Public Budgets and Financial Management (PPMN90033)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2020
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
About this subject
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
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Public sector budget frameworks are premised on efficiency, effectiveness and the ethical use of taxpayer’s money. This subject considers how public managers and ministers work within these frameworks to balance at times competing objectives and political undercurrents, including accountability under legislation, the legislative committee process, and the audit process. The focus is on OECD countries and trends in budget and spending review cycles, the empowerment of finance ministries and audit institutions, the adoption of private sector practices, fiscal rules and principles, and intergenerational equity. In managing public expenditure this subject examines the design of tax and social welfare systems, how budgets are political and the interplay between governments and capital markets.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:
- Explain how governments are financed and the challenges identified in contemporary political debates;
- Deconstruct, compare and evaluate the macroeconomic frameworks underpinning public policy, along with a nuanced appreciation of the roles of key actors and institutions in national, regional and international contexts
- Identify, examine and appraise different budget models;
- Design and critique budget statements;
- Assess and critique different accountability and public sector processes around financial management.
Generic skills
Students who successfully complete this subject should have:
- in-depth knowledge of the disciplines of political science and policy and administration, and the ability to examine governance, policy and public sector reform issues from other disciplinary perspectives.
- critical and strong reasoning skills, and creativity in applying theory and research methods to complex practical problems across diverse contexts.
- effective oral and written communication skills.
- an advanced appreciation of the Asian and Pacific regions, including Indigenous knowledge, cultures and values and sustainable futures.
- autonomy, self-motivation, self-direction and outstanding organisational skills to set goals and manage time and priorities.
- skills in self-assessment, self-awareness, reflective and lifelong learning, with an overriding commitment to personal and professional integrity.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Political Science at Undergraduate level
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Budget paper
| Early in the teaching period | 30% |
Budget paper
| Mid semester | 30% |
Budget paper
| During the examination period | 40% |
| Hurdle requirement: As this is an online subject, regular participation in the LMS activities is expected. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Additional details
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
Not available in 2020
Time commitment details
170 hours
Additional delivery details
Entry into the Master of Public Policy and Management.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Specialisation (formal) Public Policy and Management Specialisation (formal) Public Policy and Management Informal specialisation PD-ARTS Public Policy and Management - Links to additional information
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 3 November 2022