School of Social and International Studiesdepartment of Development and Economic Studies

UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD School of Social and International Studies Department of Development and Economic Studies MSc in Public Sector Management

Awarding and teaching institution: University of Bradford Final award: Postgraduate Certificate in Public Sector Management Postgraduate Diploma in Public Sector Management MSc in Public Sector Management [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level M] Programme title: PG Cert / PG Dip / MSc in Public Sector Management Duration: 1 year full-time (2-5 years part-time) Last updated : October 2009

Introduction The MSc in Public Sector Management provides you with an advanced and critical understanding of public sector governance and management, of public services and their socio- economic context, and of the processes of change taking place within public administration. Furthermore, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective work within public sector organisations.

This degree also offers a work placement in the public sector whereby you can gain experience of and reflect on the challenges of managing public sector organisations at the national, regional and local levels, as well as increase your awareness of process of change taking place within the sector. Therefore the degree offers a comprehensive programme covering public sector and public services management, public governance and public policy, together with knowledge and skills necessary for effective participation within public sector organisations.

The course has special relevance for public sector professionals and for those intending to work in that sector, as well as for professionals in the private and third sectors whose work is closely related to public policy and public administration. It is designed to be accessible to those who combine experience with professional and/or vocational qualifications.

Many DES postgraduates show a personal commitment to the public sector and have some work experience in related areas of public administration or the private and voluntary sectors. They may see the degree as a means to acquire the necessary skills, knowledge and qualifications to work in public sector management, or to develop a career closely associated to the public sector, or even to change their career in that direction. A high proportion of DES postgraduate students are from outside the UK, studying for a higher degree with the support of their employer. A DES postgraduate degree course provides the knowledge and skills required for advancement to more senior, specialist posts.

The Department of Development & Economic Studies (DES) is a multidisciplinary department within the School of Social and International Studies. The Department’s activities include undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, short training courses for civil servants, overseas- based consultancy, training and research. Teaching staff have academic backgrounds in different branches of the social sciences, but they share some common areas of interest, including public sector management, public policy, political economy, local and regional government, project and programme management, community development and organisational change. This particular programme is builds on considerable experience of capacity building within a range of organisations in the public, private and third sectors. All DES courses have strong experiential © University of Bradford and skill-based elements, in line with the University’s mission of ‘Making Knowledge Work’, and are designed to be relevant to contemporary issues and professions.

A. Programme Aims The programme aims to enable you to: Postgraduate Certificate A1 Develop your skills to enable you evaluate and apply theoretical concepts relevant to public sector management, public policy and working in the public sector. A2 Develop your autonomous learning skills for lifelong learning. A3 Develop your personal and transferable skills in team work, communication, research and planning Postgraduate Diploma A4 Equip you with the knowledge and skills critically to analyse theory, policy and practice in the public sector. A5 Equip you with the knowledge and skills to become a reflective and critical practitioner MSc A6 Critically analyse current and emerging research and practice. A7 Critically appraise the nature of evidence guiding public sector management and public policy. A8 Formulate and independently investigate a complex research question and communicate your findings at an advanced level. B. Programme Learning Outcomes When you have completed the programme you will be able to: Postgraduate Certificate LO1. Critically evaluate theoretical concepts in public sector management and public policy. LO2. Critically appraise the practice of public administration and of working in the public sector. LO3. Evaluate complex information on a range of issues related to public sector management and public policy. LO4. Use initiative in self-directed learning, work as part of a group and construct written argument Postgraduate Diploma LO5. Critically reflect on advanced theoretical concepts in public sector management and public policy. LO6. Critically reflect on working practices and change management in organisations LO7. Apply originality and creative problem solving in dealing with complex issues. MSc LO8. Demonstrate a detailed and critical knowledge of current research and scholarship in a specialist area of public sector management and public policy. LO9. Identify appropriate research designs and methods for specific purposes and applications LO10. Identify gaps and inconsistencies in the evidence base guiding policy and practice LO11. Apply critical reasoning to the existing evidence base and scholarship

Module Code Module Title Type Credits Level Study period ID-7093D Public Sector Management 1 CORE 20 M Semester 2 ID-7040D Public Policy Analysis and Management CORE 20 M Semester 2 ID-7017D Issues in Development Policy OPTION 20 M Semester 2 ID-7072D Human Resources Management and OPTION 20 M Semester 2 Development ID-7029D Project Appraisal and Economic Analysis OPTION 20 M Semester 2 ID-7091D Project Management Skills OPTION 20 M Semester 2 ID-7013D Microfinance and Poverty Alleviation OPTION 20 M Semester 2 ID-7044D International Economics OPTION 20 M Semester 2

