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Public Administration Dissertations and Final Research Papers

Theses/dissertations from 2017 2017.

Employee Engagement and Marginalized Populations , Brenna Miaira Kutch

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Impact of a State Evidence-Based Practice Legislative Mandate on County Practice Implementation Patterns and Inpatient Behavioral Health Discharge , Carl William Foreman

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

A Case Study of Collaborative Governance: Oregon Health Reform and Coordinated Care Organizations , Oliver John Droppers V

Higher Education Reform in Oregon, 2011-2014: A Policy and Legislative History , Sean Pollack

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

The Institutional Context that Supports Team-Based Care for Older Adults , Anna Foucek Tresidder

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Attaining a Sustainable Future for Public Higher Education: The Role of Institutional Effectiveness and Resource Dependence , Mirela Blekic

Governance in the United States Columbia River Basin: An Historical Analysis , Eric Thomas Mogren

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Use of Media Technologies by Native American Teens and Young Adults: Evaluating their Utility for Designing Culturally-Appropriate Sexual Health Interventions Targeting Native Youth in the Pacific Northwest , Stephanie Nicole Craig Rushing

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Oregon Physicians' Perception of the Drug Enforcement Administration's Use of Enforcement Discretion Related to the Use of Opioids in the Treatment of Chronic Pain , Robert Dale Harrison

City Management Theory and Practice: A Foundation for Educating the Next Generation of Local Government Administrators , Scott Douglas Lazenby

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

The Institutionalization of Diversity and Gender Equity Norms and Values in Higher Education Settings , Rowanna Lynn Carpenter

Organizational Complexity in American Local Governance: Deploying an Organizational Perspective in Concept and Analytic Framework Development , Charles David Crumpton

Multi-Level Environmental Governance : a Comparative Case Study of Five Large Scale Natural Resource Management Programs , Shpresa Halimi

Police Organizations : an Empricial Examination of American Sheriff's Offices and Municipal Police Agencies , Matthew Adam Jones

Measuring Community-Engaged Departments: A Study to Develop an Effective Self-Assessment Rubric for the Institutionalization of Community Engagement in Academic Departments , Kevin Kecskes

Creating a Theoretical Framework for Understanding Homeland security using Multiple Frame Analysis , Linda Ann Kiltz

Emerging Governance at the Edge of Constrained Federalism : Public Administrators at the Frontier of Democracy , Gary Lloyd Larsen

George Lakoff"s Theory of Worldview : a Case Study of the Oregon Legislature , Catherine Law

Who Benefits? : a Multilevel Analysis of the Impact of Oregon's Volunteer Mentor Program for Postsecondary Access on Scholarship Applicants , Alisha Ann Lund-Chaix

Organizational Change in Corrections Organizations : the Effect of Probation and Parole Officer Culture on Change in Community Corrections , Shea Brackin Marshman

Lost in Translation : Ideas of Population Health Determinants in the American Policy Arena , Maria Gilson Sistrom

Representation without Taxation : China's Rural Development Initiatives For a New Millenium , Minzi Su

How Organizational Arrangements Affect High Reliability in Public Research Universities: Perceptions of environmental Health and Safety Directors , Rita Finn Sumner

The Washington State Patrol, Accountability-Driven Leadership, and the Organizational Factors that Propelled their Success: An Organizational Analysis , Timothy Carl Winchell

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

The Changing Paradigm of Emergency Management : Improving professional development for the Emergency Manager , Robert Edward Grist

Global Civil Society Finding Collective Voice in Diversity , Kristen Marie Magis

Information Technology Training in the Public Sector : Essential Planning Elements , Betty Jean Reynolds

From Prison to the Community : the Role of Citizen Participation in Female Prisoner Reentry , Dana Roderick Torrey

Network Analysis of a Shared Governance System , Debra Reifman Whitall

Theses/Dissertations from 2006 2006

Presidential Values : Implications for Foreign Policy , Jordan Katherine Durbin

The Interactions between Carbon Regulation and Renewable Energy policies in the United Kingdom , Hal Thomas Nelson

Theses/Dissertations from 2005 2005

Reorganizing the Oregon Department of Human Services : an Exploratory Case Study of Organizational Change , Charles Anthony Gallia

Theses/Dissertations from 2003 2003

Portrayals of Disability in the Professional Preparation of Speech-language Pathologists , Jane Eric Sleeper Gravel

Theses/Dissertations from 2002 2002

The Effects of Parent Care and Child Care Role Quality on Work outcomes among dual-earner couples in the sandwiched generation , Angela Rickard

