Assessments Handbook

Public Management (N1598)

UG

UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX BUSINESS SCHOOL

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 Table of Contents
Module Assessments Breakdown ............................................................................................ 3
Assessment 1 - Essay ............................................................................................................. 3
Link to Module Learning Outcomes ..................................................................................... 3
Description ........................................................................................................................... 3
Structure ............................................................................................................................... 3
Selection of organisation ...................................................................................................... 3
Wider reading & References ................................................................................................ 4
Word count ........................................................................................................................... 4
Charts and diagrams ............................................................................................................ 4
Deadlines and Submission ................................................................................................... 4
Support ................................................................................................................................. 4
Marking Criteria .................................................................................................................... 4
Interpreting Marks ................................................................................................................ 5
Assessment 2 – 24hr Take away paper (70%) ........................................................................ 6
Link to Module Learning Outcomes ..................................................................................... 6
Description ........................................................................................................................... 6
Preparation ........................................................................................................................... 6
Support ................................................................................................................................. 6
Marking Criteria .................................................................................................................... 6
Resit Assessment 1 – Essay ................................................................................................... 8
Link to Module Learning Outcomes ..................................................................................... 8
Description ........................................................................................................................... 8
Structure ............................................................................................................................... 8
Wider reading & References ................................................................................................ 8
Word count ........................................................................................................................... 8
Charts and diagrams ............................................................................................................ 8
Deadlines and Submission ................................................................................................... 8
Support ................................................................................................................................. 8
Marking Criteria .................................................................................................................... 9
Resit Assessment 2 – 24 hr Take away paper (70%) ............................................................ 11
Link to Module Learning Outcomes ................................................................................... 11
Description ......................................................................................................................... 11
Preparation ......................................................................................................................... 11
Support ............................................................................................................................... 11
Marking Criteria .................................................................................................................. 11
Writing Well and Avoiding Academic Misconduct .................................................................. 12
Marking Process and Ensuring Marking Fairness ................................................................. 12

2
 Module Assessments Breakdown
% of The
Mode Brief Description Length
Module Mark
ESS 30% Essay 1500 words

TAP 70% 24 hour take away paper 24 hours

Assessment 1 - Essay
Link to Module Learning Outcomes
The coursework essay links particularly to learning outcomes one and two. The essay
process therefore encourages students to demonstrate: a critical understanding of well-
established principles of public management and relevant theories and approaches to public
management; and comprehend processes of change in the management of public sector
organisations.

Description
You are required to write a 1500-word essay which provides a detailed, critical analysis of a
country’s existing model of public management. First, select a country of your choosing.
Then, undertake a review of the literature on that country’s system of public management.
Drawing from public management theories and concepts, identify strengths and weaknesses
in the model or models being used. Make recommendations, where appropriate, as to how
limitations and challenges in the existing system of public management could be resolved.

Structure
You are free to choose how you wish to structure the report. However, it recommended that
your essay includes the following components:

• Introduction - in which the structure of the report is laid out.

• Analysis of existing system(s) in country – in which the existing system of public
management in the country is described using key terms and concepts, that is, based
on the traditional model or NPM or other approach(es), using evidence and examples
to illustrate how certain practices and approaches fit with these concepts.
• Critical reflection of approach(es) used in the country– in which the existing
systems of public management in the country are critically assessed in terms of the
theories and practical aspects, drawing on relevant academic sources of literature
• Recommendations – in which proposals for the use of other models, theories and
tools are explored drawing on your wider reading.
• Conclusions – in which the ideas are summarised. No new material should be
included in a conclusion.

There is a wealth of information which will be of value in completing this report. This
includes references to journal articles, books and other sources from the literature
surrounding Public management.

Selection of organisation
Students may select any country as a focus for the essay, however it is advised that
students check there is adequate public management literature surrounding the case study
identified.

3
Wider reading & References
Wider reading around the theoretical literature is essential as is a reading around the
organisation. The essay should use consistent and comprehensive referencing based
around one particular style.

Word count
The essay is expected to be 1500 words +/- 10%. This does NOT include references.

Charts and diagrams

The essay may include charts and diagrams. These should be clearly linked to the main text.
References to sources used must be included and these do not count towards the word limit.

