Course Overview
Course features
Week 1: Weber and Post Weber
This week introduces the classic model of public administration. It’s often called the Weberian model, as the famous German sociologist Max Weber first described it. Criticisms and the defence of Weber will be outlined.
Week 2: The New Public Management reform wave
This week will focus on the ‘New Public Management’ (NPM) reform ideas; which emerged in the 1980s in several key countries and which have persisted since. It will explore where key NPM ideas came from and why they became politically attractive in the 1980s.
Week 3: Comparative public management
In the final week, we will be exploring alternative traditions of public administration that may be apparent in other countries globally. This international and comparative theme will be considered in more detail.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Use case studies from different countries and sectors to critique and gain insight into public management models.
- Apply the critical insight gained from the academic materials to potential real-world problems encountered on the job.
- Engage in the diagnosis of different policy problems against the models and to consider how helpful the models are likely to be in different sets of circumstances.
Entry requirements
This short course is for mid-career professionals. Standard entry requirements are a 2:1 degree plus 3 years of relevant work experience. Applicants without a 2:1 or higher degree are welcome to apply and typically require 5+ years of relevant work experience.
Assessment
One written assignment, plus participation in webinars and discussion forums.
Our modules offer high levels of interaction with regular points of assessment and feedback. Each four week module is worth five Master's level academic credits and includes three webinars with a King's lecturer and peer group of global professionals.