School of Public Service and Health PADM 699 Master s Capstone Seminar in Public Administration 3 Credit Hours Prerequisite: Completion of all MPA coursework Length of Course: 16 Weeks Instructor Information Course Description Course Scope Course Objectives Course Delivery Method Course Resources Evaluation Procedures Course Outline Policies Academic Services Instructor Information Instructor: Email: Course Description (Catalog) The Master s Capstone Seminar option involves a major research paper in lieu of the final comprehensive examination. Those who elect this option may reduce their electives by three semester hours to accommodate the seminar option credit. This option is desirable for those students who wish to focus on specific subject matter of an interdisciplinary nature or who would like to continue their education at a higher level. Students electing this option must use this as one of the graduate electives. [ 3 Credit Hours ] 1
Course Scope The course offers students an opportunity to examine a range of concepts and techniques across the discipline of public administration, bringing them to bear on an issue of importance to the field. It also equips students with a useful skill set for advanced practice or graduate work. Course Objectives After successfully completing this course, you will be able to: 1. Apply leading theories and approaches to managing federal, state, and local public organizations. 2. Test concepts, theories and methodologies related to conducting research in the public sector. 3. Discuss positions and issues involving the dynamics of politics, policy, economics, and management in the public sector. 4. Analyze the role of administrative organizations in public policy development and implementation. 5. Assess relationships between the public sector and the nonprofit and private sectors in providing public services. 6. Formulate a strategy for assessing program or policy needs, outcomes, or impacts. Course Delivery Method This course delivered via distance learning will enable students to complete academic work in a flexible manner, completely online. Course materials and access to an online learning management system will be made available to each student. Assigned faculty will support the students throughout this sixteen-week course. Course Resources Required Course Textbooks There are no required textbooks for the course. 2
Required Readings There are no required readings for the course. Additional Resources Students provide additional resources through their research. Web Sites In addition to the required course texts, the following public domain web sites are useful. Please abide by the university s academic honesty policy when using Internet sources as well. Note web site addresses are subject to change. Site Name Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) Northern Michigan University Library Web Site URL/Address http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/ http://library.nmu.edu/guides/userguides/style_apa.htm Evaluation Procedures Sections of the project and the draft and final papers will be evaluated using processes and criteria provided in other sections of the syllabus. Weighting of each course assignment is as follows: Percent Topic Statement 5 Proposal 20 Introduction 5 Conceptual Framework 10 Methodology 10 Draft Paper 30 3
Final Paper 20 TOTAL 100 Note: Each of the graded assignments must be completed with a grade of C or higher for the student to receive a passing grade in the course. Please see the Student Handbook to reference the University s grading scale. Course Outline Possible Project Methodologies (not an exclusive list) Review of existing research literature Analysis of existing quantitative and/or qualitative data Evaluation/analysis of a policy, technique, or program Strategic plan Case study Survey (must be possible to complete within time available) Observation Interviews Focus groups Cost/benefit analysis Performance measurement Process Timely completion of each assignment according to the course schedule listed below is required for the student to continue on to the next phase of the project. Except in cases of unavoidable emergency, late work will not be accepted without prior arrangement. Students may request special arrangements for submitting work due to circumstances such as serious accident, illness, work assignment, and so on. Each student will work independently, and since the project is intended to represent the culmination of the student s work in the MPA program, each student will be responsible for designing and conducting all aspects of the project. For projects involving complex methodologies, the student may wish to work with an APUS professor who specializes in the particular area. The professor will review a written draft of each section of the student s report and provide comments and suggestions as appropriate. The professor will typically review a 4
