Category: Public administration

  • Incorporating Theory into Research Title: “The Role of Theory in Research: A Guide for Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches”

    Instructions:
    Consider a research project you are conducting or are interested in conducting. How would you incorporate theory into your research? Remember the use of theory is different for qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches.
    Discussion Board Instructions:
    APA Citations Required
    The online discussions pose an opportunity for rich and meaningful student learning and interaction. Online discussions extend classroom learning by providing an asynchronous method of communication for the exchange of meaningful ideas that promote critical thinking and develop thoughtful reflective learning. All students are expected to participate in each weekly discussion. These forums will be grounded in critical thinking.
    You are to develop an answer (minimum 250 words) concerning the question, and post your reply to the appropriate discussion section. Although you can use other sources, you are required to also include information from the text. • Is the contribution mechanically clear enough for readers to understand the points being made?
    • Is the contribution on time?
    • Does the contribution meet the minimum length requirements?
    • Does the contribution reference assigned readings or other resources?
    • Does the post contain “critical thinking” that is indicative of the paradigms in the field?
    • Are the ideas communicated with respect for those who may dissent?
    Other things to consider:
    • Please be professional and courteous.
    • Online communication lacks the non-verbal cues that provide much of the meaning in face-to-face conversations. Choose your words carefully, phrase your sentences clearly, and keep your sentences and paragraphs brief.
    • Review appropriate “Netiquette” at http://www.albion.com/netiquette/
    • State the main topic of your posting in the Subject line.
    • State your purpose for writing at or near the beginning of your message whenever possible.
    • Proofread what you post. You may want to use a word processor to draft what you intend to say, check your spelling and grammar, and then paste your text into the Message section of your posting.
    • Please do not use all capital letters. It makes it hard to read, and it comes across as though you were shouting.
    Course Book: Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and mixed method approaches by Creswell, Sage publishers, 5th ed.

  • Title: “Addressing Homelessness in Our Community: Proposed Policy Solutions and Funding Opportunities”

    You have been tasked to present at a town hall meeting in your local town or city to present the details about a new local policy that is being proposed. The presentation will need to define the problem, proposed solutions, risks, challenges, and funding opportunities/challenges. Topics may include local government changes to communities (for example, transportation, commercial enterprise effects on nearby townships, affordable housing construction, environmental effects of new/old business operations, addressing homelessness support, and others).
    Using the Policy Identification and Analysis Assignment Template, [PPTX] develop an 8-10 slide presentation in which you:
    Analyze and define the problem to include possible political conflicts.
    Identify risks and challenges.
    Identify and construct policy alternatives and solutions.
    Identify stakeholders and key roles.
    Identify funding opportunities, challenges, and budget cost factors; including saving measures.
    Select supportive and evaluative criteria.
    Identify incentives, subsidies, and potential benefits.
    Draw conclusions in a thorough summary, including lessons learned.
    Use the Internet or Strayer databases at the Strayer Library to locate at least three quality resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and similar websites do not qualify as quality resources.
    Use the Policy Identification and Analysis Assignment Template [PPTX].

  • The Annual Budget Cycle for [Organization Name]

