GI7031 - Introduction to Contemporary Public Administration and Governance (2023/24)
Module specification | Module approved to run in 2023/24, but may be subject to modification | ||||||||||||
Module title | Introduction to Contemporary Public Administration and Governance | ||||||||||||
Module level | Masters (07) | ||||||||||||
Credit rating for module | 20 | ||||||||||||
School | School of Social Sciences and Professions | ||||||||||||
Total study hours | 200 | ||||||||||||
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Assessment components |
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Running in 2023/24(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) | No instances running in the year |
Module summary
The module aims to explore the contemporary issues and developments in public administration and governance at the local, regional and national levels. More specifically, it aims to:
- introduce the contemporary context for multi-level governance and administration
- overview the paradigmatic shifts from government to governance
- outline historic developments in modern state governance, including horizontal service transformation (privatisation, fragmentation, marketization) and horizontal transformation with the emergence of multiple levels of authority
- outline new forms of localism and the importance of informal networks in governance
- evaluate the interaction between different levels of government and different actors
- outline the political and administrative implications of multi-level governance for scrutiny and accountability
Syllabus
Introduction: Theories of administration and governance
• The architecture of the modern state I: Paradigmatic shifts in service delivery
• The architecture of the modern state II: Paradigmatic shifts in central-periphery relations LO1,LO2
Teaching block 2: The changing structure & role of Central Governments LO3,LO4
• The enabling state and fragmented governance
• Central governments post 2008 crisis
Teaching block 2: Local and regional governance
• Developments in Structures and Processes in contemporary local governance
• Towards new forms of localism? Cities & Regions in contemporary governance
• Territorial and ethnic dimensions in regional governance. Devolution in the UK
• The role of sub-national governance in sustainable economic development and social cohesion LO1,LO3,LO5
Teaching block 4: Integrating multi-level governance: horizontal governance
• Inter-sector and multi-tier relations: partnerships and fragmented service delivery – challenges and opportunities
• Public accountability and risk management in multi-actor / multi-level service delivery contexts
Conclusion: Evaluation, Revision, Assignment consultation
• Future challenges in local and regional governance LO4,LO5
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Teaching for this module includes weekly lectures and seminars, as well as a programme of guest speakers who are practitioners in this field, some self-directed, independent research learning and group work to be carried out in the seminars.
As well as the communication of key information through lectures, the seminars will be involving student presentations/discussion/case studies. Most of the teaching and learning materials will be provided on Weblearn and online discussion and commentary will be particularly encouraged in this module.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate critical awareness and recognise the significance of local and regional governance in modern society [LO1]
2. Critically evaluate developments in governance through various theoretical perspectives and assess practical implications from modern state governance [LO2]
3. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of various models of sub-state governance and the relation between the different tiers of governance [LO3]
4. Demonstrate critical awareness of the importance of scrutiny, accountability and open government for and effective functioning of democratic systems [LO4]
5. Critically evaluate key factors conditioning the governance of the local and regional state [LO5]
Assessment strategy
This module will be assessed through two instruments:
A 15 minute presentation on a topic covered by the syllabus - 30%. [LO3, LO4, LO5]
A 3,000 word written assignment (essay) on a topic related Contemporary Public Administration and Governance - 70% . [LO1, LO2, LO3, LO5]
The topic must be discussed with, and agreed in advance by one of the module lecturers.
Bibliography
Core Reading:
Shiavo-Campo, S. (2019) Running the Government. Public Administration and Governance in the Global Context, London: Routledge
Vries, M., S. de, (2016) Understanding public administration / [London]: Palgrave Macmillan,. ADD.CLASS 351.
Flynn, N. and Asquer, A. (2017) Public Sector Management, London: SAGE
Wilson, D.(2011) Local Government in the United Kingdom. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, ADD.CLASS 352.140941.
Bache, I. and Flinders, M. (2004)
Multi-level governance : conceptual challenges and case studies from Australia / edited by Katherine Daniell and Adrain Kay.
Additional Reading:
Additional reading will be suggested for each session. Students should consult relevant academic journals via the University Library service, which has subscriptions to a large number of academic databases.
Journals
Public Administration
The Journal of Federalism
Parliamentary Affairs
Journal of Representation
Regional Studies
Governance
Regional and Federal Studies
British Journal of Politics and International Relations
Political Studies
Local Government Chronicle
Local Government Studies
MJ - Municipal Journal
Policy and Politics
European Urban and Regional Studies
Contemporary Wales
European Planning Studies
Websites
Department of Communities and Local Government: www.communities.gov.uk
Local Government Improvement and Development: www.idea.gov.uk
Local Government Association: www.lga.gov.uk
Local Government Elections Centre: www.plymouth.ac.uk/elections
Local Government Information Unit: www.lgiu.gov.uk
www.Localgov.co.uk
www.London.gov.uk
New Local Government Network: www.nlgn.org.uk
www.Scotland.gov.uk
www.Wales.gov.uk