ANU Crawford Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the skills and knowledge to:

1. Demonstrate deep knowledge and understanding of key debates and thinking in the field of public policy, in Australia and globally

2. Reflect critically on and engage in key theoretical debates in the field of public policy

3. Engage influentially in debates and analysis of public policy issues and practical challenges across cultural, developmental and institutional contexts

4. Demonstrate knowledge of research principles and both qualitative and quantitative methodologies relevant to the field of public policy

5. Identify and apply appropriate research methods to public policy challenges

6. Analyse, synthesise and communicate complex, political and institutional policy problems from multiple perspectives

7. Develop innovative policy recommendations to complex problems in changing policy environments

8. Understand challenges relating to management, implementation and evaluation of public policies and respond to these in innovative ways.

Learning Outcome for MPA Program (at http://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/2015/program/MPUAD)

Upon successful completion, students will have the skills and knowledge to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of historical, comparative and theoretical perspectives on public sector management and leadership

2. Demonstrate deep knowledge and understanding of key debates and thinking in the field of public sector management and leadership, in Australia and globally

3. Reflect critically on and engage in key theoretical debates in the field of public sector management and leadership

4. Demonstrate knowledge of research principles and both qualitative and quantitative methodologies relevant to the field of public sector management and leadership

5. Apply conceptual analysis and evidence to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex management, leadership and policy challenges from multiple perspectives

6. Apply self-management, communication, influencing and teamwork skills to complex management and leadership challenges.

Course (with link)

Learning Outcomes

Indicative Assessment

Workload

1. be familiar with the fundamental concepts and tools used to analyse economic issues;

2. identify the logic and assumptions underlying the economic way of thinking;

3. develop the written and oral skills required to present an argument based on economic reasoning;

4. examine your own experiences and interactions from an economic perspective;

5. be familiar with the leading analytical frameworks in the study of governance and institutions;

6. develop an understanding of the different types of democratic systems;

7. be familiar with key terms, concepts and ideas in the study of public policy; and

8. identify the key concepts, ideas, theories and terminology associated with social policy.

1. understand the university’s expectations

2. use strategies to manage time and assignments

3. use strategies to effectively read and understand an academic text

4. use effective strategies to note take, paraphrase and summarise key ideas in an academic text

5. identify an argument and evidence in an academic text

6. construct an argument and provide evidence to support this

7. assess the strengths and weaknesses of another writer’s ideas

8. find, evaluate and interpret authoritative and relevant sources for assignments

9. apply the referencing conventions required by the Crawford School and avoid plagiarism

10. write and structure an assignment in an appropriate style

11. be familiar with the study of Public Policy

12. submit an assignment through Wattle/TurnitinInformation Literacy Program

On completion of the Information Literacy Program in this course, students will be able to:

1. use strategies to effectively search for academic text

2. assess the strength and weaknesses of websites

3. assess information sources from Library databases and apply to research requirements

4. understand how to save and organise electronic files

5. use professional design techniques in presentations

6. install online software through Microsoft Office 365 Online Portal

7. apply correct academic formatting for long documents

•Developed disciplinary and cross-disciplinary understanding of major challenges facing policymakers;

•Understood key analytic frameworks, techniques and insights from economics, environmental management, and political science; and

•Worked effectively in multidisciplinary teams to analyse major policy problems

1. applying relevant public policy theory to public sector decision making;

2. devising alternative courses of action, based on conceptual understanding and professional expertise, to address a range of dilemmas facing public sector decision makers;

3.  identifying relevant decision making criteria;

4.  choosing between different courses of action using relevant criteria; and

5. providing a convincing rationale for suggested proposals.

1. the key elements of research in policy and governance, with a keen appreciation of how research and analysis of important issues can inform policy debates and deliberations;

2. the importance of integrating relevant theory and practice through the development of appropriate analytical frameworks to guide and inform empirical studies;

3. the importance of systematically researched, evidence-based policy development, implementation and evaluation in governance; and

4. the way in which the above understandings apply to the policy and governance context addressed by your specific study.