    Introduction
    In this assignment, you will continue to use the organization you selected from the Week 4 assignment to present an overview of the annual budget cycle, including a timeline chart or graph of the cycle and stages of the planning process.
    To successfully complete this assignment, you will demonstrate your academic writing and literature review skills to address the following competencies:
    Analyze the complexities and unique methods involved in providing financial aid to human service organizations.
    Apply institutional budget planning and implementation strategies and techniques to financial decision making.
    Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and respectful of the diversity, dignity, and integrity of others, consistent with expectations for members of the human services profession.
    Instructions
    To complete this assignment, use the u07a1 Template ‒ The Budget Cycle, linked in the Resources. This template will provide guidance for covering the key points required in this assignment. The template also provides headings that align with APA formatting standards and includes recommendations for supporting references.
    This assignment has four components to discuss the stages of a budget cycle for your identified organization. Complete the following:
    Budget preparation. The budget preparation process is different for a nonprofit organization, a (health care) for-profit organization, or a government organization. In this section of the assignment, discuss the unique components of budget preparation for your selected organization specifically, and for the type of organization in general. How do factors such as taxes, grants, donations, capital funding campaigns, and other revenue sources shape budget preparation? Define the timeline used within your identified organization for budget preparation.
    Budget review and adoption. Identify the individuals or the decision-making body that must review the budget before it is adopted. Discuss the decision-making process that takes place for prioritizing organizational goals and objectives and for defining unfunded requirements. Discuss the steps that must be taken before an approval is made to adopt the budget. Create a timeline that reflects the elements of this phase.
    Budget implementation or execution. Discuss whether the organization’s budget is implemented in stages, by quarter, or by revenue source cycles. Does the organization have encumbered or unencumbered expenditures, or funding sources or streams that impact implementation at different time periods? Create a timeline that reflects the elements of this phase.
    Evaluation of results. Discuss the reporting requirements and how these elements of the budget cycle are executed. Explain any audit procedures required by the agency, the board, or revenue agencies.
    Submission Requirements
    Written communication: Written communication should be free of errors that detract from the overall message.
    Writing style: Present the content of this assignment in a paragraph format and include transitional phrases, headings to define document sections, appropriate subheadings, and references.
    APA formatting: Use proper APA format for headings. In-text citations and references at the end of the paper must be in proper APA (current edition) style and formatting.
    Resources: Include a minimum of 6 scholarly, peer-reviewed resources (such as textbooks or academic journal articles).
    Length of paper: 6–8 typed, double-spaced pages.
    Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.
    Review The Budget Cycle rubric to verify you are meeting the required components of the assignment.

  • The Impact of Administrative Policy and Policymaking on Everyday Life The Impact of Administrative Policy and Policymaking on Everyday Life: A Reflection and Analysis.

    Administrative policy and policymaking are almost ubiquitous in our everyday life, but many people do not notice and/or understand their impact. After reviewing the resources below and from your own research; How differently do you view the impact of administrative policy and policymaking on your day-to-day life? What are one or two of the major takeaways from this module for you about this subject? 
    Chapter 1 in Rosenbloom, D. H. (2003). Administrative law for public managers. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.
    US Department of Labor site review and research: https://www.dol.gov/general/aboutdol/majorlaws
    Illinois Department of Public Health site review and research: https://dph.illinois.gov/resource-center/laws-rules.html

  • “Data Collection and Analysis Strategies for a Capstone Project” Title: Focus Group and Survey Design for Assessing Organizational Objectives and Information Management Processes “Document Analysis and Observations: A Case Study of [Location]” Introduction This section will discuss the methods of document analysis and observations that will be used in this case study of [Location]. The purpose of this study is to gain a deeper

