SS7145 - Measuring and Monitoring Performance (2013/14)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2013/14, but may be subject to modification | ||||||||||||
| Module status | DELETED (This module is no longer running) | ||||||||||||
| Module title | Measuring and Monitoring Performance | ||||||||||||
| Module level | Masters (07) | ||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 20 | ||||||||||||
| School | Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities | ||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 200 | ||||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2013/14(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) | No instances running in the year |
Module summary
This module examines the theory and practice of assessing effectiveness against service delivery objectives, and considers some of the options for responding to shortfalls. Students undertake 2 full day workshops to appraise financial and non-financial performance data, and join a wider group of students to explore the strengths and weaknesses of the differing evaluative techniques used in the public sector.
Prior learning requirements
none
Module aims
* To develop skills in interpreting performance data linked to public service delivery.
* To consider how both measurement and presentation might be improved, and problems monitored
* To explore the differing evaluative techniques used to determine success in public service delivery
* To gain an appreciation of user-led and participatory models of evaluation
Syllabus
The course will introduce students to data sets showing performance in particular areas of public sector services, to build skills in their use of such data for service management and improvement. There will be two full day workshops examining and critiquing financial and non-financial performance data. The remainder of the module will be taught in evening sessions with students from the MA Evaluation and Social Research, examining the strengths and weaknesses of differing methods of and approaches to evaluation currently in use in public services, and some of the drivers for ever more rigorous performance monitoring such as need for accountability, service improvement, social responsibility. The impact of the aims of enhancing both staff and service user involvement in evaluation are considered.
Learning and teaching
This module is delivered through a combination of full-day workshops and weekly 3 hour sessions. The full days will tend to involve much greater participatory methods with required activities analysing data sets, and including at least one lab based session on spreadsheets. Students will be encouraged to bring performance data from their own places of work for discussion.
In each of the three-hour sessions there will be a framework lecture, followed by an interactive and frequently student-led workshop. These workshops will be focused on a series of evaluation case studies and set tasks which relate to the lecture. The case studies will be used as part of on-going discussions about different models and techniques available within a broader evaluation framework
Case study material will be supplied, as well as recommended reading to support each session. Additional electronic material and lecture notes will be made available via WebCT.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module students will be able to:
• Accurately summarise the strengths and weaknesses of performance from an appraisal of a set of performance data
• Suggest improvements or changes to data sets in order to monitor key aspects of performance.
• Critique some of the commonly used methods of evaluating success
Assessment strategy
There will be a 1500 word project to be completed at the end of the two full day workshops based on practical skills taught there, i.e. students will select one of the case studies provided, and will summarise the main findings, comment on any weaknesses in the data set, and discuss appropriate responses to any concerns revealed. In addition, students will need to submit a 2,000 word essay which discusses an evaluation report. This should critically review the design and conduct of the evaluation in relation to their understanding of the principles of evaluation methods and provide a discussion of alternative techniques, which could have been adopted, for the chosen study. Further guidance on the assessment will be given during the course of the module.
The project should be submitted by week 15, the essay by week 13. The student passes on aggregate mark above 50%.
Bibliography
Performance frameworks at:
http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/Performance/fs/en
Clarke, A. (2001) Evaluation Research. Sage
Flynn, N (2002) (4th edition) Public Sector Management London: Harvester Wheatsheaf
Martin, V. & Henderson, E. (2001) Managing in Health and Social Care. Routledge
Moulin M (2002) Delivering Excellence in Health & Social Care: quality, excellence & performance management. OUP.
Pawson, R, & Tilley, N. (1998) Realistic Evaluation. Sage
Poister. T.H. (2003) Performance Measurement for Public and Nonprofit Organizations . Jossey-Bass