Your understanding will facilitate the development of the following abilities:

Acquisition – an ability to assemble, analyse and adopt policy relevant evidence, and to learn from policy and administrative experience, in a significant governance context.

Application – an ability to use social science methodology, policy analysis techniques, relevant policy instruments, and modern management strategies to address policy problems, to meet policy and administrative challenges, and to deliver public services.

Creativity – an ability to think and act strategically and proactively in the innovative design and achievement of policy and administrative objectives in the present and for the future.

Knowledge base – an ability to develop a comprehensive, meaningful and critical appreciation of how concepts, models and theories assist in making sense of policy and governance.

Communication – an ability to communicate effectively using relevant means, strategies, skills and information of significance to policy and governance.

1. understand the key concepts, ideas, theories and terminology associated with public sector management;

2. identify contemporary management issues, dilemmas and problems in both specific national contexts and across the world;

3. identify practical reforms and apply complex theories to actual scenarios;

4. conduct independent research after careful assessment of the academic worth of sources;

5. analyse resources with a critical awareness of bias and conflicting perspectives;

6. contribute to academic debate and discussion with peers;

7. question and comment on peers’ work;

8. use information technology to work efficiently and to locate academic resources.

Students will be assessed based on: how successfully they integrate material from the readings in non-familiar situations; how successfully they support, develop and refine their opinions with academic evidence; and how they consider and respond to the contributions of others. The Case Study should be written in the form of a mini-essay (1,000 words), which outlines a contemporary public sector management issue, dilemma or problem. Students will be assessed based on: their selection of an appropriate case; the clear identification of the most relevant management issues; the use of academically appropriate references from credible sources; and the clarity of expression.

The Reform Proposal should be written in the form of a major essay (2,500 words), with the aim of persuading a government that it needs to implement a particular reform and that is it achievable. Students will be assessed based on: the selection of appropriate reforms; how they respond to the questions and comments of their peers; the level of critical analysis; the structure; the use of academically appropriate references from credible sources; and the clarity of expression. Detailed criteria and ‘How to’ sheets will be distributed in the labs/tutorials.

1.demonstrate a working knowledge of key terms, concepts and ideas in the study of public policy

2.understand and critically engage with relevant literature on public policy

3.reflect on debates in public policy by drawing connections between theory and practice

4.contribute to informed discussions on the politics and practices of making, implementing and evaluating public policy

5.demonstrate an understanding of the methodological and political aspects of policy evaluation

6.demonstrate the ability to think independently, develop informed perspectives and persuasively communicate in the field of public policy.

demonstrated ability to participate constructively in class discussion of issues relating to public management;

demonstrated ability to develop a detailed proposal for reform of a particular public institution or process

•Apply a sound process of reasoning and judgment to a range of critical people management tasks

•Understand and apply ‘organisational behavior’ and ‘performance’ concepts in different public organisational contexts.

•Critically evaluate the likely effectiveness of different approaches to the management of individual performance in context.

•More effectively communicate to increase learning, trust, respect and motivation, particularly in ‘difficult’ situations.

•Apply people management theories and concepts to their own people management challenges including motivating people.

•Apply people management theories and concepts to their own self- management challenges.

•50% Personal Leadership Dilemma

Discuss and debate the value of core readings in policy advocacy

Demonstrate analytical examination of core concepts in the field of policy advocacy

Demonstrate critical analysis of one or more selected case studies in policy advocacy

Reflect on and communicate professional and personal lessons gained in the course

2.Differentiate and evaluate policy-making models and appraise how policy outcomes are achieved under the different models.