    Data Collection and Analysis
    Three data collection approaches are required for a capstone project. The first approach must be in the form of interviews. The second and third approaches may be selected at your discretion from among the optional approaches listed below. Organize this subsection with Level 2 headings according to the approach you choose. For example, your first Level 2 heading must be “Interviews” (see examples below).
    Interviews This is a required approach for all capstone projects. No fewer than five participants will be acceptable without approval from the administrative team of Helms School of Government Doctoral Team.
    Begin by restating sub-question one in statement form. For example, “The first sub-question for this project explored how administrators in an interview might improve information management processes within Campbell county, Virginia?” Clearly state, for example, “the interviews will consist of four assistant administrators and one administrator.” Interview data collection procedures should follow the recommendations of established protocol in the field. Interviews must be conducted synchronously: face-to-face, individual phone call, or e-conference. All interviews must be transcribed for data analysis.
    Identify the data collection strategy, fully define it (with citation), explain the data collection strategy in layman’s terms (if appropriate), and justify its appropriateness for your project. Discuss any logistics (when/where/how/with whom data will be collected, recorded, etc.) and explicate which of your project questions will be answered by this data collection strategy. It is important to demonstrate that your interview questions are generated from and supported by the literature on your topic. Your interview questions must be included in a numbered list with an item-by-item discussion of each question, its basis in the literature, and how it aligns with the topic. A minimum of 10 open-ended interview questions are required and must be supported by the literature. An example of an interview question regarding efforts to identify best practices and challenges of local government that is supported by the literature is below. 1. What are some specific tasks and processes where you think technology could be utilized more strategically to attain your primary objective?
    By explaining the purpose of each interview question in detail, you not only establish the validity of your questions, but also establish the basis for your discussion of findings in relation to the literature in Sections 3.0 and 4.0. The procedures should be described in chronological, step-by-step format. Finish this subsection by telling the reader how you plan to analyze the interview data. For example, the sentence could begin: “Interview data will be analyzed….” Clearly identify the data analysis procedures and provide a concise rationale for the analysis. Be sure that your analysis procedures are aligned with your approach. For qualitative data analysis, interviews must be transcribed in order to code and categorize information into themes. Tell the reader which of these tools you will use to analyze the data. Fully define each tool you will use (with appropriate citations), and explain why these are appropriate choices for the qualitative data analysis for your project.
    Focus Group Begin by restating sub-question two in statement form. For example, “The second sub-question for this project explored how administrators in a focus group might solve issues related to information management processes within Campbell county, Virginia.” Focus groups must consist of no fewer than five persons. Clearly state for example, “the focus groups will consist of 00 assistant administrators and 00 administrators.” Focus groups are a qualitative data collection strategy that attempt to obtain information on a problem of practice through an involved discussion consisting of various participants who have gathered in one location at a specified time. Your focus group questions must be included in a numbered list with an item-by-item discussion of each question, its basis in the literature, and how it aligns with the topic. A minimum of 10 focus group questions are required and must be supported by the literature. An example of a focus group question that is supported by the literature is below.
    1. What do you view as the primary objective of your department? Question one is designed to gain insight from the administrators regarding their perspective of the primary objective of their particular department. This information is necessary because it allows researchers to assess whether employees at differing levels within an organization have differing views on the organizational objectives. These differing views can prove to create a detrimental impact on the overall efforts by the organizational leadership in their efforts to achieve the organization’s primary objective(s).
    By explaining the purpose of each focus group question in detail, you establish the validity of your questions and the basis for your discussion of findings in relation to the literature in Sections 3.0 and 4.0.
    Finish this subsection by telling the reader how you plan to analyze the qualitative data. For example, the sentence could begin: “Focus group data will be analyzed….” Clearly identify the data analysis procedures and provide a concise rationale for the analysis. Be sure that your analysis procedures are aligned with your approach. For qualitative data analysis, focus group data must be transcribed in order to code and categorize information into themes. Tell the reader which of these tools you will use to analyze the data. Fully define each tool you will use (with appropriate citations), and explain why these are appropriate choices for the qualitative data analysis for your project.
    Survey Begin by restating sub-question three in statement form. For example, “The third sub-question for this project explored how administrators’ observations might improve the information management processes within Campbell county, Virginia.” Clearly state how many surveys you will send out. Tell the reader how you plan to collect the quantitative data. Develop the survey questions based on the literature. Survey questions must be included in a numbered list with an item-by-item discussion of each question, its basis in the literature, and how it aligns with the topic. Survey questions may be open-ended or closed-ended. Survey questions must include 3-5 demographic questions which must be followed by a minimum of 10 survey questions that are supported by the literature. An example survey question including the discussion is below.
    1. Data collected from administrators’ observations are used to plan future objectives.
    1 2 3 4 5
    Never Rarely Sometimes Often Always
    This question helps to determine the manner in which assessment data are used to plan objectives. When formative, as well as summative, assessments are used to determine students’ understanding of concepts, instruction can be tailored to students’ needs, increasing performance on standardized assessments (William, 2018).
    The survey may be in quantitative format (e.g., Likert scale, semantic differential scale, forced rank scale, etc.) or qualitative format (open-ended questions). Discuss any logistics (when/where/how/to whom the survey will be sent out, how the data will be collected, recorded, etc.) and explicate how your topic will be addressed by this data collection strategy. The procedures should be described in chronological, step-by-step format. Finish this subsection by telling the reader how you plan to analyze the quantitative or qualitative survey data. Clearly identify the data analysis procedures and provide a concise rationale for the analysis. Be sure that your analysis procedures are aligned with your approach. For example, the sentence could begin: “Survey data will be analyzed….” If appropriate, use descriiptive statistics such as means and/or frequency counts. Include the type of figures that will be used such as trend charts, bar charts, pie graphs, etc….
    Document Analysis
    Document analysis may be applied to a variety of sources including, but not limited to legal documents, records, meeting minutes, letters, diaries, etc. Every effort should be made to incorporate primary, as opposed to secondary sources. Identify and describe the specific documents collected. Provide a specific rationale for why each type of document was selected.
    Observations
    If conducting observations, develop and include in the appendices your observation protocol (examples are provided in most qualitative research texts), and be sure to address both descriiptive and reflective field notes. Be sure to discuss whether observations will be scheduled or unscheduled, and whether you will be a participant or non-participant observer. Identify frequency and duration of observations. A minimum of five observations must be conducted.
    Summary
    Provide a section summary. The Summary includes a succinct conclusion to the section.
    Please use the attached document for reference of the study and location. Please use references.