Postgraduate Diploma

Module Module Title Type Credits Level Study period Code ID-7095D Public Sector Management 2 CORE 20 M Semester 1 ID-7094D Working in the Public Sector CORE 20 M Semester 1 ID-7022D Project and Programme Management OPTION 20 M Semester 1 ID-7071D Public Action OPTION 20 M Semester 1 ID-7018D Issues in Development Theory OPTION 20 M Semester 1 ID-7065D Project Planning, Design and Appraisal OPTION 20 M Semester 1 ID-7015D Economics for Development OPTION 20 M Semester 1 ID-7014D Finance for Development OPTION 20 M Semester 1

Module Module Title Type Credits Level Study Occ Code period ID-7060Z Dissertation in Public Sector Management CORE 60 M DISS H The curriculum may change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring and review procedures.

D. Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategies This course is taught from January to December, thus enabling the internship to take place during the summer and enabling the corresponding module, Working in the Public Sector to take place and be assessed in the May-September period. Most teaching is lecture or group-based for taught course units, while individual supervisors provide specialist guidance during dissertation writing (starting in May). Hence, as the course progresses, the main learning method gradually becomes more individualised and student-centred.

You start the programme with an intensive induction week to develop your learning and personal development planning skills and to provide an introduction to IT and library resources. Additional group and one to one support is provided to individual students who require it. You will be introduced to academic writing from the induction week onwards, with training in research and analytical skills provided from then onwards as part of the preparation for writing your dissertation. The training required for the dissertation will start at the induction weeks and continue through the

© University of Bradford Semester 2, with dissertation supervisors allocated in early March and a research proposal of 2,500 words to be submitted by 18 June 2010. The dissertation of 10,000 - 13,000 words is to be submitted no later than 29 April 2011.

To ensure the systematic development of knowledge of key subjects, course units are evaluated by a variety of assessments in addition to essays and formal examinations. Group work, where the assessment may be based on a report or a presentation, provides both team work experience and practice in different ways of expressing arguments and information. Some modules may also use problem-solving exercises or ask you to develop a portfolio of your work. Both assist you to develop your skills as an independent, critical and creative learner.

E. Assessment Regulations – Progression and Award The full text of the Regulations Governing Postgraduate Awards is available on the web at http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/QA_Hbk/Postgrad_Taught_Regs.html Masters/PgDip/PgCert Award To be eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Certificate you must achieve at least 40.0 per cent in individual units amounting to 40 Credits and at least 35.0 per cent in individual units amounting to the other 20 Credits.

To be eligible for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma you must achieve at least 40.0 per cent in individual units amounting to 100 Credits and at least 35.0 per cent in individual units amounting to the other 20 Credits.

To be eligible for the award of the Degree of Master you must achieve at least 40.0 per cent in individual units amounting to 160 Credits and at least 40.0 cent in individual units amounting to the other 20 Credits.

If you achieve an overall weighted average of at least 70.0 per cent at the initial attempt, including at least 70.0 per cent at the initial attempt in any dissertation, project or major report, you will be eligible for the award of the Degree of Master with Distinction.

If you achieve an overall weighted average of at least 60.0 per cent, including at least 60.0 per cent in any dissertation, project or major report, etc., you will be eligible for the award of the Degree of Master with Merit.

F. Admission Requirements The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements for each programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience. Evidence of your proficiency in the English language is required; the minimum requirement is GCSE Grade C, IELTS 6.0, or the equivalent TOEFL score. If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry qualifications. The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are applied to all applicants. If you have some form of disability you may wish to contact the programme leader before you apply.

© University of Bradford G. Learning Resources The Learning Support Services of the University of Bradford, comprising the Library the Computer Centre and the Career Development Service, provide comprehensive, user-friendly facilities for students. DES Students also have access to the School of Management Library, and to the Development Collection in the University Library, which consists of specialist materials relating to developing countries and international development. The University Library is a designated European Documentation Centre, with a comprehensive coverage of EU information. The Learner Development Unit (LDU) also provides a valuable resource for you to improve your study skills.