given draft section only once and comments and editing marks will be shown in red font using the track changes feature. It is the student s responsibility to make appropriate revisions, remove correction comments and marks, and include revised sections with sections submitted subsequently. Each stage in the process of developing the research paper is graded. A grade of C or higher must be received for each of the graded sections of the research paper and for the overall course for the student to successfully pass the course. Research Paper Topic Statement The first step in the research paper project is to submit a statement describing the proposed topic for the research paper. In no more than one single-space page, the statement identifies and describes the topic, discusses why the student finds it of interest, and suggests how the topic will be studied. Student name, the date, and the title of the assignment (Topic Statement) appear at the top of the page. (This heading should be used with each assignment inserting the title of the specific assignment up until the draft research paper, which will have a cover page.) Research Paper Proposal The research paper proposal is especially important, because it establishes the research question(s) and describes the conceptual framework of the paper and the methodology to be used in the study. The proposal includes the sections described below. Project Title. Tentative project title. Research Questions. This section gives a clear, concise description of the issue, problem, or program to be examined, with discussion that identifies variables, causal relationships, or issues or problems to be studied. Following this description, a statement is given of the research question or questions. This may be in the form of a single research question (for example, What have been the effects of contracting out local law enforcement services? ), or a primary question with secondary questions (using the preceding example as the primary question, examples of secondary questions could be: What are the characteristics of communities in which law enforcement services have been contracted?; What services have been contracted?; and, How are the effects of contracting out these services measured? ). Usefulness of the Proposed Project. This is a statement of the importance or significance of the proposed project. The section addresses how the results of the study might advance knowledge and/or contribute to improving on-the-ground conditions. Conceptual Framework. This is a preliminary identification of existing scholarly research and professional literature in the topical area of the proposed project. 5
Capstone projects build on existing knowledge and this section shows the reader some of what is already known in the topical area. The narrative presents related concepts from the research literature with supporting parenthetic citations (and corresponding reference list entries at the end of the proposal), sufficient for the reader to know the student has located materials in the area of interest. Proposals lacking sufficient identification of source materials will be returned for revision. In unusual cases there may be no related research; in such cases this section will describe in some detail what information is known about the topic of interest. Project Research Design. This section discusses the proposed research design and feasibility within the time limits of the course, including specific information on the following: What research design might be used? Is it expected the project will include quantitative or qualitative methods, or both? Will the proposed project require collection of new data, or will it use existing data? How many organizations and participants might be involved? Will the researcher have access to the persons or organizations who will be studied? What approaches might be used to analyze the data? Length of the proposal will not exceed three single-spaced pages, excluding references and quotation. The electronic file will include the student s last name in the label and student name and date in the substance. Section titles provided in the boldface points above will be used to organize the proposal. Proposals may be returned for revision and reconsideration. In selecting a capstone project, students may want to consider whether it contributes to their future professional growth and/or whether it could have a constructive effect on some aspect of public administration that is especially interesting to them. Students are expected to develop capstone proposals on their own, but the professor may be able to assist in considering alternatives. Topics should be neither so broad as to be unmanageable (for example, the organizational structure of the federal government) or so narrow as to be of value only to a few specialists (for example, the organizational structure of a small operating unit within a larger agency). Research Paper Sections The completed research paper includes the following elements: Title page Abstract Introduction Conceptual Framework Methodology Findings 6
Conclusions References Appendices (if applicable) Regardless of the project approach and methodology used, the final project should explicitly apply concepts drawn from MPA course work, reading and practice that aid in understanding political, organizational, managerial, policy process, and other factors relevant to the context and issues of the project. The outcome should be improved understanding of theory and practice in an important area of public administration. All assignment materials will be posted to the Assignments area in a single attached file readable by Word. The title of the electronic file should include the student s last name. Submittal of each section will include: Paper title and student name; APA format for papers, citations, and references; prior sections, if any, with corrections made as indicated; and a reference list (title page, table of contents, and the abstract are not provided until the draft research paper is submitted). Each student s final product will be a report divided into the sections described below. Section headings of the paper are indicated by bold type. Abstract. This provides an overview of the paper, summarizing the report for the reader. The abstract is located directly below the heading of the paper and above the Introduction