Deadlines and Submission

Please check Sussex Direct for the specific deadlines for the submission of the assessed
work, which will be submitted electronically through Canvas. Please check Sussex Direct
carefully for the submission deadline.

Support
As with all assessments, the module team will be available and willing to discuss any
aspects of this with you at feedback sessions throughout the module. As with all
assessments, however, the module teaching team will not review draft essays.

Marking Criteria
The marking criteria for this essay can be found below:

Criteria
Reading and Knowledge
Weight 40%
Sub- Level of reading
criteria Level of knowledge
Reading and Knowledge
Mark
Mark Descriptor
80+ Extensive reading and
exceptionally
comprehensive knowledge,
demonstrated through the
use of a wide range of high
quality academic journal
articles, books and reliable
newspapers and
magazines.
70-79 Excellent and wide reading
and comprehensive
knowledge, demonstrated
through the use of a high
quality academic journal
articles, books and reliable
newspapers and
magazines.
60-69 Good range of reading and
good knowledge. Only a few
academic journal articles
Analysis and Argument
40%
Level of analysis (or
argument)
Critical thinking
Analysis and Argument
Mark Descriptor
Outstanding critical and
analytical assessment of the
topic. Clear evidence of
independent and original
thought, ability to defend a
position logically and
convincingly with arguments
presented that are
sophisticated and highly
challenging.
Excellent critical argument on
the topic and / or analysis.
Clear evidence of independent
thought, ability to defend a
position logically and
convincingly.
Good analysis and / or
argument. Evidence of some
critical thought with a well-
Organisation and
Presentation
20%
Referencing
General presentation
General organisation
Use of language
Organisation and
Presentation Mark
Descriptor
Outstanding organisation
& presentation of the
analysis (or argument).
Outstanding English with
no grammatical mistakes.
Outstanding referencing
and extensive
bibliography.
Excellent thought given to
organisation &
presentation of the
analysis (or argument).
Excellent English with
appropriate referencing
and comprehensive
bibliography.
Good organisation &
presentation of the
analysis (or argument).

4
 may be referred, alongside
books and reliable online
sources.
50-59 Satisfactory reading and
reasonable knowledge.
There may be little
reference to academic
journal articles, and the
reading may be limited to
textbooks and online
sources.
developed argument.
Adequate analysis and / or
argument. Little evidence of
critical thought in the analysis
(or argument). The argument
may be largely one-sided.
Good English with
appropriate referencing
and bibliography.
Satisfactory organisation &
presentation, with much
scope for improvement.
Adequate level of English
with several grammatical
mistakes. Satisfactory, yet
inconsistent referencing.

40-49 Limited reading and Limited awareness of the Limited effort in

incomplete knowledge.
Several unreliable online
sources used.
<40 Poor level of reading and
failure to demonstrate
competent knowledge.
Several unreliable online
sources used.
topic. Very superficial analysis
or argument.
Poor and unacceptable
awareness of the topic. Failure
to demonstrate competent
understanding. Lack of
thought and/or confused or
irrelevant argument.
organisation &
presentation. Inadequate
level of English language
and limited effort to use a
proper referencing style.
Lack of organisation &
presentation. Substantial
errors in English and very
poor or absent referencing
and bibliography.

Interpreting Marks

You can interpret your overall mark using this table:

Mark Classification Description

90-100 Exceptional 1st Unlikely, due to the subjectivity of the assessment.
80-89 Outstanding 1st Outstanding reading and knowledge, outstanding critical analysis and /or
argument, and outstanding organisation and presentation.
70-79 Clear 1st Excellent reading and knowledge, excellent critical analysis and /or
argument, and excellent organisation and presentation. MINOR
improvements needed in EITHER of the three areas.
60-69 2.1 Good standard of reading and knowledge, good analysis and /or argument,
and good organisation and presentation. MAJOR improvements needed in
ONE of the three areas.
50-59 2.2 Adequate or Satisfactory level of reading and knowledge, satisfactory
analysis and /or argument, and satisfactory organisation and presentation.
Major improvements needed in AT LEAST TWO of the three areas.
40-49 3rd Acceptable reading and knowledge, acceptable critical analysis and /or
argument and acceptable organisation and presentation. Major improvements
needed in ALL of the three areas.
35-39 Marginal Fail Poor reading and knowledge, poor critical analysis and /or argument and poor
organisation and presentation. The essay may be incomplete or might have
missed answering the relevant question appropriately.
0-34 Absolute Fail Extremely poor reading and knowledge, poor critical analysis and /or
argument and poor organisation and presentation. The essay may be
incomplete or might have missed answering the relevant question
appropriately.

