Public Administration (PAD)

This course encompasses a description and analysis of the evolution of the local government system in Ontario, from its historical origins to the present structure, documenting the role that local government plays within the context of the broader governmental framework.

The subject matter surrounds the objectives of accounting in the public sector and the specific nature and features of municipal accounting. The municipal budgeting process is examined, followed by a description and analysis of municipal expenditures and revenues, and associated accounting and reporting requirements. One reflection of the practical nature of the course is its gradual introduction of various schedules from the Financial Information Return (FIR) and the use of these schedules as the basis for some course assignments.

This course is designed to introduce students to the complexities, variations and history of the Canadian political system. Students will learn the difference between federal and provincial powers as established in and delineated by the Constitution Act., and will review the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The executive, legislative and judiciary triangle of authority will be explored, as will the global context of Canadian politics and the influence of mass media and public opinion polls on politics.

This subject introduces students to the basic formats and principles of communications used in public administration. It emphasizes the analysis of audience, purpose, and message. It gives students the opportunity to practise these formats and principles in a variety of situations commonly encountered at work.

Municipal Administration Structure: Beginning with a comparison of the nature of municipal administration to public administration at other levels of government, this course looks at the organization of municipal government, with its Council, committees and staff, and the associated issues. Particular attention is paid to Council-staff relationships, municipal policy development, and the principal players at the local level.

Project management is crucial to success in every government organization. This subject is intended to provide the student with basic knowledge and skills to work as a participant within the project management framework in government.  The subject introduces the student to the elements of the Project Life Cycle within the project management framework in government, the requirements for sound project planning and leadership, and covers topics including project scope, project risks and factors for success, project reporting, communication and human resource management. This subject emphasizes team work and requires the student to work effectively in groups.
 
Part of this course will be taught in a lab where the student will gain practical experience examining the importance of measuring project results, and preparing statistical and scheduling reports using Excel; and, developing professional presentation skills using PowerPoint.

Public servants must function within a specific legal framework, and adhere to codes of conduct and ethical guidelines. Students will learn the concepts of ethical responsibility in the public sector-with an emphasis on their application at the municipal level- that guide their relationship with elected officials, the public, and colleagues. Legislation governing freedom of information and protection of privacy will also be addressed.

This is the final course in the Municipal Administration Program and provides an opportunity to look at the management of municipalities, both large and small. Legal limitations and requirements on municipal action are explored. Land use and strategic planning processes are described. The two key areas of records administration and purchasing are looked at in detail. Effective management skills are discussed, including issues around personnel recruitment, supervision, development and evaluation; and the importance of good internal and external communications.

This subject deals with methods of alternative dispute resolution, that is, processes devised to resolve disputes outside the judicial system. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) techniques include negotiation, mediation and arbitration. In this subject, the student becomes familiar with these techniques and works on the development of negotiation and mediation skills using an interest-based approach.

This course will introduce students to the research and writing processes, including topic selection, proposal presentation, thesis development, and essay writing. It will afford students the opportunity to conduct research and formulate a written essay on a topic of their choosing that affects local government in Ontario. The public policy issue that is subject to investigation can emanate from any of the three levels of government provided that it has an impact on an Ontario municipality or municipalities. A list of subject thought starters will be provided.

This subject introduces students to the multi-disciplinary skills and experience required to work in policy related roles in the municipal sector. Beginning with an intensive training session outlining municipal operations, students will than use their project management skills and report writing skills to address current and relevant issues encountered by municipalities.

This work term will provide students with a college-approved work experience, in municipal, provincial or federal government offices, as administrative and program support assistants, policy and compliance analysts and project officers.
 
In this course, students will apply skills learned in the academic setting as well as gain new workplace skills. Students will interact with industry professionals while developing and expanding their critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills in a professional work environment. Through the work experience, students will gain an understanding of workplace accountabilities for their role, the role of team members and leaders in the workplace. The work experience will also provide the student with a variety of situations and opportunities to further develop their listening and communication skills, both oral and written, as pertinent to the job function and industry requirements.