Conduct Of Government Business
- Management Sciences
- 800 level
- 3 credit units
- 224 pages
- 20 units
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the conduct of government business, primarily within the Nigerian context. It explores contextual issues, communication procedures, ethical behavior, and correlates of government operations. The course examines the structure and functions of different tiers of government, written communication, and the roles of political and bureaucratic operators. It also addresses factors that impede developmental agendas and introduces paperless administration.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 260 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- Yes
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of PSM800, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
- UNIT 1: COMMUNICATION IN GOVERNMENTPage 58
- UNIT 2 USE OF NIGERIA’S LINGUA FRANCA IN GOVERNMENTPage 69
- UNIT 3 EDITING AND PROOFREADING TECHNIQUESPage 83
- UNIT 4 DRAFTING, MINUTING, MEMO WRITING AND OFFICIAL LETTER WRITINGPage 95
- UNIT 6 REPORT WRITINGPage 108
- UNIT 5 PREPARATION OF COUNCIL / CABINET MEMORANDUMPage 118
- UNIT 7 SPEECH WRITINGPage 128
- UNIT 8 SERVICING MEETINGSPage 137
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
PSM800 · UNIT 1 GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNANCE
Everything is contained in each unit except the text books which you may have to acquire. You are advised to source current materials on the internet and avail yourself of newspapers, magazines and other publications on government. You may contact your tutor where you run into problems about recommended text books.
What you should be able to do
- Explain key concepts of government business.
- Analyze communication procedures in government.
- Apply ethical principles in public service.
- Evaluate the impact of bureaucratic reforms.
- Understand financial regulations.
- Prepare effective reports and memoranda.
What it prepares you for
- Public Administrator
- Policy Analyst
- Civil Servant
- Government Official
- Public Sector Manager
- Government
- Public Sector
- Civil Service
- Non-Profit
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3: Ethical Behaviour in Government
Unit 3: Anti-Corruption Law
Requires understanding of legal frameworks and ethical principles, which may be challenging to apply in practical scenarios.
- Module 2: Communication Procedures in Government Business
Unit 2: The use of Nigeria's LINGUA FRANCA in Government
Requires mastery of English grammar and usage, which can be difficult for non-native speakers.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 42 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Contextual Issues in Government Business
Unit 1: Government and Governance · 3 hours
Read the unit introduction and objectives.. Study the concepts of government and governance.. Identify the branches of government in Nigeria.. Understand the role of the constitution.. Complete the self-assessment exercise..
- Week 2Module 1: Contextual Issues in Government Business
Unit 2: Environment and its Influence · 3 hours
Examine the historical antecedents shaping governance in Nigeria.. Identify environmental factors influencing government business.. Analyze the impact of each factor on government operations.. Complete the self-assessment exercise..
- Week 3Module 1: Contextual Issues in Government Business
Unit 3: Constitutional Provisions · 3 hours
Define the concept of 'constitution'.. Trace constitutional development in Nigeria.. Analyze the 1999 constitution.. Derive lessons for the conduct of government business.. Complete the self-assessment exercise..
- Week 4Module 1: Contextual Issues in Government Business
Unit 4: Public Policy Analysis and Implementation · 3 hours
Explain the concept of public policy.. Trace stages in policy making and implementation.. Discuss the impact of the environment.. State the roles of major actors.. Complete the self-assessment exercise..
- Week 5Module 1: Contextual Issues in Government Business
Unit 5: Decision Making in Government · 3 hours
Explain the concept of decision making.. Mention the multiple roles of the decision maker.. Discuss the overlaps of politics and public sector decision making.. Outline the roles of pressure groups and external environment..
- Week 6Module 2: Communication Procedures in Government Business
Unit 1: Communication in Government · 3 hours
Define communication.. State the functions of communication.. Explain the communication process.. Identify areas and mode of communication in the public service.. Outline barriers to effective communication..
- Week 7Module 2: Communication Procedures in Government Business
Unit 2: The use of Nigeria's LINGUA FRANCA in Government · 3 hours
Identify common errors in the use of English.. State appropriate corrections.. Apply correct English grammar in written communications.. Complete the self-assessment exercise..
- Week 8Module 2: Communication Procedures in Government Business
Unit 3: Editing Procedures and Techniques · 3 hours
Explain the concepts of Editing and Proofreading.. Outline qualities of a good editor and proofreader.. Proofread and edit government draft documents..
- Week 9Module 2: Communication Procedures in Government Business
Unit 4: Drafting, Minuting, Memo Writing, Official Letter Writing · 3 hours
Explain drafting, minuting, memo writing, and official letter writing.. State the various stages of each.. Outline the format and strategies for writing each to acceptable standards..
- Week 10Module 2: Communication Procedures in Government Business
Unit 5: Preparation of Council/Cabinet Memorandum · 3 hours
Explain the term 'Memorandum'.. Identify stages of writing an acceptable Council Memo.. Explain the functions of the Council Secretariat.. List steps to effective memoranda writing..
- Week 11Module 2: Communication Procedures in Government Business
Unit 6: Report Writing · 3 hours
Define the term 'Report'.. Mention different types of Reports.. Explain stages involved in Report writing.. State how to write and present good Reports..
- Week 12Module 2: Communication Procedures in Government Business
Unit 7: Speech Writing · 3 hours
Define speech.. Explain how to prepare a speech.. Outline the structure of a speech.. State the procedure for writing a good speech..
Unit 8: Servicing Meetings · 3 hours
Mention types of meetings.. Identify stages involved in meetings.. Outline the format of minutes of a meeting..
- Week 13All Modules
Final Revision · 3 hours
Review all modules and units.. Work on assignments and TMAs.. Prepare for final examinations..
Preparing for the exam
- Create a study schedule allocating time for each unit.
- Focus on understanding key concepts and definitions.
- Practice writing reports and memoranda.
- Review case studies and examples.
- Familiarize yourself with the Public Service Rules and Financial Regulations.
Questions students ask about this course
What is PSM800 about?
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the conduct of government business, primarily within the Nigerian context. It explores contextual issues, communication procedures, ethical behavior, and correlates of government operations. The course examines the structure and functions of different tiers of government, written communication, and the roles of political and bureaucratic operators. It also addresses factors that impede developmental agendas and introduces paperless administration.
How many units does PSM800 have?
PSM800, Conduct Of Government Business, has 20 units across 4 modules, over 224 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is PSM800?
PSM800 carries 3 credit units, at 800 level in Management Sciences.
Is PSM800 hard?
PSM800 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work, and it has a practical component.
How long does PSM800 take to study?
About 260 hours of study, spread across its 20 units.
How is PSM800 assessed?
PSM800 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with PSM800?
Public Administrator, Policy Analyst, Civil Servant, Government Official and Public Sector Manager.