3.Evaluate and recommend how stakeholders may develop “bargaining chips” in the areas of technical, economic, political, or administrative in order to pursue interests and policies;

4.Develop and create a new policy typology that engages multiple stakeholders towards “good” policies or outcomes;

5.Develop and create a new policy-making model that engages multiple stakeholders towards “good” policies or outcomes;

6.Evaluate and recommend experiential research-led learning associated with developing, explaining, and recommending policy typologies and policy-making models.

2. Experiential learning through role-play (10%) and paper (40%) on how to advance a policy interest through to adoption based on interaction with different stakeholders  (total 50%)  (3000-3750 words)

3. Final examination (20%)

•Demonstrate a solid understanding of “the economic way of thinking”.

•Demonstrate a solid understanding of the principles of supply and demand, including consumer and firm behaviour.

•Demonstrate a solid understanding of market structure, performance and failure.

•Be able to explain the effects of different government interventions in markets.

•Present in written form arguments using both economic reasoning and actual evidence.

2. Short Essay (25%)

3. Mid-Semester Exam (25% – redeemable)

4. Final Exam – (40% or 65%)

• Demonstrate a sound understanding of the issues of macroeconomics — long run economic growth, unemployment, inflation, and government and international deficits

•Demonstrate a solid understanding of the economic relationships between households, firms and the governments

•Demonstrate skills in measuring GDP, unemployment and inflation, and using these indicators to analyze macroeconomic performance

•Demonstrate a solid understanding of the aggregate demand and aggregate supply framework

•Demonstrate a sound understanding of fiscal policy and monetary policy

•Demonstrate a strong ability to identify macroeconomic issues and apply fiscal and monetary policy instruments to tackle these issues

•Four assignments (20%)

•Mid-semester exam (30%)

•Final exam (50%)

• Understand the tools and insights that economists bring to the study of human activity, the economy and public policy

• Use basic economic analysis in their work as policy administrators and policy makers

• Draw insight from the economic literature and the work of economists  when called for in public administration and policy-making

• Appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of the discipline of economics

• define and explain a variety of approaches to research in social sciences (L1);

• demonstrate a basic knowledge of commonly used methodological tools in empirical research, including surveys, interviews, content analysis, case selection and comparison, and basic statistical methods (L2);

• appraise strengths and weaknesses of existing methodological approaches, including: assess conditions under which one can properly apply tools of measurement and systematic ways  to make inferences and interpret data (L3); and

• formulate research questions, develop arguments and choose proper research design in its support (L4)

40% In-class test (Learning outcomes #1 – #5).

3-5 hours per week for reading and preparation outside of contact hours to complete the course

•a solid understanding of the basic rationale and techniques for applying cost-benefit analysis to government-sponsored programs, policies and projects.

•the ability to plan and implement a cost-benefit study;

•the ability to understand and critique a cost-benefit study prepared by someone else.

•Individual assignment – maximum 5,000 words, 18 pages – 55%

•Lecture summary – one page maximum – 5%

1. understand the nature and significance of models and theories of organisations and organisational leadership in government and governance;

2. use the models and theories as analytical lens for guiding and informing an analysis of organisational structures and dynamics;

3. appreciate the complexities and dilemmas of organisations and organisational leadership in various governance arenas; and

4. address ways in which organisations and organisational leadership could be transformed in a particular governance arena.

1. demonstrated a critical understanding of the leading analytical frameworks in the study of governance and institutions;

2. analysed the relative advantages and disadvantages of different types of democratic systems;

3. developed the aptitude to make convincing recommendations of the most appropriate democratic institutions and governance structures for the achievement of policy goals;

4. demonstrated the capacity to research and critically analyse the different democratic systems;

5. demonstrated the ability to think independently, and persuasively communicate ideas in governance and institutions;

6. practised professional skills to i) work effectively in a group; ii) present clearly and concisely; and iii) facilitate the learning of others.

