Public Sector Finance for Managers
| Module title | Public Sector Finance for Managers |
|---|---|
| Module code | POLM226M |
| Academic year | 2020/1 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Professor Oliver James (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 15 |
|---|
Module description
This module is about the way that financial architecture and techniques are used to aid managerial decision making. It will cover the basics of financial management in the public sector using theory, case studies and group exercises. The module brings in expertise from the real world of public management to lead discussion and group work. The focus of the material is on financial management for the general professional, hence the module starts by making only very limited assumptions about your background knowledge, introducing the key assumptions and techniques and building on these as the module progresses. You are encouraged to link the material to your professional experience.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to provide a broad introduction, understanding and working knowledge of the key concepts, theories and structures of public sector finance. It explores the sources of public and private finance, the role of public, private and third sector (or non-governmental) institutions in the provision of public services. It aims to develop knowledge of public sector budgeting, and financial management and control using an exploration of contemporary public finance issues, such as PFI.
The module aims to enable you to understand the key concepts of public sector finance, but more importantly, to acquire the basic skills to understand how to manage public sector finance managers.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Critically examine and explain the core requirements for understanding finance from a public administration perspective
- 2. Identify examples of best practice in public sector finance including in terms of accountability, audit and regulation; and evaluate their transferability to other jurisdictions
- 3. Understand core texts on the subject
- 4. Explain the dynamics behind the structures, usage and modernisation of public sector finance, with reference to a range of theoretical models
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Appraise and critically evaluate government reports and public policy
- 6. Synthesise and comment critically on a corpus of academic literature
- 7. Link public administration concepts and theories to real world examples
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 8. Undertake independent/self-directed learning (including time management) to achieve consistent, proficient and sustained attainment
- 9. Work as a participant or leader of a group and contribute effectively to the achievement of objectives
- 10. Reflect on the process
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will include the following topics in the order indicated:
- What is public sector finance and how does it differ from that in the private sector?
- Models and approaches to understanding public sector finance from a manager’s perspective
- Current issues in public sector finance
- Accountability and ethics in public sector finance
- Basic calculations and spread sheets, how to understand a finance officer
- Comparing Policy Instruments:
- Public Spending
- Audit and Accountability
- Strategic Budgetary control and budget setting
Teaching of subject knowledge will be through a combination of preliminary directed learning, compulsory reading of core texts, teaching days using lectures, linked tutorials, external speakers and workshops.
Students are provided with a module handout consisting of background material to inform lecture and tutorial topics. In addition the dedicated MPA webpages will have timed downloads of material and links to key reading and directed learning. Students are required to submit an essay to deadline.
The essay is returned individually with detailed feedback.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | 136 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 14 | Fourteen seminars (one hour each) |
| Guided independent study | 86 | Reading, thinking and preparing for seminars and assignments |
| Guided independent study | 50 | Assignment preparation |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation of plan for coursework essay | 500 words | 1-10 | Written feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Article review | 20 | 1,000 words | 1,3,5 | Written feedback |
| Reflective Learning Log | 20 | 1,000 words | 1-10 | Written feedback |
| Coursework Essay | 60 | 2,500 words | 1-10 | Written feedback |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Article review | Article review (1000 words) | 1,3,5 | Reassessment period |
| Reflective Learning Log | Reflective Learning Log (1000 words) | 1-10 | Reassessment period |
| Coursework Essay | Coursework Essay (2,500 words) | 1-10 | Reassessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Atkinson A, Banker R, Kaplan R and Young M, (2000) Management Accounting, Prentice Hall, 3rd Edition
Berry A, Broadbent J & Otley D (Eds), (1995) Management Control Theories, Issues and Practices, Macmillan
Finkler, S (2006) Financial Management for Public Health and Not-for-Profit Organizations 2nd Edition, Prentice Hall
Glynn J, Murphy M, Perrin J, and Abraham A (2003) Accounting for Managers, Thomson
Healthcare Financial Management Association (2006) Introductory Guide to NHS Finance in the UK, 8th Edition HFMA
Perks, Robert (2004) Financial Accounting for Non-Specialists, McGraw-Hill
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/10/2009 |
| Last revision date | 13/07/2020 |