H. Student Support and Guidance: Support for you personally and in your course of study, will be provided both by the University and the Course Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal concerns. You will be provided with a comprehensive series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your course tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries. We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’ Union, through a system of course representatives and formal staff student liaison committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly. The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s Union. The University's Careers Development Service exists to provide you with information, advice and guidance to help with any aspect of your career planning. More specifically we can help you by providing information on finding work and further study; providing advice on how to write a CV and complete application forms and help you to prepare for interviews and be successful in getting into your chosen career. Career Development Services also provide career and skill development opportunities through a range of accredited career modules. Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing equipment and advice to help you get the most out of your time at Bradford and is a place where you can discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information contact the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via email: [email protected]

I. Education for Sustainable Development The University of Bradford, and the School of Social and International Studies (SSIS), are committed to the principles of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) set out in UNESCO’s definition (see http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/ecoversity/what-sustainability.php which include: interdisciplinarity; value-driven; critical thinking and problem solving; participatory decision-making; and applied learning which is relevant and culturally appropriate to local and other contexts. In your programme you will find these principles underlie the teaching learning and assessment strategies. The subject matter of this programme is focussed on public sector management as a concept and therefore engages with debates around transparency, accountability, cultural diversity and the responsible use of public resources. We strive to ensure that students are able to become critical, independent thinkers who can apply knowledge and take action. In addition there are modules in which the themes and issues of ESD are particularly exemplified, such as:

© University of Bradford  Public Sector Management 1 and 2 seeks to explore the concept of responsibility and accountability in government and public administration, as well as cultural diversity and the management of change.

 Public Action seeks critically to explore the idea of government, third sector and private sector working in partnerships for sustainable development.

 Working in the Public Sector is a placement module in which a student works within a public sector organisation and produces a reflective portfolio on the experience. We are also committed in SSIS to giving you opportunities to engage in debates about the meaning and future of Sustainable Development, as well as in the practice of ESD, for example, through volunteering on and off campus, by taking action in a series of activities as a School. We strive to ensure that all students are able to become critical, independent thinkers who can apply knowledge and take action. For more information on Ecoversity activities throughout the university see http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/ecoversity/

J. Further Information: For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact Admissions.

The Admissions Office Postgraduate Admissions Office The University of Bradford Development and Economic Studies Richmond Road The University of Bradford Bradford, BD7 1DP Richmond Road UK Bradford, BD7 1DP UK +44 (0)1274 233054 +44 (0)1274 233979 http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/ http://www.brad.ac.uk/des

The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's regulations and course approval, monitoring and review procedures.

Appendix 1: Curriculum, Teaching and Assessment Map

Module Learning Teaching Assessment Outcomes Public Sector LO 1, 2, 3, 4, Lectures/ 70% 3,000-word essay Management 1 5, 8, 10, 11 Seminars/ 30% 1,000-1,500-word Group work seminar paper or assignment Public Sector LO 1, 2, 3, 4, Lectures/ 70% 3,000-word essay Management 2 5, 8, 10, 11 Seminars/ 30% 1,000-1,500-word Group work seminar paper or assignment Public Policy Analysis LO 1, 2, 3, 4, Lectures/ 80% 3000 word essay; and Management 5, 8, 10, 11 Seminars/ 20% group presentation. Group work Working in the Public LO 4, 5,6,7,8 Lectures/ 50% Reflective diary of Sector Seminars/ activities during placement; Placement 50% 2,500 word project, report or case study Options LO 4,8 Lectures/seminars/ Depends on options selected group- work/work- based learning Dissertation LO 8, 9,10,11 Group 25% 2500 word Research lectures/seminars Proposal

Appendix 2

Descriptors for core modules

Module Title: Public Sector Management 1

Module Type: Standard module Academic Year: 2009/0 Module Code: ID- Module Occurrence: A Module Credit: 20 Teaching Period: Semester 2 Level: M (Postgraduate Masters) Provider: Department of Development and Economic Studies Related Department / Subject Area: ID Principal Co-ordinator: Dr Roberto Espíndola (RE) Additional Tutors: Dr John Lawler (JL)

Aims: To develop an advanced and critical understanding of the public sector, public services, public governance and public policy at the national and local levels. To develop knowledge and skills necessary for effective participation within public sector organisations.

