Administrative Theory
- Management Sciences
- 700 level
- 2 credit units
- 120 pages
- 7 units
This course, Administrative Theory, is designed for master's level Public Administration students. It explores the evolution of administrative thought, from classical to modern theories. Key areas include scientific management, bureaucratic models, human relations, and decision-making processes. The course aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of administrative principles and their practical application in organizational settings, preparing them for effective leadership and management roles in both public and private sectors.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 150 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assignments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of PAD712, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
PAD712 · UNIT 1 THE CONCEPTS OF ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT
Each unit of the course has a self- assessment exercise. You will be expected to attempt them as this will enable you understand the content of the unit.
What you should be able to do
- Understand the evolution of administrative theory
- Apply classical and modern administrative principles
- Analyze organizational structures and processes
- Evaluate leadership and decision-making approaches
- Improve communication and conflict resolution skills
What it prepares you for
- Public Administrator
- Policy Analyst
- Project Manager
- Management Consultant
- Non-profit Manager
- Government
- Non-profit
- Healthcare
- Education
- Consulting
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Scientific Management and Classical Administrative Theory
Unit 4: Bureaucratic Theory
Bureaucratic Theory requires understanding of complex organizational structures and their impact on efficiency and effectiveness.
- Module 3: Neo-Classical or Human Relations Theory
Decision Making Theory
Decision Making Theory involves understanding various decision-making models and applying them to complex organizational scenarios, requiring analytical and critical thinking skills.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 94 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: The Concepts of Administration, Management Theory
Unit 1: Concepts of Administration and Management · 4 hours
Read the introduction to administration and management.. Define administration and management.. Identify the characteristics of administration..
Unit 2: Concept of Theory · 3 hours
Define theory.. Explain the characteristics of theories.. State the importance of theories..
- Week 2Module 2: Scientific Management and Classical Administrative Theory
Unit 1: Early Development of Administration and Management · 5 hours
Study the early development of administration and management.. Understand the influence of Ancient Rome.. Analyze the link between the Military and Public Administration..
Unit 2: The Scientific Management Theory · 4 hours
State the history and evolution of Scientific Management Theory.. Identify the fundamental principles of the theory.. Explain the criticisms of the theory..
- Week 3Module 2: Scientific Management and Classical Administrative Theory
Unit 3: The Main Classical (Henry Fayol, Urwick, Luther Gulick) · 5 hours
Identify the contributions made by Henry Fayol.. Understand the principles of management.. Apply Fayol's principles to organizational settings..
Unit 4: Bureaucratic Theory · 4 hours
Describe the origin of bureaucracy.. Appreciate the contribution of Max Weber.. List the characteristics of bureaucracy..
- Week 4Module 3: Neo-Classical or Human Relations Theory
Unit 1: The Hawthorn Experiment and Other Contributors · 6 hours
Describe the Hawthorne experiment.. Identify Elton Mayo as the father of human relations theory.. Understand the lessons in the Hawthorne Studies..
- Week 5Module 3: Neo-Classical or Human Relations Theory
Unit 2: Administrative Leadership Theory · 7 hours
Study administrative leadership theories.. Understand different leadership styles.. Apply leadership theories to practical scenarios..
- Week 6Module 3: Neo-Classical or Human Relations Theory
Decision Making Theory · 7 hours
Explore decision-making theories.. Understand the steps in the decision-making process.. Apply decision-making techniques to organizational problems..
- Week 7Module 3: Neo-Classical or Human Relations Theory
Communication in an Organisation · 7 hours
Study communication theories.. Understand the importance of effective communication.. Apply communication strategies to improve organizational interactions..
- Week 8Module 3: Neo-Classical or Human Relations Theory
Organisational Conflict · 7 hours
Understand the nature of organizational conflict.. Identify the causes of conflict.. Apply conflict resolution strategies..
- Week 9Module 3: Neo-Classical or Human Relations Theory
Modern Theories of Administration · 7 hours
Explore modern theories of administration.. Understand the key concepts of modern theories.. Apply modern theories to contemporary organizational challenges..
- Week 10Module 3: Neo-Classical or Human Relations Theory
Behaviourism and Motivation · 7 hours
Study behaviorism and motivation.. Understand the principles of behaviorism.. Apply motivational theories to improve employee performance..
- Week 11Module 3: Neo-Classical or Human Relations Theory
Other Motivation Theories · 7 hours
Explore other motivation theories.. Understand the key concepts of each theory.. Apply these theories to real-world scenarios..
- Week 12Module 3: Neo-Classical or Human Relations Theory
Systems Theory, Contingency Theory and New Public Management · 7 hours
Study systems theory.. Understand contingency theory.. Explore New Public Management..
- Week 13Module 3: Neo-Classical or Human Relations Theory
Management by Objectives (MBO) · 7 hours
Understand Management by Objectives (MBO).. Apply MBO principles to organizational goal setting.. Evaluate the effectiveness of MBO..
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking key theories from Modules 1-3
- Practice applying Fayol's principles to case studies
- Review the Hawthorne studies and their implications
- Summarize the characteristics of bureaucracy and its criticisms
- Focus on understanding different leadership styles and their effectiveness
Questions students ask about this course
What is PAD712 about?
This course, Administrative Theory, is designed for master's level Public Administration students. It explores the evolution of administrative thought, from classical to modern theories. Key areas include scientific management, bureaucratic models, human relations, and decision-making processes. The course aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of administrative principles and their practical application in organizational settings, preparing them for effective leadership and management roles in both public and private sectors.
How many units does PAD712 have?
PAD712, Administrative Theory, has 7 units across 3 modules, over 120 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is PAD712?
PAD712 carries 2 credit units, at 700 level in Management Sciences.
Is PAD712 hard?
PAD712 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does PAD712 take to study?
About 150 hours of study, spread across its 7 units.
How is PAD712 assessed?
PAD712 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What can I do with PAD712?
Public Administrator, Policy Analyst, Project Manager, Management Consultant and Non profit Manager.