PSPA 608 Public Service Performance II: Management & Data Analysis

Course Description

"Follows PSPA 607. Focus on public service performance and management, adding more skills-based practices of data analysis.  Studies the basic theory, techniques, and practice of data collection and analysis so that information can be used to inform management decisions. Examination of generating research questions by identifying knowledge gaps in the organization. Data  analysis methods include quantitative techniques (descriptive and inferential statistics, hypothesis testing) and qualitative techniques (focus groups, content analysis, observational data). Results are interpreted and presented."

This course is a graduate course in performance management, focusing on data utilization and analysis. It is designed to develop 1) analytic skills for use in public affairs, performance management, and collective decision making, 2) improve your performance management research design skills, 3) assess the validity and limits of information presented to you, and 4) have a thorough understanding of basic statistical methods.

This course will cover the tools and techniques of performance management research design and the basic statistical skills that are designed to give you an understanding of the appropriate uses and mis-uses of these tools and techniques. This course will also help you to become proficient in the use of the statistical software packages. As a policymaker in the public, nonprofit, or private
sector, you will find these skills to be invaluable as you make recommendations, decisions, or attempts to persuade others.