Combining the most current public management thinking and research with examples of how organizations apply these ideas, MANAGING THE PUBLIC SECTOR is a comprehensive introduction to the field. Written in a manner that is both interesting to students and rigorous in its scholarship, the text aims to balance theory and practice. This Sixth Edition incorporates such issues as new technology, the National Performance Review, and new research on the relationship between personality and performance.
Combining the most current public management thinking and research with examples of how public executives and organizations apply these ideas, MANAGING THE PUBLIC SECTOR, International Edition is a comprehensive introduction to the field of public management. The Ninth Edition continues to engage the student’s intellect by providing more than just the basic foundations of management; it places the application of management in the context of the public sector and tries to capture the excitement and challenge of the field.
The Public Sector: Managing the Unmanageable offers practical advice to public sector managers on how to develop techniques to deal with the challenges they face, particularly in the areas of accountability, setting targets, risk management/encouraging innovation, managing people, decision making and working with politicians. Based on original interviews with politicians and senior public sector managers, including the last four cabinet secretaries, it is full of anecdotes, actionable lessons and insights. Each chapter takes a specific aspect of management and starts by explaining why it is different in the public sector, then sets out ways for public sector managers to handle those differences and ends with an executive summary and a checklist to prompt managers to think about how they might change what they currently do. The book has a foreword by Peter Mandelson and insights based on interviews with more than sixty successful public sector managers including: Michael Bloomberg, Brendan Barber, Sir Michael Barber, Lord (Michael) Bichard, Lord (John) Browne, Lord (Robin) Butler, Helen Carter, Sir Merrick Cockell, Charles Clarke, Lord (Geoffrey) Dear, Brian Dinsdale, Charles Farr, Lord (Charles) Guthrie, Lord (Chris) Haskins, Lord (Michael) Heseltine, Ken Livingstone, Paul Martin, Lord (John) Monks, Lord (Gus) O'Donnell, Sir Robert Naylor, Jan Parkinson, Sir Hayden Phillips, Jonathan Powell, Heather Rabbatts, John Ransford, Gill Rider, Paul Roberts, Sir Peter Rogers, Stephen Taylor, Lord (Andrew) Turnball, Sir Robin Wales, Nick Walkley, Ian Watmore and Lord (Richard) Wilson.
Filling a gap in project management literature, this book supplies managers and administrators—at all levels of government—with expert guidance on all aspects of public sector project management. From properly allocating risks in drafting contracts to dealing with downsized staffs and privatized services, this book clearly explains the technical concepts and the political issues public managers need to understand. In line with the principles of Total Quality Management (TQM) and the PMBOK® Guide, David S. Kassel establishes a framework those in the public sector may follow to ensure the success of their public projects and programs. The book supplies more than 30 real-life examples to illustrate the concepts behind the framework—including reconstruction projects in Iraq, the Big Dig project in Boston, local sewer system and library construction projects, and software technology. This second edition includes all-new extended case studies examining recent issues including the rollout of healthcare.gov, the controversial California High Speed Rail system, and refurbishing the Harvard Town Hall. Contributing to critical discussions on budgeting for capital projects and cost-benefit analysis for preliminary planning, this authoritative new edition provides strategic recommendations for effective planning, execution, and maintenance of public projects. In an age of downsized government and in the face of a general distrust of public service, this book is a dependable guide for avoiding common pitfalls and for delivering projects on cost, on schedule, and of the highest quality.
Now in its second edition, this overview of the organization and management of the public sector in the UK shifts the focus away from the 1980s by concentrating on the post-Thatcher public sector. It includes material on the Citizen's Charter and the accelerated health and education reforms.
YOUR GUIDE TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT SUCCESS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR There may be no simple formula for success in public-sector projects, but Public-Sector Project Management delivers the next best thing: a complete set of skill-building strategies that puts success well within your reach. Building on industry standards and best practices as well as almost thirty years of public-sector experience, this definitive sourcebook clearly explains how to manage projects in the public sector and navigate their many challenges. Here is where you'll find all the tools to accomplish your goals for any public-sector project, whether you are overseeing military and security operations, the construction of public infrastructure, improving agency processes, deploying new systems or public programs, or any other public initiative. The book describes both the obstacles and basic processes of public-sector project management and examines the differences between public-sector and private-sector projects, including the management of the wide array of public-sector stakeholders. Public-Sector Project Management is your comprehensive professional template for making a positive contribution to your agency or organization. Inside, you'll find: Expert guidance consistent with project management best practices In-depth coverage of public-sector constraints, including purchasing systems, legal mandates, political and media oversight, and complex rules and processes Specific strategies to enhance the management capability of public-sector managers and private-sector project managers working under government contracts Emphasis on the role of planning in managing customer, manager, and project team expectations, and coping with the overlapping systems of constraints that impede public-sector projects Techniques for managing contractors and vendors Tools for managing the complexity inherent in most public-sector projects Insightful case studies of notable and historic public-sector projects; chapter-ending discussion questions and exercises; numerous tables and figures; and key terms in the glossary
This first-of-its-kind survey covers both the basics of information technology and the managerial and political issues surrounding the use of these technologies. Unlike other works on information systems, this book is written specifically for the public sector and addresses unique public sector issues and concerns. The technical basics are explained in clear English with as little technical jargon as possible so that readers can move on to informed analysis of the public policy issues surrounding government's use of MIS. This practical tool includes end of chapter summaries with bridges to upcoming chapters, numerous boxed exhibits, thorough end-of-chapter notes and a bibliography for further reading.
The impact of the global financial crisis on government funds has been significant, with squeezed budgets having to satisfy ever-increasing demands for public services. Managers working in the public sector are confronted daily with targets and demands that are often set in confusing accounting and financial language. In Financial Management and Accounting in the Public Sector, Gary Bandy employs a clear and concise narrative to introduce the core concepts of accounting and financial management in the public sector and how to deliver services that represent value for money. This second edition has been revised and updated throughout, offering: an increased focus on post-crisis austerity more international examples of public financial management greater coverage of governance, accountability and risk management With a glossary of terms to help managers understand and be understood by accountants, as well as learning objectives, case studies and discussion questions, this practical textbook will help students of public management and administration to understand the financial and accounting aspects of managing public services.
Debuting it its first edition, this unique casebook contains dozens of brief, engaging case studies for public administrators in public and nonprofit institutions. Inspired by real-life stories, these short cases cover a wide range of topics from affirmative action to human resources to sports management. Managing the Public Sector illustrates theoretical concepts while encouraging active reader participation and critical thinking.
Managing Public Services: Competition and Decentralization is intended for public sector managers to help them assess their situation and assist them to think creatively about different approaches for the future. The book begins on the general principle that business is good and bureaucracy is bad. This topic is followed by detailed studies of organizations, whether these are in a competitive environment, victims of market rhetoric, or in another competitive spectrum. Public sector managers are then encouraged to analyze their own organizations so appropriate actions can be applied into their situation. The extent to which competition is happening is explained, and if competition does not work well, then the concept of decentralization may be adopted. To what extent decentralization can then be used to increase the motivation and commitment of their employees is explained. The authors believe that new ways and methods of working will follow. But, any successes of these changes have to be measured by an important gauge: the impact upon the recipients of the new and improved services. In any undertaking, failures are bound to happen, and the authors suggest that public sector managers should be more tolerant. Finally, the book notes that to achieve delivery of quality service, whether these are for customers or clients, an important approach to managerial action is the design towards a good experience. Public administrators, heads and CEOs of public institutions and private firms, professors and students in public administration, policymakers, and sociologists will find this book valuable.