•demonstrated a working knowledge of key terms, concepts and ideas in the study of public policy

•considered the major political institutions and actors involved in the public policy process

•debated the role of values in public policy

•examined how public policy issues come onto the agenda, and how they are managed

•demonstrated a working knowledge of policy instruments and their behavioural assumptions

•contributed to informed discussions on various theoretical and practical aspects of public policy;

•demonstrated the capacity to research and critically analyse public policy issues;

•considered the implications of centralised and federal systems of government for public policy

•reflected on the politics and practices of implementing and evaluating public policy

•demonstrated the ability to think independently, and persuasively communicate in the field of public policy.

•Policy Project (50%)

•Policy responses (under test conditions) (20%)

Passing the course is conditional on passing all items of assessment

At least 30 hours outside of contact hours to complete the course.

1.Have a crisp grasp of political and policy system structures, systems, processes and dynamics

2.Understand present fractures, fault lines and competing agendas

3.Have explored the detail of possible frameworks covering place based governance, innovation and continuous improvement

4.Have developed skills in change management

5.Have built strategic skills covering policy analysis and assessment.

Preparation of                           750×3      30              1, 2, 3 3 mini assignments

Preparation of outline             750            20              4, 5   of term paper

Final paper                             2500-3000    50             4, 5

2.   critically apply ethical concepts and theories to examples of public sector practice;

3.   access relevant source materials on public sector ethics;

4.    critically understand the role of ethics in professional public sector practice;

5.  apply critical analytical capacity to answering questions on public sector ethics.

An ability to apply those theories to anti-corruption practice

An ability to identify the theories implicit in anti-corruption practice

An ability to evaluate various forms of anti corruption activity

•demonstrate a broad understanding of key theories and empirical findings in the literature of political economy;

•consider political aspects of real-world economic problems and policies and economic aspects of real-world political conflicts, behavior and outcomes;

•make critical evaluations of methodological issues and problems in existing studies;

•demonstrate a basic knowledge of commonly used methodological tools in studies of political economy, including randomized experiments, multiple regressions, and comparative case studies;

•develop, refine and present a research proposal for their own original research.

50% A research proposal (Learning outcomes #5)

10% Discussions (Learning outcomes #1 – #5)

3-5 hours per week for reading and preparation outside of contact hours to complete the course

1.To have a clear understanding of the framework of the Australian governmental system and its impacts on the roles and responsibilities of managers of public resources;

2.To extrapolate their understanding of the Australian public financial management environment to other governmental systems;

3.To explain the methods and roles of, and interactions between, the broad systems applicable in the Australian governmental system relating to budgeting, financial management, accounting and audit;

4.To understand the drivers, successes and failures of public financial management reform;

5.To understand the two-way interaction between governance structures and operational practice;

6.To evaluate the effectiveness of forms of performance management in contemporary government systems; and

7.To question and critique the effectiveness of the financial managerial setting operating within Australian governments or governments in their own countries.

The short assignment will be based only on material presented and discussed during the first three days.  In the long assignment, all course material will be relevant to the coverage expected of assignments.

Both assignments will involve a choice of topics that will be provided to students on the first day of each segment of the course.

In both assignments, students will be expected to present critical arguments relating to the theoretical and institutional setting influencing the management of government finances.

1. To have an understanding of the terminology and concepts in financial reporting and budgeting of both public and private sector entities;

2. To effectively review and evaluate financial information provided in published financial statements;

3. To explain the methods of certain accounting policy choices;

4. To be able to distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information in key financial decision-making;

5. To understand the fundamentals of nature of costs within entities;

6. To understand the basics of an entity’s budgeting process and budget outcomes

1.Be familiar with a range of classic and ongoing theories and academic debates on law and regulation, and the concepts and problems addressed in these

2.Be able to reflect on the development of past and current regulatory regimes

3.Be able to evaluate and research regulatory regimes through critical analysis using the theories and academic debates studied

4.Be able to consider future directions of regulatory regimes

5.Be able to interpret and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas on law and regulation to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Assessment is likely to consist of a Research Essay (100%, 6000 – 8000 wds).