Learning Teaching & Assessment Strategy: The module is based on critical learning with lectures to develop key concepts, theories and to identify issues in policy and practice, coupled with seminars presented by external practitioners to illustrate the practical application of those concepts, theories and issues. Seminar presentations, practical exercises and coursework papers/essays offer students the opportunity to apply those concepts to specific case studies, to work in a group to develop and present information and argument, as well as opportunities for formative assessment and feedback, peer review and discussion of the changing nature of public services, public policy and public governance. Summative assessment in the form of an essay allows students to research, develop, demonstrate and critique knowledge related to the current key issues in public sector management, and related to governance and policy within public sector organisations and their social context.

Study Hours: Directed Lectures: 15.00 170 Study: Formal Seminars/Tutorials: 15.00 0.00 Exams: Laboratory/Practical: 0.00 Other: 0.00 Total: 200

Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding On successful completion of this module you will be able to analyse the current key issues in the management of the public sector and understand the changing nature of public services and public governance 2. Subject-Specific Skills

© University of Bradford On successful completion of this module you will be able to apply that analysis and reflect critically on governance and policy within public sector organisations and their social context 3. Personal Transferable Skills On successful completion of this module you will be able to work in a group to develop and present information and informed argument, conduct research and communicate your ideas clearly using written, electronic and oral means.

Mode of Assessment: 1 Assessment Type Duration (hours) Percentage Coursework - 30% Description One `1,000-1,500 word seminar paper or assignment

2 Assessment Type Duration (hours) Percentage Coursework - 70% Description One 3,000 word essay

Supplementary Assessment: As Above (Note: 'As Original' indicates that Supplementary Assessment will take the same form as the Mode(s) of Assessment).

Outline Syllabus:

1. What is the Public Sector? The public sector in the UK and in comparative perspective within the EU. The politics of the public sector. Public administration, public management and public governance. 2. Who makes policy in the UK? Changing patterns of governance: regulation, de-regulation, re-regulation in the UK. Privatisation and public-private partnerships. 3. How do socio-economic problems become policy problems? Case studies of problem definition 4. Transparency and accountability in public administration across Europe 5. Local government and local development. Case study: Walsall Council – from ‘worst council in the UK’ to star performer 6. Local government, democratic engagement and the community 7. Public service at the local level: the customers’ experience 8. Working with clients and stakeholders. A practical exercise on local public services: briefing participants 9. A practical exercise on local public services: reporting back 10.Participatory governance and public policy

Basic reading list

 Christensen, T (2007) Transcending New Public Management: The Transformation of Public Sector Reforms Ashgate

 Bovaird, T and E Löffler (2009) Public Management and Governance London: Routledge

 Flynn, N. (2007) Public Sector Management London: Sage

 Greenwood, J, R Pyper and D Wilson (2002) New Public Administration in Britain London: Routledge

 Hughes, O E (2003) Public Management and Administration London: Palgrave Macmillan

 Lynn, L E (2006) Public Management Old and New London: Routledge

 Pollitt, C, and G Bouckaert (2004) Public Management Reform: A Comparative Analysis Oxford: Oxford University Press

 Pollitt, C (2003) The Essential Public Manager Open University Press

 Pyper, R and A Massey (2005) Public Management and Modernisation in Britain London: Palgrave Macmillan

 Rhodes, R A W, P Carmichael, J Macmillan and A Massey (2003) Decentralizing The Civil Service: From Unitary State to Differentiated Polity in the United Kingdom Open University Press

© University of Bradford Module Title: Public Sector Management 2 Module Type: Standard module Academic Year: 2009/0 Module Code: ID- Module Occurrence: A Module Credit: 20 Teaching Period: Semester 1 Level: M (Postgraduate Masters) Provider: Department of Development and Economic Studies Related Department / Subject Area: ID Principal Co-ordinator: Dr John Lawler Additional Tutors: Dr Roberto Espíndola

Aims: To develop a critical understanding of the changing strategy and policy context within the public sector. To develop knowledge and skills necessary for effective leadership, management and change in public sector organisations.

Learning Teaching & Assessment Strategy: The module is based on critical learning with lectures to develop key concepts, theories and to identify issues in policy and practice, coupled with seminars presented by external practitioners to illustrate the practical application of those concepts, theories and issues. Seminar presentations and coursework papers/essays offer students the opportunity to apply those concepts to specific case studies, to work in a group to develop and present information and argument, as well as opportunities for formative assessment and feedback, peer review and discussion of change and opposition to change. Summative assessment in the form of an essay allows students to research, develop, demonstrate and critique knowledge related to change management in the public sector, to discuss services and organisations within the public sector, and to reflect critically on the effects of leadership and management on performance.

