Applied Public Management

Lecturer:

Prof. Dr. Julia Thaler 

Workload:

150 hours; Contact hours: 24h; Self-study: 126 hours 

ECTS:

5 ECTS

Module no. (Course no.):

3456 (34561)

Prerequisites:

The module requires basic knowledge of public management issues, as typically acquired in any bachelor's program in economics and management.

Topics covered:

The module begins with a review of the fundamentals of public management, including core concepts such as the four types of goods, the various actors involved in fulfilling public tasks, and the historical shifts in management approaches over time. Building on this foundation, students will examine the changes and current challenges in public management.
An additional component of the module is the introduction to eight selected focus areas in public management:

  • performance management,
  • public-private partnerships,
  • change management,
  • leadership,
  • e-government,
  • innovation,
  • sustainability management, and
  • citizen participation.

Each student will have the opportunity to explore one of these areas in greater depth through a case study, allowing for individual specialization and applied learning.

Learning outcomes:

  • Review and explain the foundations of public management
  • Critically evaluate current academic literature in the field of public management
  • Apply theoretical knowledge to analyze real-world public management challenges and derivepractical management implications.
  • Conduct in-depth case study analysis within a selected focus area of interest.
  • Develop and strengthen academic skills in presentation, discussion, and written communication.

Assessment:

  • Theory Presentation (30%)
  • Case Presentation (40%)
  • Term Paper (30%)

Within both presentation components, peer-feedback will also be evaluated.

Course materials:

  • Bovaird, T. & Loeffler, E. (2016), Public Management and Governance. London and New York: Routledge
  • Ferlie, E., Lynn, L., & Pollitt, C. (2007), The Oxford Handbook of Public Management. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 
  • Current research articles from leading public management journals (Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, Public Management Review, Public Administration Review)