Public Organisation ECONM1020
- Level: MSc
- Credit point value: 15
- Unit Director: Carol Propper
- Lecturers: Carol Propper
Programmes
Compulsory Unit in: Economics and Public Policy,
Optional Unit in: Economics, Economics and Econometrics, Quantitative Development Economics, Economics and Finance, Economics, Finance and Management.
Unit Aims
To understand the economics of public organisation
General Description of the Unit
The course examines issues in the provision of public services. These services are often financed by government but may be provided by private, not for profit or state providers. The topics addressed include the use of incentives in contracting for public services, the impact of competition and choice, the role for non-for-profits, contracting out and privatisation and market and government failure in core areas of the welfare state. The course covers both theoretical and empirical material and potential implications for policy design are kept in mind throughout.
Teaching Methods
15 contact hours, including lectures and student presentations.
Learning Objectives
- An understanding of the economics of the delivery of public services and an ability to critically evaluate theoretical and empirical contributions to this field.
Assessment Methods
One two-hour closed book examination in May/June.
Transferable Skills
- Academic skills: thinking analytically and critically; evaluating arguments and evidence.
- Communication skills: delivering coherent arguments in written essays and presentations.
Texts
The course will not be based on one specific textbook. Recommended readings are:
- Financing and Managing Public Services, special issue of Oxford Review of Economic Policy Volume 19 No 2 (2003)
- Barr N (2004), The Economics of the Welfare State, 4th edition
- Megginson W.L. and J.M. Netter, (2001), From State to Market: A Survey of Empirical Studies on Privatisation, Journal of Economic Literature, Vol 39, 321-389
- Burgess, S, Propper, C and Wilson, D, 'Choice: Will More Choice Improve Outcomes in Education and Health Care? The Evidence from Economic Research' (pdf) CMPO, University of Bristol March 2005