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Core Modules
Electives
Capstone Examination
Core Modules
PP5501 Economic Applications for Public Organisations
The main objective of this module is to describe how basic concepts in economics are applicable at different levels in public administration. The module commences with a presentation of the basic concepts and then illustrates the applicability and relevance of these concepts to decision making by recourse to a set of case studies as well as widely cited examples in public administration. Topics covered include: markets and pareto efficiency; markets and property rights; market failure; natural monopolies; strategic outcomes; economic cycles and stabilisation; as well as long-run economic processes and structural changes.
PP5502 Public Administration in Theory and Practice
This module introduces the key concepts relating to the theory and practice of public administration. The module is organised around four themes: foundations (key concepts and contexts of public administration); core functions (different types of public organisation); key processes; values; and challenges. The module uses both a comparative approach and case studies from Asia to link theory to real-world practice of public administration. Upon completion of the module, students will be familiar with the key issues in public administration and will be able in better position to relate the various components of their degree programme.
PP5503 Managing the Public Sector
This module covers major approaches to the understanding and management of public sector organisations, including both government and not-for-profit organisations. It introduces students to specific concepts and tools in important functional areas of public administration, such as humanand financial resource management. Students will also learn how to apply and critique a range of mechanisms to improve the performance of public sector organisations, including those arising from the so-called New Public Management school of thought.
PP5504 Public Finance and Budgeting
The objectives of this module are to understand the basic principles and logic of government fiscal activities and government budgets. This module helps MPA students become familiar with analytical approaches for resource allocation and decision evaluations in the public sector. Major topics covered include rationale for public sector; options for financing government expenditure; taxation policy; expenditure policy; fiscal decentralisation; privatisation; role of cost recovery and user charges; budgeting systems and techniques; as well as capital budgeting.
PP5505 Policy Analysis and Programme Evaluation
Government officials are frequently confronted with decisions about whether or not to initiate, continue, modify, or terminate policies or programmes, and the skills in policy analysis and programme evaluation are essential for them to make intelligent choices. This module introduces the key concepts and tools in the professional practices of policy analysis and programme evaluation in the public sector. Main topics coveredin the module are: process of policy analysis; market failures; government failures; information structuring; data collection methods; decision matrices; cost-benefit analysis; and programme evaluation.
PP5506 Leadership and Dynamics of Communication
Taking a prescriptive and practical approach, this module explores the exercise of leadership in the public sector in midst of the conflicting forces that arise within political and organisational systems when faced with adaptive challenges. Upon completion of the course, students would be able to distinguish between authority and leadership, assess typical mechanisms by which social systems avoid work on critical issues, and explore strategies and tactics of intervention to mobilise adaptive work. The course will also provide students with the conceptual understanding and analytical framework of effective communication, and develop their competence in communication.
Electives
Please note that not all electives will be offered in any one semester.
Please click here for list of electives
MPA students may also cross-register for courses offered in other postgraduate programmes (such as Business Administration, Economics, Political Science and Southeast Asian Studies).
Capstone Examination
The capstone examination is an intensive, week-long, integrative exercise held in the Special Term. You will be expected to demonstrate your ability to apply the concepts you have learnedin the core curriculum to a complex real-world problem described in a case study. Your response may be required in the form of a memo or a report.
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