Public Sector Leadership Program
Subjects on offer
Subject descriptions
PSM210 Creating Good Policy
This unit investigates the idea of good policy by identifying the key theoretical and empirical literature in the field of policy analysis and policy science. It examines the political environment in which policy-making occurs, addressing the structures and relations of power that influence or shape policy agendas. It explores the ambition to make policy more 'rational' and looks at contrary arguments about the limits of problem-solving rationality in the policy field. It also addresses questions of how to implement and evaluate policy so that policy goals are fulfilled rather than subverted.
Back to the top ▲PSM310 Leadership and Business Acumen
This unit identifies key writers in theoretical, empirical and ethical leadership literature. It discusses the main theories of leadership from organisational and management literature. The unit also explains and critically examines the reasons why leadership is now said to be important, developing arguments for and against the applicability of business acumen in the public sector. Through exercises and activities students will have the opportunity to identify and implement the elements of effective leadership, taking into account the specific situational factors that influence leadership in areas such as housing, health, social security, planning, the arts, urban policy, education and international affairs.
Back to the top ▲PSM220 Policy in a Global Era
This elective unit explores the proposition that domestic policy making and implementation is intimately connected to external decision-making and events, in terms of both inward impact and defensive positions, and outward projections and pro-active positions. It establishes a framework for analysis, leading to an understanding of the global political system, focusing particularly on those elements of the system that have the most bearing on domestic decision makers and their policy capacity. The notion of "globalization" is examined to understand how policymakers can make the most of opportunities offered and recognize the dangers and threats posed by this phenomenon.
Back to the top ▲PSM230 Australian Policy in South East Asia
This unit explores how foreign policy is traditionally developed and articulated within the Australian political system, including key players, the constraints under which they operate, and the effects of party differences or bipartisanship. It provides an historical outline of Australian foreign policy and the forces driving it from British Imperial times to present. It looks at changing Australian perspectives on South East Asia and the shifting attitudes of SE Asian countries toward Australia. It analyses Australia's relationships with SE Asia along dimensions of trade, defence, security, and immigration, noting partnerships, alliances, harmonies, tensions and conflicts or potential conflicts.
Back to the top ▲PSM240 Arts and Cultural Policy
This unit considers the nature of the arts environment, how the arts and cultural sector works with government, how cultural policies are developed and the relationship between the arts, the economy and other aspects of society. The nature of government intervention at local, State and Federal level, is explored and comparisons between Australian models and other international models are considered. The impact of economic and industry issues on the arts and various methods of performance measurement developed for arts and cultural practices is discussed.
Back to the top ▲PSM250 Arts and Event Management
The Arts Sector is a dynamic business, with deadlines to meet, multiple stakeholders to satisfy and the fulfilment of an artistic mission to ensure. Arts managers must have sound planning and business skills, as well as an understanding of the unique role they play in the artistic process. This elective unit looks at why managing the arts is different. The syllabus includes the role of the arts manager, managing multiple stakeholders, the non-profit model in the arts, strategic planning, financial planning and analysis and evaluation process. The unit will also consider various strategies for income generation including government funding, philanthropic grants, fund raising and sponsorship.
Back to the top ▲PSM260 Australian Social Policy 1
This unit provides students with an introduction to a number of emerging themes and issues in contemporary social policy. It provides an insight into some of the key themes currently driving the development of new social policy response in Australia. Central to the focus of the unit is the very nature of social policy and the role of a social policy-maker. Students will consider: Have governments lost the ability to effect social change Are governments too far removed from the interests, aspirations and needs of Iocal communities How do some social problems become worthy of public deliberation and others not
Back to the top ▲PSM270 Australian Social Policy 2
It has been said that we presently live in an age of distraction where our social imagination is dulled by the background noise of inconsequential television programs, pompous pundits, shrill talk-back radio callers and a political agenda seemingly driven by ten second news grabs. This unit addresses the question whether it is possible, under such conditions, for social policy makers to present a compelling alternative vision of social life and crucially, what sort social policies are required to achieve such change Students will explore four key policy themes - social protection, population, privilege and poverty and place.
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