GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Arts and Sciences
Division of Arts and Letters
Public Administration
Master of Public Administration Mission Statement
The Master of Public Administration Program (MPA) in Governors State University’s College of Arts and Sciences prepares students to serve as administrators in the non-profit sector, all levels of government, and private organizations. The MPA program provides a high-quality education to a diverse student body, while engaging in scholarly activities and community service. The program encourages students to become civically engaged and advances students’ practical knowledge for career advancement in the nonprofit, public, and private sector. The MPA curriculum is designed to offer courses that emphasize the importance of ethics, how to solve complex organizational dilemmas, and implement sustainable solutions.
COURSE TITLE: Data Analysis for Public Administrators – Main Campus
COURSE NUMBER: PADM 6700-01
CREDIT HOURS: 3 credit hours
INSTRUCTOR: Karen Washington, Ed.D
kwashington11@govst.edu
Office 708-235-7627
Cell: 708-837-6423
OFFICE HOURS: Wednesdays 5:30 p.m.– 7:15 p.m. Main Campus
Other times by appointment
OFFICE: C3341
CLASSROOM: D34110
CLASS TIME: Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.
TERM: Fall 2022
CATALOG DESCRIPTION: This course focuses on the collection and analysis of primary and secondary data. Topics covered include measurement, descriptive statistics, probability distributions, and inferential statistics areas including hypothesis testing, contingency tables, and various forms of regression analysis. The course emphasizes the use of data analysis in public sector environments, particularly policy and program analysis.
PREREQUISITES: College Algebra
RESTRICTIONS: None
RATIONALE: To make data-driven decisions, it is critical to be able to accurately and appropriately assess data. Understanding the correct methods for evaluating data, pertaining to particular situations, can make the difference between a potentially catastrophic situation versus a clear and undeniable solution. Being able to properly analyze data also helps public administrators to help to choose constructive policies and to provide rationale for dismantling policies that may no longer benefit the public.
INTENDED AUDIENCE: This course is primarily intended for students in the Masters of Public Administration program. It is acknowledged that the theories and concepts presented may be of benefit to other majors.
EXPECTED STUDENT OUTCOMES: After successful completion of this course the student will:
Use appropriate models for developing a research study.
Analyze data to show relationships and trends.
Establish causal relationships.
Verify internal and external validity.
Properly test for reliability.
Use probability and nonprobability sampling designs.
Coordinate and conduct surveys and interviews.
Create graphs and tables that correspond to probability distributions.
Make assumptions based upon descriptive and inferential statistics.
INSTRUCTIONAL MODALITIES: This class will consist of lectures, student dialogue, discussions and supplemental online instruction (Blackboard).
GRADING GUIDELINES: Students can find specific assignment directions and grading guidelines in the Assignments folder of Blackboard Collaborate. It is mandatory to follow the rubrics for each assignment. Except for documented emergencies, late assignments will be docked 10% per day.
INCOMPLETE POLICY:
The professor will not issue an incomplete “I” grade unless the student has completed at least 75% of the course work. Students receiving an incomplete grade are responsible for monitoring and adhering to the GSU academic calendar. This includes, but is not limited to, following the procedures stated in the GSU grading policy.
ASSIGNMENTS: All assignments, except your presentation and research project, are due by 11:59 p.m. CST on Sunday of the assigned module. Every student is strongly encouraged to consult with the Writing Center for editing support. One point (total) of extra credit may be earned for using the writing center. However, I must receive documentation from the Writing Center staff for these points to be added to any assignment or overall grade.
NOTE: The syllabus is subject to change due to modifications that may be necessary. If this happens, students will be notified.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS:
Your assignments will be largely evaluated on the following criteria:
Clarity and organization of the contents
Effectiveness of the supporting information
Application of learning materials from this course
Identification of sources of information and ideas
Depth of analysis
Format (APA style)
Papers must use APA style, Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th Ed.). Some assistance with APA can be found online at The University of Wisconsin Writing Center. http://www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/DocAPA.html
More assistance with APA can also be found at Purdue University Writing center.
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/10/
REQUIRED READINGS: In addition to the below listed readings, some additional readings may be required. All readings (other than the textbook) will be provided to you via Blackboard postings.
TEXTBOOK
Rassel, G., Leland, S., Mohr, Z., and O’Sullivan, E. (2021). Research Methods for Public Administrators. Routledge: New York, NY. ISBN: 9780367334345
Donnelly, R., (2020) Business Statistics. Pearson Education: United States. 9780134685267
EVALUATION:
Research Project 15
Oral Presentation 10
Class Participation 5
Midterm 20
Discussion and Review Questions 30
Final Exam 20
Total Points 100
Grading Scale – Points
Total Points: 100
Numerical Equivalent
Grade
Points
Points Equivalent
Lower
Upper
95 -100%
A
4.00
95
100
90 – 94%
A-
3.7
90
94
87 – 89%
B+
3.3
87
89
84 – 86%
B
3.0
84
86
80 – 83%
B-
2.7
80
83
77 – 79%
C+
2.3
77
79
74 – 76%
C
2.0
74
76
70 – 73%
C-
1.7
70
73
67 – 69%
D+
1.3
67
69
64 – 66%
D
1.0
64
66
60 – 63%
D-
.7
60
63
0 – 59%
F
0.00
0
59
I
Incomplete To receive an incomplete, 75% or more of the work must already be completed.
