State Government Administration

Catalog description

Study of structures, systems, processes, problems, and issues affecting state government administration; case studies, field observations, and research. P ADM 556 State Government Administration (3) State Government Administration aims to provide students with an introduction to management tools and techniques for administering state government agencies and programs in the context of intersector and intergovernmental relations within a system of representative democracy. The course deals both with management tools as well as policy and management leadership, focusing especially on the nexus between policy and management.Specific course objectives: to foster understanding of the tools and techniques associated with the administration of state government within the context of the broader governance environment; to develop an understanding of the interaction among politics, policy, and management processes at the state level and the role of state officials within institutions and processes; to develop a working knowledge of appropriate tools, models, and concepts associated with state administration via the completion of applied assignments; and to improve communication, writing, and technical skills.Students will be graded on overall discussion (15%), five written news analyses (15%), management papers (40%), and final exam (30%). P ADM 556 is an elective for the MPA degree and is offered every two years.