TASK: Evaluate a specific public sector reform in a particular case context within the jurisdiction chosen for your first assignment. The readings for all Topics are relevant to this assessment task.

Public management reforms since the 1980s have changed the structure of the public sector and the relationships between the public and private sectors. However gaps between policy intentions and service delivery outcomes are an enduring problem, well documented in public management research. As Pollitt (2001) points out, implementation is a long chain from talk, decisions and actions to results (Reading Topic 4). This assessment task is a case study and you are required to evaluate a specific reform in a particular context or situation and discuss the lessons that can be drawn from the experience. Systematic analysis requires a framework based on the concepts and theory from the readings for this unit.

The critical thinking task is evaluation and this requires judgement based on systematic analysis using credible evidence from a range of perspectives. You need to select a reform instrument and a case. This means you need a framework to evaluate the benefits/risks of the specific reform. You should start by selecting relevant reading from the required and recommended readings listed for Topics 6 to 10. Use these readings to identify the benefits and risks of the specific reform.

You can choose a reform instrument in a particular case, introduced in the jurisdiction you chose for your first assignment. For example, you could select the privatisation or corporatisation of a particular agency, contracting of a specific service, a particular public-private partnership, or a purchaser-provider arrangement for a specific service. The case can be an example of success or failure. The privatisation program of a government is too broad for this case study, but privatisation of prisons (Spotlight 6.2), for example, would be suitable. Start by selecting a topic of interest to you and decide on the reform instrument. You can select a case from the Spotlights or from the additional reading for Topics 6 to 10. You can select a case from your own experience provided you are able to obtain appropriate evidence to evaluate the case. The first prerequisite in selecting a case is the fit with the Topic. The second is the availability of public information from credible sources to evaluate implementation and draw lessons. The evidence used to analyse the case should include independent evaluation of the reform, for example a study published in a refereed journal or by an independent agency such as an Audit Office. Please consult with the Unit Leader on your case selection.

Instructions

You are expected to do some additional research for this assignment to understand the history of the particular case and to evaluate implementation. Start with the recommended reading and check for references to the case. Review the agency or program website for details of the history, policy and implementation guidelines, and evaluations.

The assignment should be presented in a report format. You have to explain the concepts and theory applied to draw lessons from the particular case. So take care if using bullet points that you provide sufficient explanation of your analysis and conclusions. Please use tables and diagrams to provide concise summaries of your analysis and evaluation. Tables and diagrams are not included in the word count.

You can use the questions asked by Davis and Rhodes (Essential Reading Topic 2) to analyse the case:

1. What has happened? (Discuss the particulars of the case history and context.)
2. Why? (Explain and apply appropriate concepts and theory from the relevant readings for the topic.)
3. Consequences? (Use evidence to evaluate the effects and results.)

In your case report you should:

1. Explain the specific reform (policy instrument) and discuss the benefits and risks using relevant reading
2. Explain the particular case (history, policy objectives and implementation) using research on the case
3. Evaluate the results of the specific reform in the particular case using credible evidence
4. Draw lessons from the particular case

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