1. Recognise the strengths and weaknesses of the research literature related to organised interests, interest groups and lobbying

2. Independently apply relevant aspects of these theories and related methods/techniques to identify and investigate empirical policy contexts

3. Critically assess and evaluate the utility of relevant theories and methods introduced as part of the class

4. Produce written analytical work on a research topic connected to the course

5. Orally present, discuss and critique their own ideas, and the ideas of others in a constructive fashion

1. Essay 1 1500 word (35%) (LO 1,2,3,4)

2. Essay 2 2500 word (55%) (LO 1,2,3,4)

3. Presentation (10%) (LO 1,2,3,5)

1.governance concepts and the significance of power in the management of development programs;

2. stakeholder needs and interests through an analysis of stakeholders, civic engagement and gender commitments in development programs;

3. strategies for the management of development programs, including the logical framework approach and risk assessments;

4. integrity and its significance in the monitoring and evaluation of development programs; and

5. the design, structure, operation and review of a selected development project.

•20% – An essay of 2,000 words selected from one of the topics covered in the first half of the course.

•Participation in course, based on attendance, group work, 10%.

•10% tutorial exercises based on addressing key program management techniques covered in class.

•know how we fare in fighting global poverty

•gain a understanding of various common measurements of poverty and inequality

•appreciate the ongoing debates on poverty-related issues

•understand some poverty reduction policy practices and options

•identify the key drivers of poverty and the key challenges ahead

Essay (Learning Outcomes 3-5) 45%

1.learn about the key theoretical debates over the approaches to development and critically assess the relevant arguments.

2.be able to explain the role of actors in the development community and the way different aspects of development connect to and interact with each other.

3.be able to identify real life cases to carry out independent research and write an essay to offer structured criticism of the policies and practices concerned.

i) an understanding of the main debates around aid and other rich country development policies;

ii) knowledge of the economic tools which can be used to assess these policies;

iii) experience in the assessment of particular rich country development policies.

The policy memo provides an introductory assessment task and provides some real world flavour. The long essay requires students to go into depth on some particular issue. The exam encourages students to engage with the breadth of the course and tests understanding as well as absorption

•to understand the range of organisations involved in development work and the issues they face in delivering strong development outcomes;

•to critically appraise such organisations in terms of their effectiveness and identify which development institution is most relevant in a particular context; and

•to appraise a development project or policy in terms of the likely political and institutional constraints.

(a) Understand the ways in which the global flow of ideas has shaped and continues to shape social policy within and across nations

(b) Understand the governance structures for, and effectiveness of, global social policy-making

(c) Understand the (sometimes competing) agendas and roles of major global actors in the area of social policy

(d) Be able to analyse key ideas and objectives that underpin the social policy models advocated by key international agencies

(ii) An analysis of a key social policy of a selected international agency. 2000 words (35%)

(iii) An essay examining the ways in which supra-national or trans-national ideas and policies have shaped national responses to one social issue in one country.  Students will be asked to choose a country other than their own. 2,500 words (50%)

• Demonstrate a good understanding of the fiscal framework for taxing and spending and of fiscal policy principles

• Analyse critically tax reforms and policy choices in developed and developing countries

• Research, and examine key issues and challenges in fiscal policy in a particular development or country context.

• Present in depth written analysis of key issues and challenges in fiscal policy in a particular development or country context.

(2)   Short written assignment (10%, maximum 1,000 words)

(3)   Research essay (80%) of maximum of 5,000 words on a topic chosen by the student and approved by the subject coordinator

OR: Take home examination (80%) of maximum of 4000 words.

a) Find and use key sources of data on social security and welfare spending in Australia and internationally, including Asia and the Pacific as well as OECD countries

b) Understand key conceptual frameworks regarding social spending, as well as frameworks for the analysis of distributional effects of public spending

c) Demonstrate a knowledge of methodological issues in the analysis of the effects of government welfare state spending on key social outcomes including inequality and poverty

d) Analyse and assess alternative approaches to social policy interventions

e) Compare the social protection systems of their own or other countries with those of other rich or developing nations

