Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2018-2019 (archived)

Module BUSI57715: ISSUES IN PUBLIC MANAGEMENT (ONLINE)

Department: Business School (Business)

BUSI57715: ISSUES IN PUBLIC MANAGEMENT (ONLINE)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2018/19 Module Cap
Tied to N1KS17
Tied to N1KR17
Tied to N1N317
Tied to N1N417

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:
  • Written communication; planning, organising and time management; problem solving and analysis; using initiative; computer literacy.

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

  • The module is delivered via online learning, divided up into study weeks with specially produced resources within each week. Resources vary according to the learning outcomes but normally include: video content, directed reading, reflection through activities, opportunities for self-assessment and peer-to-peer learning within a tutor-facilitated discussion board. Tutors provide feedback on formative work and facilitate discussion board communication as well as being available for individual consultation as necessary (usually by email and Skype). 
  • The summative assessment of the module is designed to test the acquisition and articulation of knowledge and critical understanding, and skills of application and interpretation within the business context.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Video content, 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% Same

Formative Assessment:

A written assignment of 1,500 words, or its multimedia equivalent, which may involve some group work.


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