Theses/Dissertations from 2000 2000

The Role and Performance of Governmental and Nongovernmental Organizations in Family Planning implementation : Jordan as a Case Study , Khalaf al Hadded

Theses/Dissertations from 1999 1999

The Value of Independence in Old Age , Paula C. Carder

American Indian Elderly and Long-Term Care : Interorganizational Barriers to the Use of Oregon's Home and Community-Based Medicaid Waiver , Jo Lynn Isgrigg

The Effects of Mentoring on Work-parenting Gains and Strains in a Sample of Employed Predominately Female AFDC Recipients , Charlene Rhyne

Theses/Dissertations from 1998 1998

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Physician Assistants , Roderick Stanton Hooker

Theses/Dissertations from 1997 1997

State Funding for Special Education in Oregon : Calculating Cost Differentials of special education for handicapped students in Oregon school districts , Kyung-Sup Kim

Theses/Dissertations from 1996 1996

Scenery as Policy: Public Involvement in Developing a Management Plan for the Scenic Resources of the Columbia River Gorge , Gordon Mathews Euler

Impact of the Medical Library Assistance Act of 1965 on Health Sciences Libraries in the Pacific Northwest: an Interorganizational Approach , Leonoor Swets Ingraham

Administrative Reform in China: Its Impact on Economic Development After Mao , Meiru Liu

Theses/Dissertations from 1994 1994

Oregon Primary Care Physicians' Support for Health Care Reform , Timothy Alan Baker

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A New Look at Comparative Public Administration: Trends in Research and an Agenda for the Future

2011, Public Administration Review

Related papers

Public Administration Review, 2012

Abstract: What is the relationship between public administration scholarship and the study of Third World administration? This article answers this question by presenting the intellectual history of Third World administrative studies and by examining recent empirical studies of developing country administration. Our results suggest Third World administrative research published in leading international publications has become a small-scale, disparate, descriptive, qualitative and non-comparative sub-field dominated by Western researchers. This empirical finding provides a platform from which a vision for public administration as a global social science is articulated and advanced.

This article provides a synthesis of research on Third World administrative systems by reviewing both its status within public administration as well as by undertaking a literature review of articles published in leading social science journals. This meta- review identifies predicaments facing non-Western public administration research. It provides a platform from which to identify the challenges of Third World administrative

Teaching Public Administration

Within the past two decades, globalization has led to increased literature on comparative public administration (CPA) research, and it has enhanced analyses of administrative systems in various societies. Our paper examines CPA education among Master of Public Administration and Master of Public Policy programs in the United States. The findings highlight select topics of interest from these courses, as well as emphasizing an immediate need for programs to internationalize their curricula, in order to prepare the next generation of public administrators and policy analysts.

African Journal of Political Science and International Relations, 2018

This study aimed to investigate the major challenges facing Togolese State government in public administration, and to provide some policy recommendation that can be applied to overcome these threats. In order to look into Togolese government managerial capacity in the implementation of national development initiatives and deliver the necessary public services efficiently and effectively, comparative public administration studies was applied. Togolese administrative management framework was designed following the French system, its ancient master of colonization. The temporal dimension of the Togolese administrative management is often decisive, not only with respect to inherited constructions and other "sunk costs", but also in the form of laws, inherited political relations, legacy management systems and inherited cultural attitudes and other norms. (Pollitt, 2008: xiii). In addition, the "equilibrium thesis" is not relevant because bureaucracy in the urban and rural institution is weak, lacks resources, technical expertise and professional development. The autocratic rule in Togo State has led to "boss-dominated" bureaucracies, where senior bureaucratic positions are occupied by supporters and friends of autocratic political leaders; thus limiting competition for power. At the lower level of professional development, the bureaucracy is gradually transformed into a collaborator, who shares the largesse of power and wealth, even if it is relegated to the status of appendage of political authority. Togo State public administration needs to be transformed and revitalized in order to improve the administrative capacity to implement the policy and to deliver public services; conditions that are essential for good governance.

International Journal of Innovative Social Sciences and Humanities Research, 2013

Public Administration Review, 2008

Higher Education, 1996

The article explores the historical background of comparative policy studies. These studies are traced back to the comparative approaches in political science and public administration. Following a discussion on the methodological aspects of the comparative approach, an overview and assessment of a number of recent comparative policy studies in higher education is presented.

Theory and Methodology in the Study of Comparative Public Administration

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Current Trends and Issues in Public Administration

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By Matt Rowley Posted on April 26, 2022

U.S. public agencies at the federal, state and local levels – and governments across the world – have reacted to the COVID-19 pandemic in various ways. Public administration professionals are navigating through the heavy economic and social pressures they’ve faced since the start of the pandemic, and they’ve learned about the need for flexibility and adaptability within multi-level governance systems.

