Online Class: Managing in and with the Public Sector

A 6-lesson online independent study course offered by the Wisconsin Certified Public Manager Program. This convenient online course can be taken from anywhere. You can participate in our online classes from home, from your office, even when you travel. A PC or laptop, modem and browser bring the virtual classroom to you, when and where you want to participate.

At a glance:

Dates: Begin when it is convenient for you.
Latest date to register: April 1, 2008; Class must be completed by June 2, 2008
Location: Online
Instructor: Susan Paddock
Contact: Robbi Dreifuerst 608-262-3830, rdreifuerst@dcs.wisc.edu
To enroll: See registration options (#0503)

Description:

The purpose of this class is to allow you to gain a basic understanding of the fundamental processes, procedures, choices and constraints in public sector management.  It provides a useful basis for those working in, for or with government agencies at the federal, state and local levels

This six-lesson class introduces key issues in the public sector such as policy making and accountability.  Readings are available from an e-book that is available free online. Other readings may also be posted on the class web site.  You must complete assigned readings and all written assignments in order to finish this class.

Objectives:

Lesson 1: Overview of public administration.   Understand the foundations of American public administrative tradition, and how it has been shaped by American history and culture.  Assignment:  Two-page paper discussing how American public administrative tradition is reflected in your agency’s current activities.

Lesson 2: Public management.  Describe public management, and how it can be distinguished from private sector management.  Be able to identify the results or impacts of these differences.  Assignment:  Interview a manager or leader in the private sector.  Write a 1-2 page paper comparing the public and private sectors, based on your readings and this interview.

Lesson 3:  Bureaucracy.  Understand the development of bureaucracy, its role of in effective government, and the relationship between the bureaucracy and legislative bodies.  Assignment:  One- to two-page paper describing a current situation that demonstrates the role of bureaucracy in furthering the aims of good government.

Lesson 4:  Accountability. Describe the growth of the accountability (performance measurement) movement in the US, with examples of key legislative actions or organizational achievements that have shaped it.  Evaluate the impact of the accountability movement on the quality of public services and the responsiveness of public management. Assignment:  Interview a public manager about performance measures used in his/her agency.  Write a summary of this interview.

Lesson 5: Policy making.  Define what constitutes “policy,” how it is made, and public management’s role in its implementation.  Be able to evaluate a specific policy in terms of a public manager’s role. Assignment:  Select a current policy.  Write a 1-2 page paper discussing the public manager’s role.

Lesson 6:  Current Issues and Public Management’s Role.  Review current issues facing public management.  Identify forces or pressures affecting issues, and their effect on public management’s changing roles.
Final Paper: Summary and Review.  Select a public sector issue and evaluate it, referring to the topics studied in this class.  Write a 2-5 page paper.

Instructor:  Susan Paddock is a professor of governmental affairs in the Department of Professional Development and Applied Studies at UW-Madison and director of the Wisconsin Certified Public Manager Program.

Student Requirements:

CPM Online classes are conducted using the Desire2Learn platform. Registered students are given the course Web site address, along with a password to access the course.

To successfully complete this course, students must complete all readings and written assignments.

An Open Discussion Board will be available on the class site for students, where they can post questions, comments or answers.  Posting to the Board is not required for successful completion of the course.

More information on computer requirements, connectivity, etc. can be found at the CPM online classes home page.

General information:

Location: Online

Fees: $128

Registration deadline: April 1

Cancellation policy: If you are unable to participate in a group class or arrange for a substitute, you may obtain a refund minus the $20 administrative fee by contacting our registration department at least 3 business days prior to the program. If you cancel 3 business days or less before the program, or do not participate, you are responsible for the entire fee. To cancel or arrange for a substitute, please call 800-725-9692. No refund is given for cancellation of an Independent Study class. Exceptions to this policy will be determined by CPM program staff on a case-by-case basis.

For program information contact: Robbi Dreifuerst, coordinator of the CPM Program, 608-262-3830, rdreifuerst@dcs.wisc.edu

Registration options:

By phone: Call 608-262-7942 or toll-free 800-725-9692.

By mail: Print, complete and mail the UW Continuing Studies registration form.

By fax: Print, complete and fax the UW Continuing Studies registration form.

Online: Secure online registration is available for this program

WCPM is a program of the
Department of Professional Development & Applied Studies
610 Langdon St., Rm. 313.....Madison WI 53703
Phone: 608-263-2088 or .....(800) 442-4617
Fax: 608-265-2329.....E-mail: pdas@dcs.wisc.edu