00888 - Public Administration

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to analyze the dynamics of contemporary bureaucracies, and their role in public policy-making. They will be familiar with the main structural and functional features of Italian public administrations, and the most recent administrative reforms.

Course contents

The course is divided into three parts. The first and second part will provide theoretical concepts and evolutionary perspectives for the general study of organizations and public administrations. The third part will analyze the Italian public administrative system with main reference to Ministries, Regional and Local Governments, Health agencies. The empirical analysis will focus on organizational structures, administrative functions, civil service management and policy-making processes.

Readings/Bibliography

Peters B. Guy and Jon Pierre (2007), Handbook of Public Administration, Los Angeles, Sage: Introduction and Chapters 1, 8, 9, 12, 14, 16, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 38, 47.

Bolgherini S. (2014), Can Austerity Lead to Recentralisation? Italian Local Government during the Economic Crisis, in “South European Society & Politics”, Vol. 19. No. 1, pp: 193-214.

Lippi A (2011), Evaluating the ‘Quasi Federalist’ Programme of Decentralization in Italy since the 1990s: A Side-effect Approach, in “local Government Studies”, Vol. 37, No. 5, pp: 495-516.

Teaching methods

Conventional teaching method supported by power point slides which are made available online. Class attendance is recommended.

Assessment methods

Three mid-term written examinations.

Teaching tools

Slide projector for power point, and some videos.

Office hours

See the website of Brunetta Baldi