Although the pandemic has caused many issues and challenges in public administration, there are also other trends worth monitoring. In this article, we explore eight current trends and issues in public administration, including those directly connected to the pandemic and those that aren’t.

1. Increased Digital Governance

The complications of the COVID-19 pandemic have ushered in the next generation of government digitization . For many public agencies, digital transformation went from "good to have" to "must-have." Governments have sped their digital journey along three important dimensions to accommodate the spike in service demand while working virtually:

• Building a more digitally-skilled staff.
• Growing their digital infrastructure.
• Investing in citizen connection.

2. Improved Data Management

Within and beyond government, data is becoming increasingly important. Public agencies are developing new ways to maximize the value of the data they have, including sharing it correctly and ethically. The trend toward fluid, dynamic data is transforming how government and its partners in academia, charities and the commercial sector utilize and exchange data around the world.

This can include repurposing data to acquire fresh insights into the past and present, as well as making informed projections about the future. Organizations can create programs that are based on an intelligence architecture. Past performance, along with real-time data, can help public administration officials make better decisions for the future.

3. Anticipatory Public Services

Citizens are increasingly receiving tailored, seamless and proactive services in their daily lives, and they expect the same from government entities. For example, state and local agencies are exploring the increased use of digital tools – such as automated text message reminders – when administering the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children.

In order to transform their services and realize this idea of seamless service delivery , governments are pursuing several strategies, such as:

• Committing to entirely digital services.
• Constructing infrastructure to enable such seamless services.
• Establishing proactive services based on life events.

4. Comprehensive Cybersecurity Measures

With government agencies investing more in digitization – including more efforts in using data and anticipatory services – cybercriminals now have more potential targets in the public sector. Improving the nation’s overall cybersecurity is a national priority , as a single cyberattack on one government target can pose a danger to a whole industry or sector. Government officials are working to break down internal silos, identify vulnerabilities, and employ skilled cybersecurity professionals at all levels.

5. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Another concern related to increased digitization and data usage is ensuring that government agencies also prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion. Responsible organizations are now concentrating more on the underlying causes of systemic inequalities and examining how their policies are produced, implemented and reviewed. Some of the approaches being used are:

• Accessible design of government services.
• Co-creation and citizen engagement.
• Data sovereignty and equity.
• Equitable access to public goods.

6. Flexible and Remote Workplaces

Organizations are rethinking how to carry out their missions. The pandemic brought the future of government employment into the present, from remote labor to telemedicine and online classrooms. This direction coincides with the rise of flexible and remote workplaces , including methods for managing a distributed workforce and providing high-quality citizen services remotely.

7. Agile Administration

Again, the COVID-19 pandemic underlined the importance of rapid, flexible and mission-driven governance, and public administration offices across the globe have demonstrated that they are up to the task. Government entities must be able to make quick judgments and move ahead with confidence, especially during emergencies . Policymaking, legislation, procurement and the workforce are all examples of where this is needed.

8. Rebuilding Government Trust

In the U.S., trust in the government has hovered near historic lows for years. One of the keys to rebuilding this trust is understanding that “the government” is not one entity; it’s composed of many different agencies that fulfill different roles and offer different services.

Deloitte Insights, a global research agency, proposed the following six “ archetypes ” of government agencies, each with their own set of considerations and strategies for restoring trust:

• Educator: Impart knowledge, skills and resources to inform, influence or drive an outcome (example: Census Bureau).
• Enforcer: Enforce rules and regulations by detecting wrongdoing and enacting consequences (example: law enforcement agencies).
• Innovator: Drive new ways of thinking and doing or support the innovation of others through investment (example: NASA).
• Regulator: Develop rules and regulations that effectively deter undesired or illegal behaviors (example: Food and Drug Administration).
• Retailer: Offer goods and services to external customers or staff in a competitive environment (example: U.S. Postal Service).
• Retailer-Like: Provide a service, often for a fee, but no competitive alternative exists (example: Department of Motor Vehicles).

Government agencies can identity their archetype, focus on their public perception, study what has worked for other agencies within their archetype, and build strategies to strengthen their perception. It can be a complicated challenge, but rebuilding government trust is possible.

Education in Public Administration

In addition to following new trends in public administration and developing your key skills , advancing your education with a degree in public administration can also be helpful for your career.*

Here at Columbia Southern University, we offer an online Master of Public Administration , including concentrations in criminal justice and emergency services management . To learn more about our online degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels, visit our website .

*Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography and degree field, affect career outcomes, and CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.