5
 Assessment 2 – 24hr Take away paper (70%)
Link to Module Learning Outcomes
The take away (TAP) paper links to learning objectives one and three. Specifically the TAP
request students demonstrate a critical understanding of well-established principles of public
management and relevant theories and approaches to public management, and
demonstrate the ability to deploy key frameworks, methods and tools to analyse different
types of public organisations.

Description
• The exam is an essay-format assessment focusing on concepts from Public
Management.
• You will have 24 hours to complete the exam and submit your answers.
• There will be six questions to choose from on the exam paper.
• Students must answer only two questions: one question from Section A and one
question from Section B.
• You must submit a maximum of 500 words for each answer, and no more than
1000 words in total.

Preparation
● Students need to revise the lecture content and related readings.
● Seminars are useful in reinforcing and developing knowledge for the module.
● Independent revision is essential to prepare for the TAP.
● Reading through and practicing with past papers under exam conditions is also
strongly recommended.

Support
● A revision session will be provided in week 11. This session will begin with an
overview of practical tips for dealing with the paper before going through a mock
paper with students.
● A mock paper will be provided to students to provide a tool for practice and clear
illustration of what to expect.

Marking Criteria
The marking criteria for this TAP can be found below:

Reading & Knowledge 40%
Mark Mark Descriptor
70+ Evidence of extensive reading
and exceptionally
comprehensive knowledge,
demonstrated through accurate
and detailed answer.
60- Evidence of Good range of
69 reading and good knowledge
indicated in generally accurate
and near complete answer.
50- Evidence of satisfactory reading
59 and reasonable knowledge.
40- Evidence of only a limited
49 reading and incomplete
knowledge.
Analysis & Argument 40%
Mark Descriptor
Evidence of Outstanding critical
and analytical assessment of
the topic with clear evidence of
independent and original
thought.
Evidence of good analysis and /
or argument with some critical
thought and a well-developed
argument.
Evidence of adequate analysis
and / or argument. Little
evidence of critical thought in
the analysis (or argument) or an
imbalanced argument.
Evidence of limited awareness
of the topic. Very superficial
analysis or argument.
Organisation 20% Mark
Descriptor
Outstanding organisation &
presentation of the analysis (or
argument).
Evidence of good organisation
& presentation of the analysis
(or argument).
Evidence of satisfactory
organisation & presentation,
with much scope for
improvement.
Evidence of limited effort in
organisation & presentation.

6
<40 Evidence of a poor level of
reading and failure to
demonstrate competent
knowledge.
Evidence of a poor and Evidence of a lack of
unacceptable awareness of the organisation & presentation.
topic. Failure to demonstrate
competent understanding. Lack
of thought and/or confusion.
7
 Resit Assessment 1 – Essay
Link to Module Learning Outcomes
The coursework resit essay links particularly to learning outcomes one and two. The essay
process therefore encourages students to demonstrate: a critical understanding of well-
established principles of public management and relevant theories and approaches to public
management; and comprehend processes of change in the management of public sector
organisations.

Description
You are required to write a 1,500 word project that critically examines a public
management-related theory or key concept. First, select a theory (e.g. NPM) or concept (e.g.
Accountability). Then, undertake a review of the literature on the selected theory or concept.
Subsequently, use examples and evidence of the implementation of the theory or concept
(both successful and unsuccessful) from around the world to evaluate the implications of the
implementation of the theory or concept for management of public sector organisations.

Structure
You are free to choose how you wish to structure the report. However, it recommended that
your essay includes the following components:

• Introduction – in which the focus of the project is introduced and the structure of the
report is laid out.
• Analysis – in which the theory or concept, its origins and purpose are discussed.
• Implementation – in which evidence and examples of how the theory or concept has
been implemented in practice are discussed and the positive and negative
implications for the management of public sector organisations.
• Critical Reflection – in which the theory or key concept will be subject to critical
reflection, drawing on the theoretical literature and evidence and examples to reach
some involved conclusions pertaining to the topic selected.
• Conclusions – in which there will be a brief summary the key points presented in the
project. No new material should be included in a conclusion.

