Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)

Module BUSI57715: ISSUES IN PUBLIC MANAGEMENT (DL)

Department: Economics, Finance and Business (Business)

BUSI57715: ISSUES IN PUBLIC MANAGEMENT (DL)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2010/11 Module Cap
Tied to N1D317
Tied to N1D217
Tied to N1D314

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • This module will provide you with an advanced understanding of the fundamental issues underlying public management and introduce you to contemporary ideas, debates and developments both in the UK and internationally.

Content

  • Introduction to Public Policy and Management
  • Multi-Level Governance and Issues of
  • Territorial Government and Administration
  • Strategy in the Public Sector
  • Accountability
  • Partnerships and Neighbourhood Renewal
  • Changing Public Management: Trends and Skills
  • Performance Management and Evidence-Based Policy
  • Strategies for Improving Public Sector Service Delivery

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module, you will have:
  • an advanced level of understanding of the main forces for change in the environment of government and the public services and the strategic challenges involved;
  • a critical appreciation of the complex issues underlying the practice of public management.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module, you will have:
  • developed your ability to engage in informed and critical debate and discussion of current political issues relevant to public management.
Key Skills:

    Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

    • The module is delivered in discrete Units. These are designed to enable the learning outcomes to be achieved through a combination of specially written material, directed reading, reflection through self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading. Module tutors provide feedback on formative work and are available for individual consultation as necessary (by email, telephone, post or fax).
    • The written assignment will test students’ understanding of relevant concepts and their ability to apply and interpret what they have learned to the analysis of a particular issue in depth.

    Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

    Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
    D L Study Units (a combination of specially written material, directed reading, self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading) 150
    Total 150

    Summative Assessment

    Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    Written Assignment 4,000 words maximum 100%

    Formative Assessment:

    1 Compulsory Tutor Assessed Assignment, (1,500 words).


    Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University