Study Hours: Directed Lectures: 15.00 170 Study: Formal Seminars/Tutorials: 15.00 0.00 Exams: Laboratory/Practical: 0.00 Other: 0.00 Total: 200

Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding On successful completion of this module you will be able to analyse critically approaches to change and change management in the public sector, and to discuss services and organisations within local and wider contexts of the public sector. 2. Subject-Specific Skills On successful completion of this module you will be able to apply that analysis, to reflect critically on leadership, management and change within organisations and to apply learning to enhance performance 3. Personal Transferable Skills

© University of Bradford On successful completion of this module you will be able to evaluate potential sources of opposition to change and strategies which can be used to manage them, as well as work in a group to develop and present information and argument, to conduct research and communicate your ideas clearly using written, electronic and oral means..

Mode of Assessment: 1 Assessment Type Duration (hours) Percentage Coursework - 30% Description One `1,000-1,500 word seminar paper or assignment

2 Assessment Type Duration (hours) Percentage Coursework - 70% Description One 3,000 word essay

Outline Syllabus: 1. The reform of the public sector: from New Public Management to Modernisation. Public sector reform and restructuring. How have reforms worked in other EU countries? 2. Civil Service reform in comparative perspective within the EU 3. Technology, globalisation and labour markets: effects on public sector reform within the EU 4. Change and how to manage it. Change and organisations. Diagnosis & models of change 5. Planning, implementing and evaluating change. Individual reactions to change, individual preferences 6. Leadership and management. Models and approaches. Ethical issues for leadership in the public sector 7. Developing and leading teams. Leadership development and leadership skills. Assessing own management and leadership skills and practice. 8. Human resource management and development in the Public Sector 9. Strategic Management and Performance Measurement

Basic reading list  Doherty, TL (1999) Managing public services : implementing changes: a thoughtful approach to the practice of management Routledge.

 Dym, B (2005) Leadership in non-profit organizations Sage.

 Ferlie, E (1996) The new public management in action Oxford University Press

 Flynn, N (2007) Public Sector Management London: Sage

 Goodwin, N (2006) Leadership in healthcare: a European perspective Routledge

 Hafford-Letchfield, T (2008) Leadership and management in social care Sage

 Lawton, A (1998) Ethical management for the public services Open University Press

 McKevitt, D and A Lawton, eds. (1994) Public sector management

 Naschold, F (1996) New frontiers in public sector management : trends and issues in state and local government in Europe De Gruyter & Co

 Nutley, S and Osborne, S P (1994) Public sector management handbook Prentice Hall

 Osborne, S P (1996) Managing in the voluntary sector: a handbook for managers in charitable and non-profit organizations International Thomson Business Press

 Osborne, S P (1998) Voluntary organizations and innovation in public services Routledge.

Module Title: Working in the Public Sector

Module Academic Standard module 2009/0 Type: Year: Module Module ID- A Code: Occurrence: Module Teaching 20 Semester 2 Credit: Period: M (Postgraduate Level: Masters)

Provider: Department of Development and Economic Studies Related Department / Subject Area: ID Principal Co-ordinator: Dr Roberto Espíndola Additional Tutors: Dr John Lawler

Prerequisite(s): None

Corequisite(s): None

Aims: To enable you to engage in a structured and reflective period of voluntary work in the public sector, so that you increase your awareness of process of change taking place within that sector. To gain experience of and reflect on the challenges of managing public sector organisations at the national, regional and local levels.

Learning Teaching & Assessment Strategy: Workshops will be used to outline key concepts, to illustrate policy and practice, and develop specific skills. Written assessment will be used to assess your abilities, critically to reflect on a period of observation and activity (at least 140 hours) and to apply concepts and practice. The diary would include a descriptive section of sufficient detail to illustrate the internship and its context, your own learning and personal development, your work as a part of a team, the

© University of Bradford application of relevant academic themes/literature, and references and comment to demonstrate an understanding of critical reflection. The coursework will consist of a project, case study or report undertaken as part of the internship demonstrating your understanding of relevant academic themes/literature, and the interaction between theory and practice in the management of public sector organisations.