Wider reading & References

Wider reading around the theoretical literature is essential as is reading for examples and
evidence to support the argument. The resit essay should use consistent and
comprehensive referencing based around one particular style.

Word count
The essay is expected to be 1500 words +/- 10%. This does NOT include references.

Charts and diagrams

The essay may include charts and diagrams. These should be clearly linked to the main text.
References to sources used must be included and these do not count towards the word limit.

Deadlines and Submission

Please carefully check Sussex Direct for the specific deadlines for the submission of the resit
instrument.

Support
As with all assessments, the module team will be available and willing to discuss any
aspects of the resit with you. As with all assessments, however, the module teaching team
will not review drafts essays.

8
Marking Criteria
The marking criteria for this essay can be found below:
Criteria
Reading and Knowledge
Weight 40%
Sub- Level of reading
criteria Level of knowledge
Reading and Knowledge
Mark
Mark Descriptor
80+ Extensive reading and
exceptionally
comprehensive knowledge,
demonstrated through the
use of a wide range of high
quality academic journal
articles, books and reliable
newspapers and
magazines.
70-79 Excellent and wide reading
and comprehensive
knowledge, demonstrated
through the use of a high
quality academic journal
articles, books and reliable
newspapers and
magazines.
60-69 Good range of reading and
good knowledge. Only a few
academic journal articles
may be referred, alongside
books and reliable online
sources.
50-59 Satisfactory reading and
reasonable knowledge.
There may be little
reference to academic
journal articles, and the
reading may be limited to
textbooks and online
sources.
40-49 Limited reading and
incomplete knowledge.
Several unreliable online
sources used.
<40 Poor level of reading and
failure to demonstrate
competent knowledge.
Several unreliable online
sources used.
Analysis and Argument
40%
Level of analysis (or
argument)
Critical thinking
Analysis and Argument
Mark Descriptor
Outstanding critical and
analytical assessment of the
topic. Clear evidence of
independent and original
thought, ability to defend a
position logically and
convincingly with arguments
presented that are
sophisticated and highly
challenging.
Excellent critical argument on
the topic and / or analysis.
Clear evidence of independent
thought, ability to defend a
position logically and
convincingly.
Good analysis and / or
argument. Evidence of some
critical thought with a well-
developed argument.
Adequate analysis and / or
argument. Little evidence of
critical thought in the analysis
(or argument). The argument
may be largely one-sided.
Limited awareness of the
topic. Very superficial analysis
or argument.
Poor and unacceptable
awareness of the topic. Failure
to demonstrate competent
understanding. Lack of
thought and/or confused or
irrelevant argument.
9
Organisation and
Presentation
20%
Referencing
General presentation
General organisation
Use of language
Organisation and
Presentation Mark
Descriptor
Outstanding organisation
& presentation of the
analysis (or argument).
Outstanding English with
no grammatical mistakes.
Outstanding referencing
and extensive
bibliography.
Excellent thought given to
organisation &
presentation of the
analysis (or argument).
Excellent English with
appropriate referencing
and comprehensive
bibliography.
Good organisation &
presentation of the
analysis (or argument).
Good English with
appropriate referencing
and bibliography.
Satisfactory organisation &
presentation, with much
scope for improvement.
Adequate level of English
with several grammatical
mistakes. Satisfactory, yet
inconsistent referencing.
Limited effort in
organisation &
presentation. Inadequate
level of English language
and limited effort to use a
proper referencing style.
Lack of organisation &
presentation. Substantial
errors in English and very
poor or absent referencing
and bibliography.
10
 Resit Assessment 2 – 24 hr Take away paper (70%)
Link to Module Learning Outcomes
The TAP links to learning objectives one and three. Specifically the TAP requests students
demonstrate a critical understanding of well-established principles of public management
and relevant theories and approaches to public management; and demonstrate the ability to
deploy key frameworks, methods and tools to analyse different types of public organisations.

