PSPA 212 Final, Fall 2007

American University of Beirut NAME: FINAL EXAMINATION PSPA 212 The exam has three parts: 1. In the first part, you will be asked to provide brief explanations of the meaning and significance of ten of the key terms listed below. 2. In the second part, you will be asked to answer three of the essay questions listed below. 3. In the third part, you will be asked your feedback and evaluation of the course PART ONE Ten key terms and concepts are listed below. In the time available, write a few sentences that explain the meaning of the term or concept, and its significance within the course (30 points) 1. Accountability 2. External constituencies 3. Performance Management 4. Political Bargaining 5. Policy Communities 6. Interest Groups 7. Financial Management 8. Personnel Management 9. E-Government 10. Strategic Management PART TWO Choose THREE of the three following essays questions (66 points) Please write a clear, informative essay that explains the topic. Your thoughtful response should demonstrate that you have understood the concepts presented in class discussion and in the text. In addition, make sure you include an explanation of supporting topics. Your goal is to convince me that you have gained a thorough and practical grasp of the material and that you know how to apply it. 1. Strategic Management Strategic management has been considered as another requirement to move from public administration to public management. • Discuss its main contributions to public sector. • Choose one of the models and apply it to a public agency of your choice. • What are the main differences in the implementation of strategic management in the public sector versus the private sector 2. Personnel and Performance Management The two main aspects of internal management are personnel and performance management. Both were weak in the traditional model of public administration. • Discuss the main differences both in personnel management and performance management between the traditional and the New Public Management model. • Describe the major reforms to personnel systems. Discuss their advantages and implications on the New Public Management. • What are some of the problems we have to face when attempting to implement these changes in personnel and performance management? Explain. 3. Financial Management Financial management is considered the most important part of internal management. • List the main steps in the budgeting process • What are the two major functions of the government budget? • Briefly describe the main features of the traditional financial management, then describe the main reforms associated with the New Public Management. 4. E-Government “Within the next five years e-government will transform not only the way government is organized but also the fundamental relationship between government and citizens” • Describe the stages in the development of information system • Discuss the benefit of introducing e-government and its impacts on the public sector in general • Where does e-government fit within the shift to New Public Management 5. Public Management in Developing Countries There has been several attempts carried by developing countries to apply managerialism to their public sector. • Describe the public administration in developing counties during the following periods: colonial governance, post colonization, and post cold war. • Is managerialism applicable to developing countries? Explain • What appear to be some of the problems or barriers that developing countries are facing when attempting to apply managerialism? 6. Accountability Through division of labor accountability can be ensured • Describe the four types of accountability relationships • Explain the main differences in accountability in the private and public sector • Discuss the new managerial model of accountability and its advantages. PART THREE- Bonus (4 points) 1. List three pieces of information you learned in this class that you will, hopefully, never forget. 2. What was interesting about this course? 3. If you had to take this course again, what would you keep and what you change? Have a wonderful break…