Public Sector Financial Management Coursework: Overview and Guidance
The assessment task
Students must produce a 2,000 word portfolio. A portfolio is a patchwork assessment which allows you to develop several components over the course of the module which you bring together at the end to submit as one document. Each element relates to different topics and skills explored in the module, introduced in lectures and explored in seminars. Appropriate examples and guidance will be provided through seminars and Moodle.
During the module you will be introduced to various elements of analysis which inform. financial decision making. For your assessment you will complete short activities related to these in relation to one of the provided topics:
1) Pre-school child-care
2) Recycling household waste
3) Control of stray animals
4) Careers advice for young people
5) Vaccination services
More scenario information and background information on these topics is shared overleaf.
The portfolio will consist of the following items (2000 words total):
1) A brief introduction to the policy area you have chosen, and PESTLE analysis of issues relevant to that policy topic which may impact financial decision-making (approximately 500 Words).
2) Recommendations and justification for a service delivery option (approximately 1500 words), including:
· Description of two potential programmes, policies or interventions for service delivery
· A summary of findings from an impact assessment and cost benefit analysis of different options for service delivery (further details on your analysis can be included in your appendices)
· A note of financial controls
Approaches to constructing each element of the coursework will be explored in lectures and seminars throughout the module. Further information, and a template with examples will also be available on Moodle.
In addition, there will be an opportunity to submit a formative assessment during reading week, consisting of a 5-minute pre-recorded presentation for students to gain feedback on their analysis to date.
Further instructions for your assessment
Choose ONE of the following scenarios. In each case we would like you to
· Review and analyse policy issues relevant to the scenario you have chosen, using a referenced PESTLE analysis (see Moodle for an example of this);
· Describe two potential programmes, policies or interventions for service delivery, using public, private or voluntary providers (or a mixture);
· Summarise findings from an impact assessment and cost benefit analysis comparing your options (please include a clear rationale and recommendation for the option which should be selected);
· Describe two or three financial controls necessary to ensure accountability;
· Ensure you use academic referencing to support your analysis, and include a bibliography of source materials. This is not included in your word limit.
· Include appendices with further details of your cost-benefit analysis and impact assessment. This is not included in your word limit.
You must only pick one of the scenarios below and you can locate the focus of the scenario in any country of your choosing. Just remember that you are acting as a public sector manager within a local government setting for each of these scenarios, and are drawing together different sources of information to draft a recommendation.
Scenario choices
1) Pre-school child-care
The municipality where you work is a rapidly expanding urban area with a relatively young workforce, many of whom have moved away from extended family to access jobs. Pressure on pre-schools and nurseries has been growing as these workers often have young children, but lack support from family members to assist with childcare. The municipal council wants to see childcare provision extended.
2) Recycling household waste
The municipality where you work is a busy urban area with limited space for waste disposal via landfill. Volumes of waste collected have been steadily increasing, and without reform. in people’s behaviour you will reach full capacity at your landfill sites within 15 years.
3) Control of stray animals
The municipality where you work has a problem where stray animals have started to become a public nuisance and a risk to public health. This is damaging the image of your town and is starting to impact your tourism industry. You have been asked by the local mayor to present recommendations on a service to deal with the issue.
4) Careers advice for young people
The municipality where you work is currently experiencing relatively high levels of youth unemployment. One contributing factor that has been identified is that young people are often not aware of the range of career options open to them.
5) Vaccination services
The municipality where you work is rural with many small and relatively remote settlements. Residents often need to travel long distances to access healthcare clinics, and this is resulting in low rates of take-up for important vaccinations amongst your local population.