Description
• The TAP is an essay-format assessment focusing on concepts from Public
Management.
• You will have 24 hours to complete the exam and submit your answers.
• There will be two questions, students must answer both questions.
• You must submit a maximum of 500 words for each answer, and no more than
1000 words in total.

Preparation
● Students need to revise the lectures content and related readings.
● Seminars are useful in reinforcing and developing knowledge for the module.
● Independent revision is essential to prepare for the TAP.
● Reading through and practicing with past papers under exam conditions is also
strongly recommended.

Support
● A revision session will be provided in week 11. This session will begin with an
overview of practical tips for dealing with the paper before going through a mock
paper with students.

Marking Criteria
The marking criteria for this TAP can be found below:

Reading & Knowledge 40%
Mark Mark Descriptor
70+ Evidence of extensive reading
and exceptionally
comprehensive knowledge,
demonstrated through accurate
and detailed answer.
60-69 Evidence of Good range of
reading and good knowledge
indicated in generally accurate
and near complete answer.
50-59 Evidence of satisfactory reading
and reasonable knowledge.
40-49 Evidence of only a limited
reading and incomplete
knowledge.
<40 Evidence of a poor level of
reading and failure to
demonstrate competent
knowledge.
Analysis & Argument 40%
Mark Descriptor
Evidence of Outstanding critical
and analytical assessment of
the topic with clear evidence of
independent and original
thought.
Evidence of good analysis and /
or argument with some critical
thought and a well-developed
argument.
Evidence of adequate analysis
and / or argument. Little
evidence of critical thought in
the analysis (or argument) or an
imbalanced argument.
Evidence of limited awareness
of the topic. Very superficial
analysis or argument.
Evidence of a poor and
unacceptable awareness of the
topic. Failure to demonstrate
competent understanding. Lack
of thought and/or confusion.
Organisation 20% Mark
Descriptor
Outstanding organisation &
presentation of the analysis (or
argument).
Evidence of good organisation
& presentation of the analysis
(or argument).
Evidence of satisfactory
organisation & presentation,
with much scope for
improvement.
Evidence of limited effort in
organisation & presentation.
Evidence of a lack of
organisation & presentation.

11
 Writing Well and Avoiding Academic Misconduct
● Plagiarism, collusion, and cheating in exams are all forms of academic misconduct
which the University takes very seriously.
● Every year, some students commit academic misconduct unintentionally because
they did not know what was expected of them. The consequences for committing
academic misconduct can be severe, so it is important that you familiarise yourself
with what it is and how to avoid it.
● The University’s Skills Hub guide to study skills gives advice on writing well, including
hints and tips on how to avoid making serious mistakes. You will also find helpful
guides to referencing properly and improving your critical writing skills. Make use of
the resources there.
● If you are dealing with difficult circumstances, such as illness or bereavement, do not
try to rush your work or hand in something which may be in breach of the rules.
Instead you should seek confidential advice from the Student Life Centre. The full
University rules on academic misconduct are set out in the Examination and
Assessment Regulations Handbook.
● If you do not think that you should be taking this assessment, or if you have
any additional questions, please get in touch as soon as possible.

Marking Process and Ensuring Marking Fairness

● The University takes several steps to ensure marking fairness.
● Assessment Convening: The module convenor is usually the lead marker, designs
the assessment, and specifies the marking criteria.
● Calibration: When there are several markers:
● They calibrate their marking expectations and scale, usually in a meeting before the
marking begins. They usually mark a few submissions together and discuss the
characteristic of poor to excellent works using the marking criteria.
● The module convenor checks the marks and distributions by each marker to ensure
similarity and fairness across groups. By analysing the data, any unexplained
anomalies are identified and compensated.
● Moderation: A sample of the marked submissions/scripts (including some from each
mark classification) is then looked at by a moderator to confirm the accuracy of the
marking (if they feel there is a problem they may recommend a third person to review
all scripts).
● External Examination: The sample is then sent to an external examiner to confirm
that the marking has been appropriate and internal procedures have been followed.
● Finally, a Module Assessment Board (MAB) then considers the overall distribution of
marks, taking into account any complaints or problems raised concerning each
module, and a Progression and Award Board (PAB) agrees awards for successful
candidates and resit/sit opportunities for failed modules/assessments.

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