Brett S. Sharp, Ph.D.

University of Oklahoma - Department of Political Science

Political Science 5243.970: Managing Public Programs

INSTRUCTOR:  Brett S. Sharp

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course will explore the considerable challenges which face public managers in administering government operations. The primary focus is on the chaotic environment through which public managers must work on a daily basis. We will discuss various management skills, techniques, and strategies for coping within this turbulent environment. We will look at opportunities for effective reform and change. The emphasis is on applying management skills and techniques to problems facing government management by framing through a comprehensive theoretical framework.

TEACHING METHODS/LEARNING EXPERIENCES:

Students will attend lectures which will orient them to basic concepts and information concerning the management of public programs. Textbooks and other reading as assigned are required. Classroom questions and discussions are strongly encouraged.

Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him or her from fully demonstrating his or her abilities should contact the instructor personally as soon as possible to discuss accommodations necessary to ensure full participation and facilitate his or her educational opportunities.

REQUIRED TEXTS:

Farson, Richard (1996). Management of the Absurd: Paradoxes in Leadership. New York: Simon & Schuster.

Quinn, Robert E. (1988). Beyond Rational Management: Mastering the Paradoxes and Competing Demands of High Performance. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Fairhurst, Gail T. and Sarr, Robert A. (1996). The Art of Framing: Managing the Language of Leadership. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Kiel, Douglas. (1994). Managing Chaos and Complexity in Government. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

 

CLASS ATTENDANCE:

Class attendance is an important part of succeeding in this class and is expected of all students. Class time provides an opportunity for you to ask questions, clarify concepts, deepen your understanding of the concepts covered in the texts, and to participate in class discussions and activities. If you are absent, you are responsible for getting any notes, assignments, syllabus modifications, and schedule changes that were made on that day. If you come in late, you are responsible for ensuring that the attendance record is correct.

GRADING SCALE: Course grades determined using following scale: 90-100=A; 80-89=B; 70-79=C; 60-69=D; 0-59=F)

Quality of Class Participation 10%

Ethics Sample and Analysis 5%

Reaction Papers 20%

In-Class Writing Assignments 5%

Individual Case Study 25%

Group Case Study 10%

Final Examination (Multiple Choice/Essay) 25%

ASSIGNMENTS:

Ethics sample and Analysis

Find an example of formal guidelines for ethical behavior directly related to your work or profession. Places where you might look are rules, professional standards, newsletters, professional journals, mission statements, press releases, legislative intent statements, official decrees, organizational charters, job descriptions, program evaluations, blue-ribbon commission publications, or other sources. Write a 1-2 page analysis of the ethical guidelines you have selected and discuss how important, if at all, these ethical guidelines are to your own behavior and others in your profession. You may highlight and attach relevant sections when you turn in this assignment. Be prepared to discuss your findings in class.

Reaction Papers

Prepare a 2-3 page paper over each of the assigned textbooks prior to scheduled class discussions. The paper should include a brief synopsis of the major theme of the book followed by your reaction to the book. The assignment may take the form of: (1) a critique; (2) a description of how the author’s thoughts relate to your own experiences; (3) commentary on how the book parallels another work related to public administration; (4) examination of the book in light of current news events; or (5) any other way you like. The paper should demonstrate an understanding of key concepts in the assigned reading, but should also strive to be creative, thought-provoking, and interesting. Be prepared to discuss your reactions in class.

In-Class Writing Assignments

Occasionally, students will be given time in class to respond to assigned readings, video excerpts, case studies, and class discussions.

Individual Case Study

This assignment will be based on a scenario which will require you to handle a city department’s budget, deal with human resources issues, prioritize needs, and prepare for a reduction in force. Much of the information you will need will be provided. You may be creative in making limited assumptions concerning the case study, but try to remain within the realm of plausibility. Tools which might be helpful for you in completing this case study include computer spreadsheets and organizational chart programs. You are to prepare for this assignment as if you were making a presentation to the Assistant City Manager, City Manager, and/or City Council. In other words, it should take the form of an "executive summary." You may attach supporting work that you have done as appendices.

Group Case Study

Groups of about 3-5 students will be formed and each will be given a case-study scenario in which to prepare a response. Specific instructions will accompany this assignment. Each group will present their proposed solutions to the dilemmas posed in the case-study scenario.

EXAMINATION

There will be one final exam at the end of the semester. The final exam will be comprised of multiple choice, completion, short-essay, or essay questions. You will be allowed some discretion on the choice of questions you will answer. The final exam will be comprehensive, based on class lectures, assigned readings, and class discussion of those readings. Grading will be based on how well you demonstrate your knowledge of key concepts and your ability to integrate and synthesize that information.

COURSE SCHEDULE

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