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Public Administration Research and Practice: A Methodological Manifesto1

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Tips on Choosing a Topic

Choose a topic.

Choosing a topic does not seem like it should be difficult. Unfortunately, it often is.

Choosing a right topic can often make the entire process much easier. This can be done if you follow these steps.

1. Pick a topic that interests you.

The topics we can choose are often dictated by assignments, classes, professors, etc. But, find a topic you like will make the process more rewarding.

If you have an open-ended assignment, browsing the databases listed below can help you decide on a topic by giving you a jumping off point. They also have the added benefit of suggesting many different resources once your topic is found:

• CQ Researcher This database publishes reports that provide overviewed, background information, opinion pieces, and lots of references for a large collection of topics. A really great place to start, if you aren’t certain what’s out there.
• Opposing Viewpoints in Context Much like CQ Researcher, this database provides overviews, media, background information, and lots of references on specific topics that are known to be in the public eye. A great place to browse for topics, or to find out more about one you’re considering.
• Google News or Yahoo News – specific topics Google or Yahoo news can show you topics that are currently being discussed. It can be a good place to start.

2. Find information on your topic.

You may find a topic like "Obesity" or "Fracking" interesting enough to write about, but not know very much beyond what you've noticed in the news.

That's okay! Even for subjects that you feel that you know a lot about, it's hugely beneficial to get background information. That's where encyclopedias and other reference materials come in. You can use them to discover definitions, general trends, subtopics, and other items of interest about the subject you are interested in. Once this information is gathered, you can use it conduct more effective research.

Didn't think you'd see this here, did you?

Wikipedia is a really good example of a reference source: a place you go when you want to see what something is. Just like many other encyclopedias, it can give you a basic overview, related topics, and even a brief history of your subject. However, because pages can be edited by anyone (your mom, your little brother, your nosy neighbor down the street), there’s a risk that someone has messed around with the information and it’s completely wrong . On top of that, you can’t cite it. So feel free to use it, but make sure you use it wisely.

• Gale Virtual Reference Library (GVR) Imagine this as Wikipedia’s older, more reliable sibling, the one you can count on to not exaggerate or just plain lie. It works the same way, but people who have definitely done their research are the ones writing the entries. What’s more, unlike Wikipedia, most instructors will allow materials from GVR to be cited in your assignment. Information isn’t worth very much if you can’t use it!
• Oxford Reference Online , and Sage Reference Online Just like the GVR, but from different publishers.

Now that you’ve done your background research, your topic should be shaping itself more clearly to you. It can help at this point to create a concept or mind map that demonstrates the interconnected aspects of the topic and how they relate to each other.

It’s now that you need to take the aspects of the topic that are of most interest to you, and form them into a question that your research assignment will answer. This question will guide your research forward, helping you to stay focused and relevant.

3. Create a research question.

When the time comes to do the bulk of your research, three different things can happen with your results.

It’s not pleasant to be on the verge of writing a paper or script, only to find that your topic is too new, obscure, narrow, or broad to find enough supporting research to complete. So it’s important to try it out, and to change your topic, if you find yourself with too many, too few, or irrelevant results.

Some good general tools to try a preliminary search in are:

• LIONSearch This tool is a single interface to the combined resources provided by the Penn State University Libraries. What that means is that LIONSearch covers almost everything that the library has access to, both print and digital collections. The Google of the library, if you will.
• Academic Search Complete Comprehensive scholarly, multi-disciplinary full-text database, with more than 5,300 full-text periodicals - in other words, lots of great stuff!
• The CAT This is the library’s traditional catalog, but it doesn’t only search books. Ebooks, videos, journals, and many other types of media can be found here as well

While you’re searching, if you find a few articles or books that you really like, use the GET IT! button

Example questions might be:

• How has the obesity epidemic affected Native communities in the United States?
• How has the economy of North Dakota been affected by fracking?

As you can see, these questions take specific aspects of the broader topics of “obesity” and “fracking,” and narrows them both into focused queries that a thesis statement then begin to answer.

5. Broaden or narrow your topic as needed.

If during your test search, you found too many or too few results, you may need to either narrow, or broaden your topic to make it more manageable.

• To narrow your topic, consider making it more specific. Focus on one aspect of your topic. This can include geographical area, culture, time frame, discipline, and population group (age, gender, ethnic group, profession, etc).
• To broaden your topic, consider backing away from your more specific descriptors. Topics that are very narrow are often locally confined, recent, or focusing on very specific aspects of a larger whole (eg. Lady Gaga vs. Pop Music). 

If you're having any difficulty with this step, or any other, feel free to Ask a Librarian .

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