This article addresses the nature of research in doctoral programs in public administration. It argues that research problems in the field should be determined by the analytic form of public sector activity rather than by the substantive content of specific events. (Author/CT)

Discussed are the purposes of public administration (PA) instruction, the needs or results sought by public administrators, ways to improve the fit between needs and instruction, and what a theory of PA instruction should contain. (RM)

Airport consultants (54 responses from 251 surveyed) in the United States and Canada evaluated a proposed master's of public administration in aviation. They considered the curriculum adequate. State/local government operations and oral/written communication were important content areas. Aviation-specific software may grow in importance. (SK)

An action research study examined the effects of executive coaching in a public municipal agency. A conventional training program followed by one-on-one executive coaching had 31 participants. Training increased productivity by 22.4%, whereas coaching produced a productivity gain of 88%. (JOW)

Governance education, an on-the-job learning framework that uses the political context to stimulate group action, enables city council members to frame actual policies after resolving difficulties, while diffusing political tensions. (SK)

The literature of sociology, international relations, and labor relations explores the impact and nature of conflict, the parties involved, and strategies for resolution. Public administrators could benefit from better understanding of their roles as conflict resolvers, observers, or participants. (SK)

A 5-year performance analysis of managers in more than 500 school districts used a nonlinear, interactive, contingent model of management. Empirical support was found for key elements of the network-management portion of the model. Results showed that public management matters in policy implementation, but its impact is often nonlinear. (Contains…

A local government administrator used her work experiences to create simulation exercises for public administration students. Advantages that such practitioners bring to the classroom include "inside" information, organizational management skills, budget knowledge, and the ability to provide networking opportunities for students. (JOW)

Provides a history of the environmental justice movement in the United States and discusses problems in its discourse. Discusses weak empirical research, failure to recognize the difference between hazard and risk, and the possibility that it is more about fear, blame, and politics than about public health in minority and low-income communities.…

The focus of public administration education is shaped by the approach to such issues as the relationship between scholars and practitioners, the role of public administrators in dealing with social issues, the need for a common intellectual culture, the insularity of the field, and the lack of an integrated approach for perspectives that are…

Discusses a study of the information, training, and assistance needs of 340 local governments. Findings are that local government practitioners are concerned with a variety of issues extending beyond traditional managerial knowledge, skills, and abilities. (JOW)

The authors offer suggestions for increasing the quality of research in public administration. Suggestions are based on the observation that successful research universities provide four types of support: (1) institutional values supportive of research, (2) faculty capable of doing research, (3) research resources, and (4) institutionalized…

A survey of 525 members of the Conference of Minority Public Administrators (MPAs) received 160 responses. In contrast to Herbert's 1974 essay depicting MPAs at the mercy of forces beyond their control, survey responses showed them making impressive gains in upper-level federal management positions and taking a proactive role in dealing with…

Analysis of 51 of 80 project proposals, the capstone exercise of the Arkansas Certified Government Manager program, showed that nearly half dealt with new technology/services and 65% were implemented. The exercise promotes state agency analysis, discussion, and action regarding the issues or problems addressed by the projects. (SK)

Discusses ways to improve the status of women in public administration. Examines the nature of state organizations and the extent to which opportunity structures differ according to an agency's mission. Concludes that gender is only one factor that affects career advancement. (JOW)