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FdSc Uniformed Public Services 2012-13

SOUD1195

Introduction to Uniformed Public

Services

Module Guide

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Contents

Page

Contents .................................................................................2

1 Module Aims .......................................................................3

2 Module Team ......................................................................4

3 Teaching and Learning Strategy.................................................5

4 Assessment .........................................................................6

5 Date of Submission................................................................6

6 Definitive Module Record ........................................................8

7 Scheme of Learning ………………….……………...…………………………………………..10

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1 Module Aims

Welcome to module SOUD1195, Introduction to Uniformed the Public

services.

This module provides students the opportunity to gain first hand practical

experience of the workings of Public Services organisations.

The module aims to build on the theoretical elements of this and other

modules giving you a practical and real environment to practice and develop.

This module will provide you with the structure and skills to explore the

invaluable experiential learning opportunities which can be gained from the

experience of working alongside public service professionals.

A copy of the full Definitive Module Record for this module can be found at

the back of this guide.

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2 Module Team

This module will be led by:

Glyn Potter

Room UCG3

t 01803 540328 | e glyn.potter@southdevon.ac.uk

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3 Teaching and Learning Strategy

Crucially, the module content and delivery takes into account the

individuality and diversity of the learner - further recognising the value of

motivation and self-belief by creating opportunities for on-going critical

reflection and the practical application of new and ‘transferable’ skills which

will be relevant to a wide range of academic and employment contexts.

This module aims to ensure that students are equipped to understand the

dynamics of the public policy process, how it is likely to influence their

professional career and ways in which they can be engaged in the process.

It assesses policy relating the Uniformed Pubic services, with in the wider

context of the wider public policy process, taking account of recent

developments in public policy processes. It ensures professional relevance

through providing students with the opportunity to choose a case study

relating policy development to their professional or career aspirations.

This module is essentially student lead focussing on the benefits of work

experiencing in an environment as close as possible to their interests or

intended career choices, therefore it is a requirement of the module for

the student to attend a practicum placement.

Alongside a practicum placement which is integral to this module students

will participate in group discussions, seminars, research tasks and lectures.

A variety of teaching and learning techniques will be used in the delivery of

this module e.g. case studies, group discussion, individual and paired

research, seminars, presentations, in class projects and guest lecturers.

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4 Assessment

This module will be assessed through a 3000 word policy inquiry report &

presentation completed in small groups and a 2000 word Case study.

Policy inquiry report: 3000 word written report

Task One: (50%)

In small groups (makeshift policy research teams) you will evaluate the

public policy making process relevant to your chosen area of interest.

You will identify a specific policy and explore the process of this policy

from agenda setting through to the implementation & evaluation. Your

report will provide a full and detailed evaluation of the policy and

provide recommendations.

2000 word individual Case study - Public Services and the Policy Process

Task Two: (50%)

In relation to your practicum placements, examine ways in which the

organisation has participated in the policy process. This will involve:

Describe and evaluate the evolving structures and operational

priorities of the organisation as it interprets and responds to policy

change.

This case study will require students to engage in both a detailed programme

of reading relating to the policy process and extensive primary research

relating to the chosen organisation.

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5 Date of Submission

Policy Report 50%

Formative assessment:

Friday 11th January 2013

Summative assessment:

Wednesday 25th January 2013

Case study – 50%

Formative assessment:

Wednesday 22nd May 2012 0900 – 1100

Summative assessment:

Wednesday 5th June 2013

Submissions must be in-line with University of Plymouth and South Devon

College academic regulations. Any extenuating circumstances must be

applied for before date of submission. Failure to submit on time will result in

a nil grade.

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6 Definitive Module Record

UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH MODULE RECORD

MODULE CODE: SOUD1195 CREDITS: 20 LEVEL: 4

MODULE TITLE: Introduction to the Uniformed Public Services

PRE-REQUISITE(S): None

CO-REQUISITE(S): None

COMPENSATABLE WITHIN THIS PROGRAMME: Yes

SHORT MODULE DESCRIPTOR This module provides students with the opportunity to investigate and evaluate current Public Service

Sectors in line with their vocational aspirations and individual career route, enhancing employability.

ELEMENTS OF ASSESSMENT:

(C1)COURSEWORK 100%

Subject Assessment Panel Group to which module should be linked: TBC

Minimum pass mark for professional body accreditation: N/A

MODULE AIMS:

To allow students to acquire a knowledge of Uniformed Public Service Sectors

To develop transferable and employment related skills, including independence and responsibility

To provide an opportunity for students to apply the theoretical concepts studied to a real world

To provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate the current challenges facing various

services

ASSESSED LEARNING OUTCOMES: At the end of a module the learner will be expected to

be able to: 1. To explore the policy making process with regard to the uniformed public services

2. Describe the structure and operations of a public service workplace. 3. To evaluate current practices within Uniformed Public Services

4. To explore the current challenges facing Uniformed Public Service employment.

INDICATIVE SYLLABUS CONTENT: Health and safety

Confidentiality Accountability and responsibility

Employment law Trends and statistics

Current affairs Government Policy (related)

Policy making process – decision making, implementation and evaluation.