  • Part 3: Evaluation and Recommendations for Human Resources Management at [Selected Agency]

    As a consultant, you need to develop an in-depth analysis and evaluation of the selected agency’s human resources management system and processes, and then provide recommendations for improvement, as well as research-related academic sources and websites. The analysis will be read by the VP of Public Services and client support, as well as by the leaders of the agency for which you are working. Write a 5–7 page paper (including title and reference page) titled Part 3: Evaluation of [Selected Agency]’s Human Resources Management, in which you separate the content into the following sections:
    Human Resources Processes.
    Implications of Human Resource Workforce.
    Succession Planning for Human Resource Management.
    Instructions
    Analyze the major components of the agency’s human resources system, including processes, and a performance evaluation plan for attracting and retaining the best and brightest public workforce. Analysis should be focused and detailed.
    Describe three factors impacting the agency’s current employment trend and delivery of its products and services.
    Recommend two strategies required to improve the agency’s workforce. Explain each recommendation providing specific reasons why it would bring about improvement.
    Discuss two ways the agency could implement programs as a method of promotion and advancement for current employees.
    Discuss two ways the agency could implement recruitment of talent from the outside.
    Use at least three quality sources to support your writing. Choose sources that are credible, relevant, and appropriate. Cite each source listed on your source page at least one time within your assignment. Include no more than one nongovernment website.
    For help with research, writing, and citation, access the library or review library guides.
    Produce writing that is clear and well organized and applies appropriate SWS style. Writing contains accurate grammar, mechanics, and spelling.

  • “Advantages of Qualitative Research in Public Administration: A Biblical Perspective” “Exploring the Human Experience in Public Administration: The Value of Qualitative Research and a Biblical-Covenantal Perspective”

