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Public Budgets and Financial Management (PPMN90033)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Online
Overview
Availability | July - Online |
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Fees | Look up fees |
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: 8 November 2024