The evaluation course content of graduate programs in public affairs and administration programs was studied with 140 master's degree programs. Most (85%) programs provide at least one evaluation course, and evaluation is a core requirement in 49%. Courses are more likely to focus on outcomes and policy impact than management. (SLD)

The Danish Evaluation Institute is conducting systematic assessments of three master's programs in public administration, public policy, and public management. They have found that explicit criteria have advantages and disadvantages. Development of criteria attempts to meet the following demands: uniformity, relevance of level, scope, precision,…

Describes ways in which information handling techniques will eventually be used in public administration, focusing on technologies that automate routine administrative processes and support decision making. The need to develop a long range concept for continued full employment of administrative staff is discussed. (two references) (CLB)

Describes a course taught at Oakland University (Rochester, Michigan) that provides specific information on, and preparation for careers in public administration and political science. Outlines course assignments and organization. Concludes that guest speakers representing a variety of career settings are an important feature of the class. (LS)

Examines the development of the movement toward accountability in public higher education and its implication for Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs. Analyzes prior and existing efforts to ensure and assess quality in MPA programs and the different forms that outcome assessment might take and describes assessment techniques.…

Results of completion of 4 instruments (Myers-Briggs Type Inventory, Strong Interest Inventory, Hermann Brain Dominance Inventory, and Learning Styles Inventory) by 75 accounting, business administration, and public administration graduate students suggest that the Hermann (and to some extent the Strong) inventory has potential value for…

Discusses aspects of the administration of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), including operational and cost considerations. The idea of applying the FOIA to the legislative branch of the federal government is discussed. (Contains 64 references.) (KRN)

Reviews existing empirical evidence regarding the status of public administration as a field of study. Finds very little research, but notes indicators (such as enrollment trends, dissertation listings, and journal contributions) that offer a mixed view of the field's growth and development and suggest an apparent decline in the field's status and…

A study designed to distinguish Mexican Americans from other Hispanics obtained 278 responses from municipal administrators (103 Mexican Americans, 44 blacks, 107 Anglos/whites). Findings indicated that, in contrast to other studies, Mexican-American managers have seniority, educational levels, and on-the-job training experiences that are…

A survey of 222 large-city administrators indicated that 76.7% approved of co-worker friendships but fewer supported friendships across the vertical hierarchy. Despite risks (gossip, romances, distraction), there was strong agreement on rewards: mutual support, improved work environment and communication, support for diversity. Ways to encourage…

Contracting critics suggest that when governments outsource, they reduce their capacity to produce services and manage service delivery. In this paper, we decompose the service delivery decision into service production and service management components. When governments contract for service production, they may also choose to contract for a…

Iraq War veteran and law professor Christopher Cooper's path to the academy has been anything but traditional. Having worked from the age of 13, he enlisted in the Marine Corps at 17 and earned his GED. He later earned a bachelor's degree in government and public administration, then joined the New York City Police Department. Then, he decided to…

The rise of new public management has seen the role of the social worker becoming increasingly administrative and less about face to face contact with service users. When commissioning managers seek to help people with learning disabilities plan their services, who actually makes the decisions? Direct payments are proposed as the answer for people…

Role-playing activities are an example of active learning that introduces students to "real-world" situations. This paper discusses the development and assessment of a role-play that involves an undergraduate geography class in a local public land management process. This particular case study is useful because it reflects broader themes and…

On October 25, 2004, President Bush signed into law the reauthorization of the Assistive Technology Act (AT Act). The new law provides a far more optimistic future for assistive technology (AT) and modifies the primary purpose of the previous law. The new AT Act provides "birth to death" legislation and is fundamentally different from…