B6168 - PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC POLICIES

Learning outcomes

The course intends to provide the theoretical and analytical tools to understand the functioning of public administrations by tracing the main transformations occurred in recent decades through the lenses of administration theory and complex organizations. At the end of the course students know: how to interpret the different roles played by different institutional actors, as well as the implications for the relationship between the public sector, the private sector and citizens; how to analyze multi-level governance structures; how to identify the major problems in the design and implementation of public policies based on empirical cases.

Course contents

The course content is designed to equip students with both theoretical and analytical tools in policy analysis and public administration theory. This will enhance their ability to: 1) acquire detailed knowledge of both basic and advanced concepts in public policy and administration; 2) evaluate the role of various policy tools within the context of national policies, especially as influenced by globalization and current grand societal and environmental challenges; 3) understand key issues related to the design and implementation of public policies, as well as the involvement of public administrations in these processes; and 4) interpret multi-level governance structures where different public administrations collaborate with the private sector and citizens to deliver public services.

The first section will cover essential concepts in public policy and public administration analysis, including the definition of public policy and public administration, types of policies, models of administrative reforms, policy instruments, and both traditional and modern theories related to the policy cycle (agenda setting, formulation, implementation, and evaluation). It will also examine the roles of public administrations and other political and institutional actors at each stage of the policy process.

The second section will be structured as a seminar, aiming to apply the theoretical concepts and frameworks from the first section to specific case studies. These case studies will analyze the role of public administrations in designing and managing policy programs while delivering specific public services.

Readings/Bibliography

Wilson, J.Q. (1995) Political Organizations, Princeton, Princeton University Press, ch. 16 only.

Moran, M., Rein, M., Goodin, R.E. (eds) (2006) The Oxford Handbook of Public Policy, Oxford, Oxford University Press, chapters 11 only.

Fischer, F., Miller, G.J., Sidney, M.S. (eds) (2007) Handbook of Public Policy Analysis, Boca Raton, CRC Press Taylor & Francis, chapters 6 and 7 only. 

Scientific articles selected by the lecturer and made available on virtuale.unibo.it.

Materials and slides made available on virtuale.unibo.it

Teaching methods

The course will begin with traditional frontal lectures during the first part. In the second part, students will be expected to actively participate by reading assigned materials, preparing for classes, and engaging in discussions on the day's topics. By the end of the second week, students must confirm their participation in the in-class activities for the second part on virtuale.unibo.it to help organize meetings and discussion materials.

Attendance at lectures is highly recommended. Lecture slides and additional teaching materials, such as case studies and exercises, will be available on virtuale.unibo.it.

Assessment methods

The final exam will cover the entire course material and will consist of 3 open-ended questions, with a maximum of 10.33 points for each question.

For students who regularly attend classes, the final grade will be based on the following parameters:

• 50% from a take-home written exam on the first part of the course (maximum 15.5 points);
• 50% from the quality of in-class participation and presentation of case studies (maximum 15.5 points).

The evaluation will consider students' ability to: a) appropriately use theoretical and methodological tools acquired during the course; b) master a scientifically adequate language to interpret the main orientations of current public sector organizations; c) establish correct connections between different topics covered in the course; d) discuss and present scientific papers; e) contextualize single case studies within the main contemporary public policy and public administration theories.

Grading criteria are as follows:

- 30 cum laude (exceptional result, demonstrating extraordinary mastery of all material and many original contributions;equivalent to a score of 31)

- 28-30 (very good result, demonstrating excellent mastery of all the material and some original contributions)

- 26-27 (very good result, demonstrating solid mastery of all the material)

- 24-25 (good result, showing good mastery of some material)

- 21-23 (satisfactory result, demonstrating partial understanding of material)

- 18-20 (sufficient result, demonstrating just sufficient mastery of the material)

- 17 or lower (poor result, demonstrating insufficient understanding of the material)

Teaching tools

- Power point slides;

- Consultation of websites and online archives;

- Presentation and discussion of case studies;

- Recommended readings and articles for further information;

- Documentary viewing and discussion.

Office hours

See the website of Mattia Casula