    Instructions
    In at least 300 words, reply to the original poster. You must use at least two scholarly journals to support your response.  You must also use at least one reference from the New International Version Bible.  All citations must be in APA 7th Edition format with both in-text citations and a References page.  If citations are from a book, the page number must be included.  Journals must be from within the past 5 years.  You must also use the attached text as a reference.
    FYI…In the replies, many students do not analyze other students’ comments. Remember, you should write about the other student’s comments; that is, the good and bad points. Don’t just say you agree and tell the other student your opinion or just ask questions; that’s not sufficient. Look at several of their comments; list them in your reply, for context, and then critique them. I.e.:  I agree that on this point…; however, I disagree that it should be… On the other hand, you said that…, and, while I agree on part of that, I believe a better way… That’s analysis. Again, don’t simply tell them your opinions, as that is the biggest problem I see. Listing their comments is also important so that it gives a better understanding of what you are saying, according to the context of the comments.
    Prompt
    Public administrators conduct research to plan, solve problems, and support their decisions. They must collect data to support these tasks and other courses of action. Unfortunately, the literature indicates that these public administrators mostly use quantitative methods. What can qualitative research offer than quantitative methods cannot offer to support these public administration tasks?
    Original Poster (Christopher Arnold)
    Scholars concur that qualitative research methods in public administration fulfill a valuable role yet are underrepresented as an approach within the overall body of academic literature (Ospina et al., 2018). Despite the wide range of perspectives, theories, ontologies, and methods, purely qualitative methods have been perceived as a niche and, more so, have served as a buttress for quantitative data in mixed methods inquiries (Ospina et al., 2018). Yet qualitative research methods informed by a biblical-covenantal worldview offer several advantages to public administration researchers over quantitative methods, particularly in support of practical, real-world applications (Lune & Berg, 2017).
    1 Thessalonians 5:21 instructs us to test all things and hold fast to that which is good. This suggests that as public administration researchers, we should seek to understand the cultural, economic, political, and social context of public administration tasks to support data-driven decision-making and problem-solving (Lune & Berg, 2017).
    For example, in the study of federalism and intergovernmental relations, where power is shared between various agencies across executive, legislative, and judicial branches at one or more layers of government, a purely quantitative approach is overly reductive, since quantifying outputs into zeros and ones does not help qualify the outcomes and the impacts of policymaking (O’Toole, 1990). Qualitative methods, on the other hand, provide a nuanced understanding of the dynamics between stakeholders, including elected officials, public administrators, and special interest groups, elucidate the inputs that influence the outcomes, and enable program evaluation of the implementation of policies to identify the factors which facilitate or hinder effective governance and stewardship (Lune & Berg, 2017).
    These methods also become useful in defining unintended consequences, which aids in designing more effective and responsive policies (Stout, 2013). Romans 13:1 means that every person should be subject to the governing authorities. Paul’s was underpinned by the message that while we are obligated to obey, we should not do so unquestioningly, particularly when the actions of the government of, by, and for the people conflict with a higher moral duty (Ingram et al., 2003).
    Qualitative research methods provide the ways and means to explore these phenomena and explore the human experience with public administration, something numerical data cannot provide (Lune & Berg, 2017). “For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him?” (1 Corinthians 2:11). Public administration researchers pursue knowledge not merely for the sake of knowledge but to gain wisdom and positively affect the policies, programs and services their system of government seeks to provide (Stout, 2013).
    The tasks that comprise intergovernmental affairs, intergovernmental relations, and intergovernmental management, existing within a larger ethical framework, may impact different communities differently (Bolleyer, 2011). While the numbers may indicate a policy is adhering to program requirements or meeting a certain bottom-line policy goal, qualitative review can make policymaking more flexible and responsive by understanding how these tasks are experienced and perceived (Lune & Berg, 2017).
    As the saying goes, perception is reality; various epistemologies argue that reality is reality (Rocheleau, 1986). How that reality is shaped varies from school to school (Ospina et al., 2018). “Then said Pilate unto him, ‘What is truth?’” (John 18:38). Romans 10:12 illustrated how earthly distinctions are meaningless to the heavenly father, and all who call upon him shall abound in riches. Transformative leaders seek to bridge this divide and address structural inequalities to promote equitable governance (Fischer, 2010). This is evocative of the covenantal duty or obligation between public administrators and those they govern, with their consent (Fischer, 2017).
    Thus, seeing beyond the numbers can be said to help researchers understand the often subjective realities of the individuals and communities impacted by public administration (Stout, 2013). When insights from a Christian worldview and a biblical-covenantal perspective are incorporated, policymaking not only becomes more effective, but more just (Fischer, 2017). Transformation is enabled through servant leadership and the performance of stewardship, which reflects the experiences and needs of all individuals and organizations in the communities with a single set of values (Fischer, 2010). Recognizing these advantages, universities providing instruction in public administration research have made great strides in incorporating instruction in qualitative methods into their mandatory curricula (Stout, 2013). “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25:40).
    Word Count: 897
    References
    Bolleyer, N. (2011). The influence of political parties on policy coordination. Governance, 24(3),
    469-494.
    Fischer, K. (2010). A biblical-covenantal perspective on organizational behavior & leadership,
    Faculty Publications and Presentations, 523.
    Fischer, K. J. (2017). The power of the covenant idea for leadership, reform, and ethical
    behavior. The Journal of Values-Based Leadership, 10(2), 13.
    Ingram, T. N., LaForge, R. W., Avila, R. A., Schwepker Jr, C. H., & Williams, M. R. (2003).
    Government: A Public Administration Perspective. ME Sharpe.
    Lune, H., & Berg, B.L. (2017). Qualitative research methods for the social sciences, 9th.
    Pearson.
    Ospina, S. M., Esteve, M., & Lee, S. (2018). Assessing qualitative studies in public
    administration research. Public Administration Review, 78(4), 593-605.
    O’Toole Jr., L.J. (1990). Theoretical developments in public administration: Implications for
    the study of federalism. Governance 3(4), 394-415.
    Rocheleau, B. (1986). Public perception of program effectiveness and worth: A
    review. Evaluation and Program Planning, 9(1), 31-37.
    Stout, M. (2013). Preparing public administration scholars for qualitative inquiry: A status
    report. Public Administration Research, 2(1), 11.