Study Hours: Directed Lectures: 0.00 48.00 Study: Formal Seminars/Tutorials: 12.00 0.00 Exams: Laboratory/Practical: 0.00 Other: 140.00 Total: 200

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding On successful completion of this module you will be able to evaluate critically the public sector’s contribution to society, and to assess processes of change taking place within public services.

2. Subject-Specific Skills On successful completion of this module you will be able to reflect on the interaction between theory and practice in the management of public sector organisations.

3. Personal Transferable Skills On successful completion of this module you will be able to reflect critically on your own learning and personal development, and to work as a part of a team.

Mode of Assessment: 1 Assessment Type Duration (hours) Percentage Reflective diary - 50% Description Reflective diary covering the period of internship

2 Assessment Type Duration (hours) Percentage Coursework - 50% Description 1 x 2,500 word project, report or case study

Outline Syllabus: Principles underpinning work in the public sector, including equal opportunities, ethics, cultural values, democracy, anti-discriminatory practices, power and powerlessness, confidentiality. Defining the policy environment and public services development. Critical reflective practice. How

Basic reading list

 Bolton, G E J (2005) Reflective Practice: Writing and Professional Development Sage

 Cryer, P (2006) The Research Student’s Guide to Success Maidenhead: Open University Press

 Ferlie, E, L E Lynn and C Pollit, eds. (2007) The Oxford Handbook of Public Management Oxford: Oxford University Press

 Gaster, L and A Squires (2003) Providing Quality in the Public Sector: A Practical Approach to Improving Public Services Open University Press

 Stevens, D D and J E Cooper (2007) Journal Keeping: How to Use Reflective Journals for Effective Teaching and Learning, Professional Insight, and Positive Change Stylus

Module Title: Dissertation in Public Sector Management

Module Dissertation Academic Year: 2010/1 Type: Module Module ID-7060Z H Code: Occurrence: Module Teaching 60 Dissertation Credit: Period: Level: M (Masters)

Provider: Department of Development and Economic Studies Related Department / Subject Area: Principal Co-ordinator: Dr Behrooz Morvaridi Additional Tutors: Dr Roberto Espíndola and Dr John Lawler

Prerequisite(s): None

Corequisite(s): None

Aims: This module aims to enables you to develop advanced critical and reflective understanding of the process of planning and managing a research project relevant to Public Sector Management. You will undertake and complete a substantial individual research study and produce a dissertation to Masters degree level on a topic relevant to your degree.

Learning Teaching & Assessment Strategy: Lectures are used to outline key concepts in research methods and practice and will provide a forum for discussion and group work, led by students but supported by academic staff. Opportunities for further discussion will be provided through Blackboard. Written assessment will be used to assess your abilities to critical analyse and apply concepts and practice as well as to

© University of Bradford formulate and undertake a research study. You will also make a brief individual presentation to the group outlining your research proposal. You will undertake a substantial independent research study that is relevant to your degree. You will be allocated an individual supervisor who will provide support and guidance during the production of the dissertation, through face-to-face meetings and e-mail.

Study Hours: Directed Lectures: 10.00 574.00 Study: Formal Seminars/Tutorials: 16.00 0.00 Exams: Laboratory/Practical: 0.00 Other: 0.00 Total: 600

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding On successful completion of this module you will be able to evaluate and apply different research methods and concepts to generate original insights. Critically analyse and investigate a research problem in a Public Sector Management

2. Subject-Specific Skills On successful completion of this module you will be able to assess and integrate the ethical dimensions of conducting research in a research project. Generate and execute a research plan.

3. Personal Transferable Skills On successful completion of this module you will be able to evaluate and organise complex information for effective communication

Mode of Assessment: 1 Assessment Type Duration (hours) Percentage Coursework - 20% Description A research proposal of 2,500 words to be submitted by 18 June 2010

2 Assessment Type Duration (hours) Percentage Dissertation or Project Report - 80% Description A dissertation of 10,000 - 13,000 words to be submitted no later than 29 April 2011

Supplementary Assessment: As Original (Note: 'As Original' indicates that Supplementary Assessment will take the same form as the Mode(s) of Assessment).

Outline Syllabus: Academic writing - critical analysis, academic styles. Literature review, citation, referencing, avoiding plagiarism. Information searching and management; synthesis and analysis. Writing a research proposal, managing a research project, critical literature reviewing, intensive and

© University of Bradford extensive research methods, reflective practice, research ethics and communication, analytical and academic writing. Writing a critical and analytical dissertation which answers a specific research question.