Future studies can provide a variety of useful techniques for teachers of public administration. Three futures methods that relate to public administration are group exercises (e.g., brainstorming and a variation of the Delphi technique), classroom simulation (e.g., role playing and gaming simulation), and scenarios. (Author/CS)

This report looks at recent changes in governance across the public sector to provide context and examples for the National Commission on Governing America's Schools' efforts. The report is presented in six sections. Following a brief introduction in section 1, section 2 provides an overview of the forces that have changed public-sector governance…

The Communist Party of the Soviet Union operates two separate systems of political schools; one of the Party officials and one for the rank-and-file Party membership. This article presents a complete description of the professional training schools, indicating that training in such schools precedes assignment to leading positions in the Party's…

Research described suggests that undergraduate grade point average (GPA) and in-career job success are weak predictors of a student's success in a Masters in Public Administration program and of the student graduate GPA. (RM)

Outcries about the decline of civic institutions have initiated a return to civism, with partnerships forming between business, civic, and political leaders to work on civic problems, and a trend toward less government and more governance. This calls for civic education as a lifelong process, not just within the baccalaureate curriculum.…

Over 300 New Jersey municipalities have appointed environmental commissions to maintain an inventory of local natural resources and advise the community on environmental matters. The Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions was formed to facilitate communication between commissions, government agencies, and other members of the…

Eight progressive steps to assist students doing internships in government agencies are described. The steps cover acceptance of internship, routine office affairs, intern orientation, integrating into the new environment, establishing internship tasks, and developing rapport. Elements of successful internships and the future career of the intern…

The literature on interorganizational relations is reviewed. Four distinct research traditions are examined, and the prescriptive literature on coordination is reviewed. A comparison of models of coordination, five preconditions for successful coordination, and an action model for increasing coordination are reviewed. (Author/MLW)

Graduate students and younger faculty in public administration have doubts regarding their professional abilities. The anxiety causes them to avoid experiences which will test their competencies. However, in order for students to evaluate their career choices they must be allowed opportunities to test themselves. (KC)

Public policy students were surveyed four times from 1998- 2000 (n=126, 104, 95, 92). Results reveal that many begin with uncertain goals and ambivalence about public sector work. Interest declined and the curriculum did little to promote the public sector. Many anticipated fluid careers and chose positions that offer growth more commonly…

The evaluation course content of graduate programs in public affairs and administration programs was studied with 140 master's degree programs. Most (85%) programs provide at least one evaluation course, and evaluation is a core requirement in 49%. Courses are more likely to focus on outcomes and policy impact than management. (SLD)

The Danish Evaluation Institute is conducting systematic assessments of three master's programs in public administration, public policy, and public management. They have found that explicit criteria have advantages and disadvantages. Development of criteria attempts to meet the following demands: uniformity, relevance of level, scope, precision,…

Describes ways in which information handling techniques will eventually be used in public administration, focusing on technologies that automate routine administrative processes and support decision making. The need to develop a long range concept for continued full employment of administrative staff is discussed. (two references) (CLB)

Describes a course taught at Oakland University (Rochester, Michigan) that provides specific information on, and preparation for careers in public administration and political science. Outlines course assignments and organization. Concludes that guest speakers representing a variety of career settings are an important feature of the class. (LS)

Examines the development of the movement toward accountability in public higher education and its implication for Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs. Analyzes prior and existing efforts to ensure and assess quality in MPA programs and the different forms that outcome assessment might take and describes assessment techniques.…