Master of Public Administration
The Master of Public Administration (MPAdmin) program is designed to advance practices of good governance and public sector reform for Papua New Guinea’s long term development and growth. It strengthens and advances the managerial and analytical skills of executives in public service.
The MPAdmin program is offered in flexible learning mode. Students take two or three units a semester and complete the program in two years. Students are required to participate in a two-week residential component each semester. Students are expected to have their own personal laptop.
-
LD604: Professional ethics in organizations
Study Period: Semester OneThis unit explores the ethics and philosophy of human actions as foundations for leadership and management thought and practice. It helps students develop a framework for ethical decision-making to examine ethical dilemmas and identify appropriate courses of action within Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) complex and culturally diverse context. Students will explore theories and principles concerning what constitutes an ethical community, business, government, and society.
-
LD609: Applied research and evaluation methods
Study Period: Semester OneThis unit introduces students to the knowledge and skills required to undertake a research project. Students will explore different research paradigms and perspectives, along with relevant data collection and analysis techniques, and apply them to case studies. They will identify a research problem relevant to their workplace or organisation and apply their research knowledge and skills to develop a research proposal addressing the identified problem.
-
MN601: Public administration theory and practice
Study Period: Semester OneThis unit examines public administration theory and practice within global and regional contexts to develop students’ understanding of national policy frameworks. It emphasises the critical analysis of fundamental concepts and principles of public administration, using practical examples from public sector and non-profit organisational settings. Students will explore how public administration theories and principles are applied in workplace environments to support effective governance and service delivery.
-
MN603: Managing information and technology in the public sector
Study Period: Semester TwoThis unit explores the strategic use of information systems in public and non-profit organisations. Students will learn tools and techniques for managing information as a valuable organisational resource and using it to improve public sector operations. The unit also examines how information systems can support organisational transformation, encourage innovation, and promote best practices in service delivery and management.
-
MN605: Public sector human resource management
Study Period: Semester TwoThis unit examines the key issues and responsibilities involved in managing human resources efficiently and effectively within the Papua New Guinea (PNG) public service to maximise productivity and achieve organisational goals. Students will explore strategic human resource planning and forecasting, policy development, legislative requirements, human resource information systems, change management, employee engagement, and strategies for managing a flexible and evolving workforce.
-
LD611 Data analysis and research report writing
Study Period: Semester OneIn this unit, students are guided through the process of preparing a research report based on the research problem developed in LD609. They will develop academic writing skills for key sections of the report, including the introduction, background and context, literature review, research design, analysis of results, discussion, recommendations, references, and appendices. In addition to submitting a written report, students are required to present their research projects orally at an organised seminar.
-
MN606: Public Finance & Budgeting
Study Period: Semester OneThis unit introduces participants to the development, principles, and framework of financial management. It examines how the public sector raises revenue, spends, borrows, allocates, and manages financial resources over time while considering the associated risks. The unit also covers fundamental accounting skills and the basic principles of preparing and interpreting financial statements.
-
MN607: Administrative law and public policy
Study Period: Semester OneThis unit examines the sources, influences, processes, and consequences of law and public policy formation. It analyses public policy initiatives from political and legal perspectives, focusing on their underlying intentions, intended objectives, and both intended and unintended outcomes.
-
MN608: Strategic planning in the changing public environment
Study Period: Semester TwoThe public environment is continuously changing and therefore planning must be strategic in ensuring these changes are addressed effectively and efficiently. Participants develop skills in information gathering, analysis and synthesis of public sector strategic issues using a number of analytical tools. They apply strategic planning concepts, processes, procedures, and tools that will enable them to design and develop organizational strategic plans.
-
MN611: Disaster risk management
Study Period: Semester TwoThis unit focuses on the pre-emergency functions that are critical in emergency management and disaster relief systems, to include mitigation, risk management, planning, and process. The unit covers issues associated with emergency planning up to the point that the emergency actually occurs. The communication of sustainable practices is integral to this unit, given that disasters are preventable if risks are identified early.
Admission requirements
Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree and be employed in the public sector with at least two years of managerial, administrative or leadership responsibilities.