•demonstrated a working knowledge of key terms, concepts and ideas in the study of social policy and social protection

•assessed the major political institutions and actors involved in the social policy process

•demonstrated a knowledge of how social policy interacts with other areas of government policy, such as economic policy

•considered the roles of values and alternative approaches in social policy

•developed a capacity to analyse and assess alternative approaches to social policy interventions

•reviewed the historical development of the social protection system in Australia and other countries

•compared the Australian social protection system with those of other OECD nations as well as the approaches taken in developing countries

•appraised various Welfare State models and their relevance to Australia and other countries

•considered the social policy issues involved in assistance to categorical groups, such as the aged, families and the unemployed.

•demonstrated the capacity to think independently in the field of social policy’

•developed an understanding of the eclectic nature of social policy and the potential contribution of an array of alternative approaches and academic disciplines

1. demonstrate an understanding of the different ways academics have conceptualised the implementation process;

2. demonstrate an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each conceptualisation;

3. demonstrate an understanding of the nature of key players and their role in the service delivery process;

4. demonstrate an understanding of the factors that facilitate and constrain effective implementation.

2. A quiz (20%) which relates to Learning Outcomes 3 and 4.

3. A 4,000 word essay (60%) which relates to Learning Outcomes 3 and 4.

(a) Demonstrate a working knowledge of global health challenges, and the health policy and governance responses to effectively address them;

(b) Contribute to informed debates on contemporary developments in global health governance, such as global health security, health in development and aid, access to essential medicines, and health workforce migration;

(c) Demonstrate the capacity to research, critically analyse and persuasively communicate ideas about health policy in a globalizing world

(ii) Global health policy analysis paper. 2000 words (50%)

(iii) Global health research priorities paper. 1500 words (35%)

•Demonstrate a sound understanding of the theories of foreign direct investment and the WTO principles of international trade in services

•Demonstrate a solid understanding of the motivations of foreign direct investment and cross-border mergers and acquisition

•Demonstrate a sound understanding of the impacts of foreign direct investment on host countries’ domestic economy

•Demonstrate a sound understanding of national government policies towards and their impacts on foreign direct investment

•Demonstrate a sound understanding of the characteristics of international trade in services and the barriers to international trade in services

•Demonstrate a strong ability to apply international economic theories and the WTO principles to analyze issues in global services trade and foreign direct investment liberalization

•Short essay (30%): This short essay provides students with the opportunity to use economic theories and the WTO principles to examine issues of foreign direct investment and international trade in services relevant to their countries. Students are recommended to consult with the lecturer when they choose the topic. Students can write the short paper in groups (depending on the number of enrolment), however, each of them will contribute to the paper. The paper should be approximately 2000 words in length (excluding data and references).

•Student presentation (10%): Each student (or group) will give a 20-minutes presentation (15 minutes presentation and 5 minutes for questioning) based on the short essay.

•Final essay (60%): The final essay requires students to use international economic theories and the WTO principles to analyze issues in global services trade and foreign direct investment liberalization. The topic of the final essay will be available on the course outline. The final essay should be approximately 3000 words in length (excluding data and references).

Problem statement for policy research project: 5%

Policy Research Project (65%)

2.Demonstrate an understanding of contemporary issues concerning the national security community

3.Analyse concepts related to planning and implementation in a national security context

4.Understand aspects of professional practice within national security agencies

5.Conduct independent research

6.Acquire highly developed oral and written communication skills

Understand the key issues in law, order and conflict in Melanesia

Explain the principles sources of law, order and conflict in Melanesia with reference to detailed case studies of contemporary conflict

Assess the respective roles of notions of social order; state and non-state actors in social control; internal and external responses to problems of law and order in the Asia Pacific region

Contribute to the design and implementation of the dynamics of peace processes and post-conflict reconstruction.