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POL343Social Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Theories And Practice Of Public Administration

This course introduces students to the theories and practice of public administration. It explores the concepts of administration, management, and organization, emphasizing their relevance to national political development. The course examines theoretical perspectives, methodological issues, and the relationship between administration and politics. It also covers decision-making, personnel management, and selected administrative theories, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to improve public service delivery and policy implementation.

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91h
Study Time
13
Weeks
7h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Public AdministrationManagement TheoriesPolicy MakingOrganizational BehaviorPolitical Institutions

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

Administration

2

Management

3

Organisations

4

Public Administration

5

Politics and Administration

6

Policy Making

7

Decision Making

8

Personnel Management

9

Scientific Management

10

Bureaucratic Management

11

Systems Theory

12

Elite Theory

13

Marxist Theory

14

New Public Management

Total Topics14 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

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

Non-profit Director

Apply your skills in this growing field

Public Relations Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Government AgenciesNon-profit OrganizationsPublic Service DepartmentsInternational OrganizationsLocal Government

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Conceptual Clarifications

2h

Unit 1: Administration

2 study hours
  • •Read the introduction to administration.
  • •Understand the different descriptions of administration.
  • •Distinguish between public and private administration.
Week
2

Module 1: Conceptual Clarifications

2h

Unit 2: Management

2 study hours
  • •Identify different descriptions of management.
  • •Describe the different types of management.
  • •Explain the scope of management.
Week
3

Module 1: Conceptual Clarifications

2h

Unit 3: Organisation

2 study hours
  • •Identify the different descriptions of organisation.
  • •Describe the different types of organization.
  • •Explain the characteristics of organization.
Week
4

Module 1: Conceptual Clarifications

2h

Unit 4: Public Administration

2 study hours
  • •Understand the different definitions of public administration.
  • •Describe the evolution of public administration.
  • •Assess the relevance of theoretical underpinning of public administration
Week
5

Module 2: Politics/Policy/Administration Dichotomy

2h

Unit 1: Administration and Politics

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the relationships between administration and politics.
  • •Understand the trends in the debates on administration and politics.
Week
6

Module 2: Politics/Policy/Administration Dichotomy

2h

Unit 2: Inter play of Political Institutions and Administration

2 study hours
  • •Understand the different definitions of administration and political institutions.
  • •Describe the legal basis of political institutions.
  • •Discuss how gender serves as a means of legislating political institution.
Week
7

Module 2: Politics/Policy/Administration Dichotomy

2h

Unit 3: Institutional Setting and Administration

2 study hours
  • •Identify the different definitions of public policy and government.
  • •Describe the relationship between politics and policy.
  • •Discuss the theories of policy process.
Week
8

Module 2: Politics/Policy/Administration Dichotomy

2h

Unit 4: Decision Making in Administration

2 study hours
  • •Understand the different definitions of decision making.
  • •Discuss the theories of decision making.
Week
9

Module 2: Politics/Policy/Administration Dichotomy

2h

Unit 5: Personnel Administration

2 study hours
  • •Understand the meaning of personnel management.
  • •Explain recruitment, selection and placement of personnel.
  • •Discuss compensation of personnel in terms of wages and salary.
Week
10

Module 3: Selected Theories of Administration I

2h

Unit 1: Scientific Management Theory

2 study hours
  • •Describe scientific management theory.
  • •Narrate its evolution.
  • •Explain its philosophy.
Week
11

Module 3: Selected Theories of Administration I

2h

Unit 2: Bureaucratic Management Theory

2 study hours
  • •Describe bureaucratic management theory.
  • •Narrate its evolution.
  • •Discuss its criticism.
Week
12

Module 3: Selected Theories of Administration I

4h

Unit 3: Functional Management Theory

2 study hours
  • •Describe functional management theory.
  • •Narrate its categories.
  • •Explain its principles.

Unit 4: Human Relations Movement

2 study hours
  • •Describe human relations theory.
  • •Narrate its evolution.
  • •Discuss its criticism.
Week
13

Course Review

4h

Final Revision

4 study hours
  • •Review all modules and units
  • •Prepare for final examinations
  • •Work on assignments

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 and summaries for key concepts.

2

Create flashcards for key terms and definitions from each unit.

3

Practice applying different management theories to real-world case studies.

4

Focus on understanding the relationships between politics, policy, and administration.

5

Review Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and Self-Assessment Exercises (SAEs) thoroughly.

6

Allocate study time proportionally based on the weight of each module in the final exam.

7

Create concept maps linking key theories and concepts across different modules.

8

Practice essay writing, focusing on clear and concise arguments supported by evidence from the course materials.

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