The course is connected to the following study programs

  • Master's Programme in Political Science and Management

Course contents

In this course, we focus on a classic issue within public administration that deals with how the state and municipalities exercise control to influence the behavior of citizens, users and employees. The starting point for the course is how the dominant management logic changes over time and thus create a need for new management tools. The subject has a threefold division.

In the first part, we go into the concept of governance and draw up various governance logics that have left their mark on the public administration. The overall state governance is illustrated by how the state governs the municipalities through legal, financial and pedagogical instruments. This is illustrated with concrete examples from various sectors as these are expressed downwards in the public administration.

In the second part, we move on to study specific management tools used in the public sector. Definitions of what is in the concept of management tools are presented, and a distinction is drawn between internal and external management tools with regard to management and the influence of residents, users and employees. In this section, we also outline various criteria that can be used to evaluate management tools. These are used to assess and reflect on management tools such as strategy, organizational design, benchmarking, quality, results / business management, information, etc.

The third part addresses challenges related to realizing management tools in society and organizations. Based on the implementation of new control technology such as ICT projects in the municipal sector show one more and discuss how it can be that so many projects do not succeed. This then turns into a discussion about whether it is the case that the management tools keep their promises with a view to achieving results. What does it take to succeed?

Learning outcomes

Upon succesful completion of the course, the student should be able to:

  • Give an account of the development from Public Administration - New Public Managment - New Governance with regard to perceptions of what constitutes good governance

  • Be able to make a conceptual clarification of the concept of governance

  • To illuminate and understand the management capabilities inherent in our political system

  • Be able to describe and understand the strengths and weaknesses of management known as benchmarking, strategy, quality management, partnership and contract management

  • Make a strategic analysis based on a given case

  • Give an account of the evaluation criteria used to assess different types of management

  • Have knowledge of the implementation-challenges associated with realising management-tools in the public sector.

Examination requirements

Submission of student assignments, considered approved / not approved. More information in Canvas.

Teaching methods

Combination of lectures, seminars, group work and presentation of group work.Estimated workload 270 hours.

Evaluation

The person responsible for the course, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1.

Offered as Single Standing Module

Yes. Subject to availability or capacity.

Admission Requirement if given as Single Standing Module

Same admission requirments as Masters programme in Political Science and Management.

Assessment methods and criteria

A 5-hour individual written examination.Graded A-F.

Last updated from FS (Common Student System) July 1, 2024 3:33:28 PM