Login Create Account

Back to Course Catalog

PAD831Management Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Advanced Theories Of Local Government

This course provides an in-depth analysis of comparative local government systems. It explores the theoretical underpinnings, structures, functions, and challenges of local governance across different countries. The course examines decentralization, democracy, accountability, and development within the context of local administration. It also covers various strategies for comparative analysis and the impact of local government on community development.

Generate AI Study Notes

Transform this course into personalized study materials with AI

208h

Study Time

13

Weeks

16h

Per Week

none

Math Level

Course Keywords

Local GovernmentComparative AdministrationDecentralizationDevelopmentAccountability

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

Local Government Theories

2

Decentralization

3

Comparative Local Government Structures

4

Functions of Local Government

5

Local Government in Developed Countries

6

Local Government in Developing Countries

7

Development at the Local Level

8

Problems of Local Government

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

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Local Government Administrator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Public Sector Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Development Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Community Development Coordinator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Public AdministrationCommunity DevelopmentGovernmentNon-Profit SectorInternational Development

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: The Idea of Local Government

4h

Unit 1: The Idea of Local Government

4 study hours

•Read Unit 1: The Place of Local Government in a Nation
•Define local government from different perspectives
•Identify the political and socio-economic roles of local government

Week

2

Module 1: The Idea of Local Government

4h

Unit 2: Conceptual Analysis of Local Government

4 study hours

•Study Unit 2: Understand the concepts of decentralisation and local government
•Analyse the relationship between decentralisation and local governance
•Discuss the characteristics of grassroots government

Week

3

Module 1: The Idea of Local Government

4h

Unit 3: Theories of Local Government

4 study hours

•Examine Unit 3: Compare the democratic participatory and efficiency services schools of thought
•Discuss the role of local government in promoting democracy
•Analyse the importance of service delivery at the local level

Week

4

Module 1: The Idea of Local Government

4h

Unit 4: Decentralisation and Related Concepts

4 study hours

•Study Unit 4: Differentiate between decentralisation, devolution, and deconcentration
•Analyse the factors affecting decentralisation
•Discuss the contributions of decentralisation to developing governments

Week

5

Module 1: The Idea of Local Government

4h

Unit 5: Justification of Local Government

4 study hours

•Read Unit 5: Explain the need for decentralisation
•Discuss the role of local government in bridging communication gaps
•Analyse the importance of local government in training future leaders

Week

6

Module 2: Structure of Local Governments

4h

Unit 1: Structure of Local Governments

4 study hours

•Study Unit 1: Differentiate between single and multi-tier structures
•Describe the political and administrative structures of local government
•Analyse the relationship between political and administrative structures

Week

7

Module 2: Structure of Local Governments

4h

Unit 2: The Functions of Local Government

4 study hours

•Read Unit 2: Identify the principles governing functional responsibilities
•Compare the classification of functions in different countries
•List the functions of local government in Nigeria

Week

8

Module 2: Structure of Local Governments

4h

Unit 3: The Structure of Local Government in Britain

4 study hours

•Study Unit 3: Identify the key units of local government in Britain
•Describe the functions and relationships of these units
•Analyse the democratic structure and administration in Britain

Week

9

Module 2: Structure of Local Governments

4h

Unit 4: The Structure of Local Government in America

4 study hours

•Read Unit 4: Identify the major units of local government in the USA
•Describe the structure and functions of counties and rural municipalities
•Analyse the role of democracy in local governance

Week

10

Module 2: Structure of Local Governments

4h

Unit 5: The Structure and Functions of Local Government in France

4 study hours

•Study Unit 5: Identify the major units of local government in France
•Classify the type of decentralisation before and after 1982
•State the functions of each tier of government

Week

11

Module 2: Structure of Local Governments

8h

Unit 6: The Structure and Function of Local Government in India

4 study hours

•Read Unit 6: Identify the major units of local government in India
•Explain the relationship between these units
•State the functions of these units

Unit 7: The Structure and Functions of Local Government in Tanzania

4 study hours

•Study Unit 7: Identify the structure of local governments in Tanzania before 1972
•Describe the major changes that took place after 1972
•Explain the role of ideology and party machinery in local government administration

Week

12

Module 2: Structure of Local Governments

4h

Unit 8: The Structure and Functions of Local Government in Nigeria

4 study hours

•Read Unit 8: Explain the single-tier structure of local government in Nigeria
•Present the administrative structure of Nigeria local governments
•State the mandatory and concurrent functions of local government in Nigeria

Week

13

Final Revision

6h

Final Revision

6 study hours

•Review all modules and units
•Work on assignments
•Prepare for final examination

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.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create comparative tables summarizing local government structures in different countries (Units 3-7)

2

Develop concept maps linking decentralization theories (Unit 4) to practical examples in course modules

3

Practice essay questions comparing and contrasting the roles of local government in developed vs. developing nations

4

Review case studies of successful and unsuccessful local government initiatives, focusing on key factors (Units 1-2)

5

Focus on understanding the key challenges and opportunities for local government in Nigeria (Unit 8)

6

Prioritize understanding the theories of local government (Module 3) and their practical implications

7

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and address any areas of weakness

Related Courses

Other courses in Management Sciences that complement your learning

Public Personnel Management

Research Methodology

Public Policy Analysis

View All Management Sciences Courses