IF
Incomplete/Failure
W
Withdrawn
GSU Writing Center: The GSU Writing Center is an academic resource that exists to assist students with their academic writing. One area of emphasis within this class is the construct of scholarly, not technical or social writing, many students struggle with this notion. The website for the writing center is: (http://www.govst.edu/sas/t_stu_dev.aspx?id=995)
Disability Statement:
GSU is committed to providing all students equal access to University programs and facilities. You may be eligible for academic accommodations if you have a documented physical, psychiatric (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, AD/HD, post-traumatic stress, or others) or a neurological disability such as a learning disability, autism or TBI. You must register and provide documentation with Access Services for Students with Disabilities (ASSD) (https://www.govst.edu/disability-services/) before faculty members are required to provide appropriate accommodations. For more information or to register, please contact ASSD at assd@govst.edu or 708-235-3968. To aid in creating an accessible learning environment for students with disabilities contact ASSD before or during the first week of classes.
Title IX Statement:
Consistent with GSU Policy 78, Title IX and Anti-Sex Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation Policy, Title IX regulations make it clear that violence and harassment based on sex and gender is a Civil Rights offense subject to the same kinds of accountability and the same kinds of support applied to offenses against other protected categories, such as race, national origin, etc… The University has a duty to prevent harassment, post policies against it, to investigate complaints, and to take prompt action to stop harassment when it occurs. Contact the Governors State University Title IX Coordinator to report any incidents at titleixofficer@govst.edu or call 708.534-4100 and ask to speak to the Title IX Coordinator. For complete Title IX information and resources, visit: https://www.govst.edu/TitleIX/
Emergency Preparedness Statement:
In case of emergency, the University’s Alert System will be activated. Students should maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the myGSU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Procedures posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University’s emergency management plan, information about how to update your contact information, and the Campus Safety Booklet can be found at http://www.govst.edu/emergency.
Academic Honesty Statement:
Students are expected to fulfill academic requirements in an ethical and honest manner. This expectation pertains to the following: use and acknowledgement of the ideas and work of others, submission of work to fulfill course requirements, sharing of work with other students, and appropriate behavior during examinations. These ethical considerations are not intended to discourage people from studying together or from engaging in group projects. The University policy on academic honesty appears in the catalog appendix, which can be found on the website at https://catalog.govst.edu/
COVID-19 Statement:
The posted campus Operating Plan is the framework which guides campus decisions regarding Covid-19 protocols. Effective Summer 2022, a layered prevention strategy that sets public health precaution levels at green-yellow-red will guide campus operations. When set at a yellow or red level masking is required in the classroom. When set to a red level, courses will move to remote instruction.
Any student who fails to follow required safety procedures including the posted procedures for COVID 19, or to comply with university employees’ instructions will be considered to be violating Student Conduct Rules (Policy 4 Student Conduct Policy) and is subject to disciplinary action that may include removal from a class or removal from campus. Updates related to COVID-19, the current Public Health Precaution Level, and the most up to date safety information are available on the COVID updates and the Campus Operating Plan at https://www.govst.edu/COVID-19/.
Students with disabilities who require accommodations should contact disability services at https://www.govst.edu/disability-services/. Students, who are impacted by COVID 19 and need adjustment to class requirements, are responsible to send a written request to the instructor as soon as possible for approval.
Student Health & Well-Being Statement:
As a student, you may experience situations or challenges that can interfere with your learning and personal well-being. These might include strained relationships, stress, unstable housing situations, hunger, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, or loss of motivation. GSU has many resources to help with these or other issues you may experience. Free, confidential mental health and medical services are available on campus by contacting the Counseling & Wellness Center at 708.235.7334 or https://www.govst.edu/wellness/. Assistance with personal difficulties, including hunger and housing instability, is available by contacting GSU4U at https://www.govst.edu/gsu4u.
Class Policies:
A note about handing in work on time. Part of being a professional and developing your professional skills is meeting deadlines. The assignment due dates are clear on the syllabus, there are no surprises. Late work will NOT be accepted, except in a DOCUMENTED emergency.
Topical Outline/Course Content: Weekly Assignment Schedule: We will make every effort to stay on schedule. However, please understand that this schedule is a guideline that will be modified based largely upon student feedback and assessments. There may be times when a topic needs more or less attention and we will adjust accordingly.
Week
Date
Topic
Assignments
1
8/31/22
Course introduction, expectations, review of syllabus, assignments, and Beginning a Research Project
Chapter 1
2
9/7/22
Research Designs for Description
Chapters 2
Discussion & Review Questions (DRQ)
3
9/14/22
Research Designs for Explanation
Chapters 3
DRQ
4
9/21/22
Measuring Variables
Chapter 4
DRQ
5
9/28/22
Sampling
Chapter 5
DRQ
6
10/5/22
Midterm
7
10/12/22
Collecting Data with Questionnaires
Chapter 7
DRQ
8
10/19/22
Finding and Analyzing Existing Data
Chapter 9
DRQ
9
10/26/22
Combining Indicators and Constructing Indices
Chapter 10
10
11/2/22
Univariate Analysis
Chapter 11
DRQ
11
11/9/22
Examining Relationships Between Variables
Chapters 12-13
2 DRQs
12
11/16/22
Regression Analysis and Correlation
Chapters 14
DRQ
13
11/23/22
No Class – Enjoy Thanksgiving Break
No Homework
14
11/30/22
Research Project and Oral Presentation due
Research Project
Presentations
15
12/7/22
Final Exam
Final Exam
Note: The syllabus is subject to change due to facility closings, inclement weather, student feedback, assessments, and academic related lectures/workshops.
1