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PAD404Management Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Comparative Public Administration

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of comparative public administration. It explores the evolution, meaning, scope, and significance of the field, examining various models and approaches. The course critically analyzes administrative systems in developed and developing countries, including France, Germany, the UK, USA, China, India, Nigeria, and Senegal. Students will gain insights into the strengths and weaknesses of different administrative systems.

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120h
Study Time
13
Weeks
9h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Comparative AdministrationPublic SystemsDevelopmentBureaucracyGlobalization

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 Comparative Administration

2

Models of Comparative Administration

3

Administrative Systems in Developed Countries

4

Administrative Systems in Developing Countries

5

Bureaucracy

6

Globalization and Public Administration

Total Topics6 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic knowledge of public administration principles

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

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

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Public Administrator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

International Development Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Civil Servant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Governance Expert

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentInternational OrganizationsNon-profit SectorConsultingAcademia

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: An Overview of Comparative Public Administration

2h

Unit 1: Evolution of Comparative Public Administration Studies

2 study hours
  • Read Unit 1: Understand the historical context and key figures in the evolution of comparative administration.
  • Identify the factors that shaped the development of this field.
Week
2

Module 1: An Overview of Comparative Public Administration

2h

Unit 2: Meaning and scope of Comparative Public Administration

2 study hours
  • Define comparative public administration and differentiate it from traditional public administration.
  • Explore the scope of comparative administration studies and its various dimensions.
Week
3

Module 1: An Overview of Comparative Public Administration

2h

Unit 3: Significance of Comparative Public Administration Studies

2 study hours
  • Discuss the significance of comparative public administration in understanding administrative systems.
  • Analyze how comparative studies contribute to theory building and practical application.
Week
4

Module 1: An Overview of Comparative Public Administration

2h

Unit 4: Models of Comparative Public Administration

2 study hours
  • Examine different models used in comparative public administration, including Weber's bureaucracy model.
  • Understand the strengths and weaknesses of each model.
Week
5

Module 1: An Overview of Comparative Public Administration

2h

Unit 5: Approaches to the Study of Comparative Administration

2 study hours
  • Explore various approaches to studying comparative public administration, such as the behavioral and systems approaches.
  • Analyze the advantages and limitations of each approach.
Week
6

Module 1: An Overview of Comparative Public Administration

2h

Unit 6: Riggs's contribution to Comparative Public Administration studies

2 study hours
  • Study Riggs's contributions to comparative public administration, including the ecological approach.
  • Understand the prismatic-sala model and its implications for developing countries.
Week
7

Module 2: Administrative Systems of Developed Classic, Civic and Modernising Cultures

2h

Unit 1: System of Administration in the developed countries

2 study hours
  • Examine the key characteristics of administrative systems in developed countries.
  • Understand the factors that contribute to their effectiveness.
Week
8

Module 2: Administrative Systems of Developed Classic, Civic and Modernising Cultures

2h

Unit 2: System of Administration in the Classic Culture: France and Germany

2 study hours
  • Analyze the administrative systems in France and Germany, focusing on their historical context.
  • Understand the unique features of administration in classic cultures.
Week
9

Module 2: Administrative Systems of Developed Classic, Civic and Modernising Cultures

2h

Unit 3: System of Administration in the Civic Culture: Great Britain and the USA

2 study hours
  • Study the administrative systems in Great Britain and the USA, focusing on their civic culture.
  • Understand the role of bureaucracy and accountability in these systems.
Week
10

Module 2: Administrative Systems of Developed Classic, Civic and Modernising Cultures

2h

Unit 4: Modernising Administrative system of Japan

2 study hours
  • Examine the modernizing administrative system of Japan, focusing on its unique characteristics.
  • Understand how Japan has adapted Western administrative practices to its own context.
Week
11

Module 3: Systems of Administration in Developing Countries, Asia, Africa and Latin America

2h

Unit 1: System of Administration in Developing countries

2 study hours
  • Explore the administrative systems in developing countries, focusing on their challenges.
  • Understand the factors that contribute to their effectiveness.
Week
12

Module 3: Systems of Administration in Developing Countries, Asia, Africa and Latin America

4h

Unit 2: System of Administration in China and India

2 study hours
  • Analyze the administrative systems in China and India, focusing on their unique characteristics.
  • Understand the role of bureaucracy and accountability in these systems.

Unit 3: System of Administration in selected Anglophone and Francophone African countries

2 study hours
  • Study the administrative systems in Nigeria and Senegal, focusing on their unique challenges.
  • Understand the role of bureaucracy and accountability in these systems.
Week
13

Module 3: Systems of Administration in Developing Countries, Asia, Africa and Latin America

2h

Unit 4: System of Administration in selected Latin American countries.

2 study hours
  • Examine the administrative systems in Brazil and Argentina, focusing on their unique characteristics.
  • Understand the role of bureaucracy and accountability in these systems.

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 a timeline of key events in the evolution of comparative public administration (Unit 1, Module 1).

2

Develop concept maps linking different models of comparative administration (Units 4-6, Module 1).

3

Compare and contrast administrative systems of at least three countries (Modules 2 & 3).

4

Focus on understanding the ecological factors influencing administrative systems (Units 5 & 6, Module 1).

5

Practice essay questions comparing different approaches to comparative public administration (Unit 5, Module 1).

6

Review case studies of administrative reforms in developing countries (Module 3).

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