APPROVAL: DATE OF APPROVAL:

DATE OF IMPLEMENTATION: DATE(S) OF APPROVED CHANGE: XX/XX/XX

FACULTY: University of Plymouth

Colleges

SCHOOL:

PARTNER INSTITUTION:

South Devon College

(For FHSW) NAME OF SITE:

MODULE LEADER: Ken Fraser Term:

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Assessment Criteria:

Task One:

Briefly discuss recent macro level policy developments that have changed the policy

environment.

Examine the public policy making process relevant to your chosen area of interest, identify a

specific policy and explore the cyclical process of this policy from idea conception through to

the evaluation. You will need to explore the current challenges facing your chosen organisation.

Task Two

In relation to a Public Services organisation of your choice, examine ways in which the organisation has

participated in the policy process. This will involve:

Describe and evaluate the evolving structures and operational priorities of the organisation as it

interprets and responds to policy change.

This case study will require students to engage in both a detailed programme of reading relating to the

policy process and extensive primary research relating to the chosen organisation.

Assessment Mode:

Coursework 100%:

Schedule of Teaching and Learning: Contact: The module will include a variety of learning strategies including tutor and student-led inputs,

exercises for individuals and small groups, and a variety of discussions in both small and large groups.

Non-contact: Directed and non-directed reading, collection and review of information, discussion and

reflection about development in the work placement, preparation and completion of assessment task.

1.1.1 Recommended Texts and Sources

Anderson, A. (1993) Successful training practice: a mangers guide to self-development. Boud,. D. Keogh,. R. and Walker,. D. (1999) Reflection: Turning Experience into Learning. Kogan Page

Ltd Cottrell, S. (2003) Skills for Success: The personal development planning handbook. Palgrave Macmillan

Dorey, P. (2005) Policy Making in Britain: An Introduction. London: SAGE Guirdham, M. (2002) Interactive Behaviour at Work (3rd Edition) Financial Times: Pearson Education.

Hayes, J. (2002) Interpersonal Skills and Work. Routledge.

Hill, M. (2012) The Public Policy Process. New York: Pearson. Honey, P. (2000) Learning Log: A way to evidence Learning from Experience. Peter Honey Publications.

Pedler, M., Burgoyne, J., Boydell, T. & Welshman, G. (1990) Self-development in organisations. McGraw-Hill

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7 Scheme of Learning

Week Topic Suggested Reading

Topic /Activity

1 – 28 Sept Module introduction, assessment and

reading for the module.

Discuss career intentions and identify likely beneficial work placements.

Discuss how students are going to explore work placement possibilities and the

benefits to be gained from working in these environments.

Introduce think tanks and the policy

process.

Module Guide

Dorey, P (2005) Policy making in Britain.

Chapter 1. Hill, M (2012) Public

policy process. Chapter 1.

Guirdham, M. (2002)

Interactive Behaviour at Work (3rd Edition)

Financial Times: Pearson Education.

2 – 5 Oct Policy Making Process defining problems

and devising policies

Devising think tanks (policy research

teams)

Dorey, P (2005) Policy

making in Britain.

Chapter 2. Hill, M (2012) Public

policy process. Chapter 8.

3 – 12 Oct Policy Making Process organized interests and policy networks

Dorey, P (2005) Policy making in Britain.

Chapter 5.

Hill, M (2012) Public policy process. Chapter

4.

4 – 19 Oct Parliament & Policy Making Process Dorey, P (2005) Policy

making in Britain.

Chapter 6.

5 – 26 Oct The implementation of public Policy Dorey, P (2005) Policy

making in Britain.

Chapter 7. Hill, M (2012) Public

policy process. Chapter 9 & 12.

6 – 16 Nov Policy analysis and evaluation Hill, M (2012) Public policy process. Chapter

6.

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7 – 23 Nov Think tank inquiry Student generated research & reading

8 – 30 Nov Think tank inquiry Student generated

research & reading

9 - 7 Dec Think tank inquiry Student generated

reading and research

10 - 14 Dec Think tank inquiry Student generated

reading and research

11 – 11 Jan Visit to Parliament – and select

committee debate

Student generated

reading and research

12 – 18 Jan Formative assessment of inquiry report

Peer review

13 – 25 Jan Summative assessment of inquiry report Student generated reading and research

27th Feb Practicum seminar Students field notes

27th Mar Practicum seminar Students field notes

24th Apr Practicum seminar Students field notes

22nd May Practicum seminar Students field notes

The yellow sessions are on a Wednesday during tutorial