section. Length should be approximately one-half page. Introduction. The introduction presents the issue studied, including its development over time and the political, organizational, managerial, policy process, and other factors relevant to the context and issues of the project. It describes the relevance or significance of the issue, problem, or project and it presents a concise and clear statement of the research question(s). Length should be 1-2 pages. Conceptual Framework. This section presents a thorough review of theoretical and practice-oriented concepts drawn from the appropriate scholarly and professional literature, comparing and contrasting different perspectives and analyzing their application to the research question. This is sometimes referred to as the literature review and it identifies what is already known about the topic. Concepts found in the research literature shape specific elements of the project, including the research question(s), allowing the student to build on and potentially to extend existing knowledge. Length should be 3-5 pages. Methodology. The section on methodology articulates specific research questions/hypotheses and describes the research methodology, including the method(s) of collecting data, data analysis and display, proposed ways to handle potential difficulties in the research process, and validity of the methodology and the credibility and utility of the research results. Description of the sampling strategy, if applicable, is given, accompanied by proposed questionnaires, survey forms, or other research instruments included as appendices. Length should be 2-3 pages. Note: No field work of 7
any kind is to be performed without the permission of the professor until this section has been approved. Findings. This section describes findings relative to the research question(s) and/or hypotheses with analysis and interpretation of the data collected. Length will vary depending on use of tables and figures; text alone should be 4-6 pages. Conclusion. The concluding section shows how the findings relate to the conceptual framework, building on existing knowledge. It discusses potential effects of the research on practice and the possibilities for future research. Length should be 1-2 pages. Draft and Final Research Paper The completed research paper is submitted in electronic form incorporating all corrections and revisions to date. It includes all elements and sections required in the final research paper. The first submitted version is called a draft because it is subject to revision in response to comments by the professor. When the professor s comments are made available, the paper is revised and resubmitted as the final research paper. COURSE OUTLINE TABLE Week Topic Course Objectives Assignment 1 3 Introduction; Research Paper Topic Research Paper Proposal CO-1: Apply theories CO-1: Apply theories Post an introduction, including a list of the topics of all major papers written for the MPA Program, and the title, date, and publication venue of any published articles or books. Submit a Research Paper Topic Statement and begin identifying relevant research literature. Submit Research Paper Proposal 4 5 6 14 Introduction Conceptual Framework Methodology Draft Research Paper CO-1: Apply theories CO-3: Discuss issues CO-1: Apply theories CO-3: Discuss issues CO-6: Formulate strategy CO-1: Apply theories CO-3: Discuss issues CO-4: Analyze roles CO-5: Assess Submit Introduction section Submit Conceptual Framework section Submit Methodology section Submit a draft of the full, completed research paper including cover sheet, abstract, and all sections, references, and appendices. 8
16 STUDENT WARNING: This course syllabus is from a previous semester archive and serves only as a preparatory Submit Final Research Paper relationships CO-6: Formulate strategy CO-1: Apply theories CO-3: Discuss issues CO-4: Analyze roles CO-5: Assess relationships CO-6: Formulate strategy Submit final research paper with all revisions and corrections completed. Policies 9 Table of Contents Please see the Student Handbook to reference all University policies. Quick links to frequently asked question about policies are listed below. Drop/Withdrawal Policy Plagiarism Policy Extension Process and Policy Disability Accommodations Writing Expectations The standard for writing in this course is that of the professional workplace and a graduate degree program that prepares students for advanced scholarly work. Writing must be clear, straightforward, and correct in punctuation and use of language. For examples of professional writing, see reports of the Government Accountability Office, www.gao.gov. Except as otherwise indicated by the syllabus or APA, written material will be in Times New Roman 12 point font. To make the capstone paper easier to read online, a departure from APA style is that the paper will be displayed in the single-space format appropriate for a professional report. There are many guides to the research process in books and articles. Guides may be found on research in general, on quantitative and qualitative research, and on specific techniques such as surveys, interviewing, focus groups, cost-benefit analysis, and so on. Citation and Reference Style The paper will be written in the cover sheet, section heading format, and parenthetic citation and reference list style of the most recent edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. When writing about, paraphrasing, or quoting