  • “Analyzing a Government Agency and Program: A Comprehensive Study of [Selected Agency and Program]”

    Selection of Agency and Program 
    Choose a government agency from New York City, which you can find listed at NYC.gov. Alternatively, you can select a government agency and program beyond New York City.
    I must approve your choice of agency and program, Professor Morote, no later than November 6, 2023.
    Step Two: Agency and Program Description
    • In your paper, describe the selected agency and program comprehensively.
    Step Three: Mission Statement
    • If a misions lemen Misiony exam ant, es ate ofe aty shag is eysationa an. EXplin in the lecture otes for the ninth discussion board, ema gunding framework.
    Step Four: Logic Model
    • Develop a Logic Model tailored to the selected program. This model should illustrate the program’s inputs, actilities, outputs, outcomes, and goals.
    Step Five: Performance Measurement Indicators
    • Create a set of performance measurement indicators that align with the Logic Model you’ve constructed. These indicators should effectively measure and evaluate the program’s performance.
    Examples of NYC Government Agency Programs:
    NYPD: Law Enforcement Explorers
    HRA: Special One-Time Assistance (SOTA)
    DFTA: Senior Citizen Rent Increase (SCRIE)

  • Title: Comprehensive Analysis of the NYPD Law Enforcement Explorers Program

    Selection of Agency and Program
    Choose a government agency from New York City, which you can find listed at NYC.gov. Alternatively, you can select a government agency and program beyond New York City.
    I must approve your choice of agency and program, Professor Morote, no later than November 6, 2023.
    Step Two: Agency and Program Description
    • In your paper, describe the selected agency and program comprehensively.
    Step Three: Mission Statement
    • If a misions lemen Misiony exam ant, es ate ofe aty shag is eysationa an. EXplin in the lecture otes for the ninth discussion board, ema gunding framework.
    Step Four: Logic Model
    • Develop a Logic Model tailored to the selected program. This model should illustrate the program’s inputs, actilities, outputs, outcomes, and goals.
    Step Five: Performance Measurement Indicators
    • Create a set of performance measurement indicators that align with the Logic Model you’ve constructed. These indicators should effectively measure and evaluate the program’s performance.
    Examples of NYC Government Agency Programs:
    NYPD: Law Enforcement Explorers
    HRA: Special One-Time Assistance (SOTA)
    DFTA: Senior Citizen Rent Increase (SCRIE)

  • Synthesis Matrix for Literature Review on Approaches to Managing Public Organizations

    Instructions
    In order to learn more about approaches to managing public organizations, I’d like you to examine some of the current academic literature.
    This week, you will create a synthesis matrix similar to one you might use for a literature review to help you examine the literature and the approaches to managing public organizations.
    Using the public administration topic of your choice (with a management focus however), find at least four peer-reviewed sources from the APUS library (not texts or books or websites) you might use for a paper. As you review each one, find the main ideas that you might use in a literature review.  You should be able to find a minimum of three or four topics or ideas that you might use in a literature review.
    Create a matrix (please see the attached sample). Put the last names of the authors of the sources in the top row.  List your main ideas in the left column.
    Write some brief notes about what each author says about the various ideas. Authors won’t usually include every idea, but more than one author often covers some of the same ideas. In order to practice synthesizing and summarizing, do not use quotations. Everything in this assignment should be your own words. Use simple, meaningful notes for most of the information. These do not need to be complete sentences as long as the reader can understand what you mean. The idea is to help you explore various concepts related to managing public organizations and how different authors use them.
    When you are done, be sure to include a reference list in APA format.
    synthesismatrixforliteraturereview.pdf
    (111.96 KB)