Module description
What is the module about?
This module aims to explore the business of government: how, why and with what effect governments provide different public services including health, education, social care, defence and policing. It examines the different stakeholders involved in the provision of public services: managers, employees, professionals and service users. It considers how relations between these actors are regulated and managed. In particular consideration is given to different forms of public service delivery mechanism- bureaucracies, markets and networks- and the nature and role of different types of service providers- public, private and voluntary sector.
Who should do this module?
Students with an interest in: business management in a wide range of public services including: health, education, social care, housing, policing and central government; the role on the state in business; management in not-for-profit organisations; the politics of business; a multi-disciplinary approach to management; and undertaking an in-depth, research-based assignment.The module will be of interest to those seeking careers in public service organisations and other not for profit bodies such as NGOs and social enterprises.
Assessment details
90% coursework (4000-word essay)
10% tutorial assessment
Teaching pattern
1 x 2-hour weekly lecture
1 x 1-hour fortnightly tutorial
Suggested reading list
Key text or background reading
There is no set textbook for this module. You are encouraged to draw upon various sources: journals, newspapers, books and policy documents. There is one book which covers many of the topics explored in the module:
Flynn, N. (2016) Public Sector Management (seventh edition), London: Sage.