the work of others, students must give proper attribution in the form of parenthetic citations and quotation marks around directly quoted phrases or sentences (not only at the end of paragraphs, but wherever a thought or passage from a source has been completed). Failure to do so is plagiariam. Each parenthetic citation is accompanied by an entry in a reference list presented at the end of the paper (prior to appendices), in APA format. Only cited sources appear in the reference list. Late Assignments Students are expected to submit classroom assignments by the posted due date and to complete the course according to the published class schedule. As adults, students, and working professionals, it is understood that class members must manage competing demands on their time. Should you need additional time to complete an assignment, please contact the professor before the due date to discuss the situation and determine an acceptable resolution. Routine submission of late assignments is unacceptable and may result in points deducted from your final course grade. Human Subjects Protection Following Title 45 Code of Federal Regulations Part 46, Protection of Human Subjects, any research project involving publication or dissemination of materials based on interactions with human subjects (interviews, focus groups, surveys, observation, and so on) must be approved in advance by the APUS Institutional Review Board (IRB). Research projects including human subjects that will not be posted on the Internet, published in print, distributed to organizational personnel, or made available in any form beyond the classroom setting do not need IRB approval. Information on the APUS IRB may be found at http://www.apus.edu/community-scholars/institutionalreview-board/. Netiquette Online universities promote the advancement of knowledge through positive and constructive debate both inside and outside the classroom. Forums on the Internet, however, can occasionally degenerate into needless insults and flaming. Such activity and the loss of good manners are not acceptable in a university setting basic academic rules of good behavior and proper Netiquette must persist. Remember that you are in a place for the rewards and excitement of learning which does not include descent to personal attacks or student attempts to stifle the Forum of others. Technology Limitations: While you should feel free to explore the full-range of creative composition in your formal papers, keep e-mail layouts simple. The Sakai classroom may not fully support MIME or HTML encoded messages, which means that bold face, italics, underlining, and a variety of color-coding or other visual effects will not translate in your e-mail messages. Humor Note: Despite the best of intentions, jokes and especially satire can easily get lost or taken seriously. If you feel the need for humor, you may wish to add emoticons to help alert your readers: ;-), : ), 10
Disclaimer Statement Course content may vary from the outline to meet the needs of this particular group. Academic Services APUS Online Library The Online Library is available to enrolled students and faculty from inside the electronic campus. This is your starting point for access to online books, subscription periodicals, and Web resources that are designed to support your classes and generally not available through search engines on the open Web. In addition, the Online Library provides access to special learning resources, which the University has contracted to assist with your studies. Questions can be directed to librarian@apus.edu. Charles Town Library and Inter Library Loan: The University maintains a special library with a limited number of supporting volumes, collection of our professors publication, and services to search and borrow research books and articles from other libraries. Electronic Books: You can use the online library to uncover and download over 50,000 titles, which have been scanned and made available in electronic format. Electronic Journals: The University provides access to over 12,000 journals, which are available in electronic form and only through limited subscription services. Tutor.com: AMU and APU Civilian & Coast Guard students are eligible for 10 free hours of tutoring provided by APUS. Tutor.com connects you with a professional tutor online 24/7 to provide help with assignments, studying, test prep, resume writing, and more. Tutor.com is tutoring the way it was meant to be. You get expert tutoring whenever you need help, and you work one-to-one with your tutor in your online classroom on your specific problem until it is done. Request a Library Guide for your course (http://apus.libguides.com/index.php) The AMU/APU Library Guides provide access to collections of trusted sites on the Open Web and licensed resources on the Deep Web. The following are specially tailored for academic research at APUS: Program Portals contain topical and methodological resources to help launch general research in the degree program. To locate, search by department name, or navigate by school. Course Lib-Guides narrow the focus to relevant resources for the corresponding course. To locate, search by class code (e.g., PADM611), or class name. 11
If a guide you need is not available yet, please email the APUS Library: librarian@apus.edu. Turnitin.com Faculty may require assignments be submitted to Turnitin.com. Turnitin.com will analyze a paper and report instances of potential plagiarism for the student to edit before submitting it for a grade. In some cases professors may require students to use Turnitin.com. Typically the course professor will establish a Turnitin.com access code for his/her classes. If the code has not been established, those who wish to use Turnitin.com may ask their professor to establish the code. 12