•Understand the reasons for studying public administration.
•Discuss the challenges in studying public administration in Nigeria.
•Reflect on the role of public administration in governance.

Week

5

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 5: Ecology of Public Administration

2 study hours

•Explain the concept of ecology in public administration.
•Analyze the environmental factors influencing public administration in Nigeria.
•Discuss the impact of colonialism and socio-cultural factors.

Week

6

Module 2: Basic Practices of Administration

2h

Unit 1: Administration and Organisation

2 study hours

•Define administration and organization.
•Discuss the basic characteristics of administration.
•Explore different administrative theories.

Week

7

Module 2: Basic Practices of Administration

2h

Unit 2: Public Administration as an Arts or Science

2 study hours

•Debate the classification of public administration as an art or science.
•Analyze the arguments supporting both perspectives.
•Discuss the implications of each classification.

Week

8

Module 2: Basic Practices of Administration

2h

Unit 3: Importance of Public Administration

2 study hours

•Identify the importance of public administration in governance.
•Discuss the role of public administration in policy implementation.
•Analyze its impact on economic management and public welfare.

Week

9

Module 2: Basic Practices of Administration

2h

Unit 4: Scope of Public Administration

2 study hours

•Examine the scope of public administration.
•Discuss its interdisciplinary nature.
•Analyze its role in promoting efficiency and policy implementation.

Week

10

Module 2: Basic Practices of Administration

2h

Unit 5: Functions of Public Administration

2 study hours

•Identify the key functions performed by public administration.
•Discuss its role in providing employment and managing resources.
•Analyze its impact on social amenities and government activities.

Week

11

Module 3: Contemporary Issues

4h

Unit 1: Private and Public Administration: Differences and Similarities

2 study hours

•Differentiate between private and public administration.
•Identify the similarities and differences in their goals and operations.
•Analyze the features of public organizations.

Unit 2: Relationship between Public Administration and Politics

2 study hours

•Explore the relationship between public administration and politics.
•Discuss the dichotomy between administration and politics.
•Analyze the challenges in maintaining this separation.

Week

12

Module 3: Contemporary Issues

4h

Unit 3: Approaches to Public Administration

2 study hours

•Examine different approaches to public administration.
•Discuss the political, behavioral, and formal structural approaches.
•Analyze the system and bureaucratic approaches.

Unit 4: Scientific Management Theory

2 study hours

•Explore the principles of scientific management theory.
•Discuss Taylor's concept of management.
•Analyze the impact and relevance of scientific management.

Week

13

Module 4: Public Administration in Practice

4h

Unit 1: Classical Theory of Organisation

2 study hours

•Explore the classical theory of organizations.
•Discuss the basic themes and features of classical theory.
•Analyze the contributions of Henri Fayol and the criticisms of classical theory.

Unit 2: Human Relation Theory

2 study hours

•Examine the human relations theory.
•Discuss the Hawthorne experiments and their findings.
•Analyze the principles and significance of human relations theory.

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

Review all module introductions to understand the scope of each section.

2

Create flashcards for key terms and definitions from Units 3 and 5.

3

Practice applying the different approaches to public administration (Unit 3 Module 3) to case studies.

4

Focus on understanding the structure and reforms of the Nigerian Civil Service (Unit 4 Module 4).

5

Prepare concise summaries of the main points from each unit to aid recall.

6

Allocate specific time slots for revision each day leading up to the exam.

7

Attempt all tutor-marked assignments and review feedback carefully.

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