LV EN RU DE FR

Public Administration

Course developers

Replaced course

PolZ5009 [GPOL5009] Public Administration

Course abstract

The study course introduces master's students to the contemporary theory and practice of public administration. It examines the goals, institutional structure, models, and functions of public administration, as well as Latvian and international experience in addressing current administrative problems and implementing innovations. The presentation of the topics is supplemented with the latest management research findings, publications, and regulatory acts, as well as with analysis of the sociological aspects of administration.
The aim of the study course is to provide master's students with an understanding of public administration that serves as a methodological basis for sociological research, social information analysis, development planning, and other administrative competencies.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge of the institutional system, the specifics of its operation and management, the practice and reforms of public administration in Latvia and abroad, the integration of the latest knowledge of management, information and crisis management in public administration. (Tests, discussions, independent work, presentations.)

Skills - to use the theoretical knowledge of administration in conducting applied sociological research, to include aspects of public policies in the sociological analysis of public spheres, to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of administrative decisions based on a systemic understanding of the activity of public administration and to analyze the operation of public sector organizations in the context of management theories and to use theoretical knowledge in information management and in solving crisis situations. (Analysis of case studies, policy documents, group and independent works, discussions.)


Competences - able to conduct sociological research in the field of public administration, but to use sociological analysis and the latest management knowledge as a resource in making administrative decisions. (Exam.)

Course Content(Calendar)

In full-time face-to-face studies:
Lecture topics:
1. Conceptualization of public administration: basic concepts and theoretical approaches. (2h)
2. Institutional structure and basic processes of public administration in Latvia. (2h)
3. Value systems and value orientations of society as a factor of public administration. (2h)
4. Models of public administration: comparative public administration. (2h)
5. The practice of modernization of public administration as a system in Latvia and abroad. (2h)
6. Tendencies that have influenced modern management. (2h)
7. Current trends in management and their impact on public administration. (2h)
8. Latest findings in personnel organization. (2h)
9. Information management challenges in organizations. (2h)
10. Principles of crisis management. (2h)

Topics of practical works / seminars:
1. Analysis of definitions of public administration. (1 hour)
2. The institutional structure of Latvian public administration. Seminar: E. Levits "Legal structure and basic concepts of the state and state administration" text analysis and discussion. (2 hours)
3. Value orientations of Latvian society. Seminar: research analysis in the context of public administration. (2 hours)
4. M. Weber. Bureaucracy. Workshop: text analysis. (2 hours)
5. Test 1. Institutional structure of Latvian public administration. (1 hour)
6. Analysis of the best practices of public administration reforms abroad. Research and document presentations. (2 hours)
7. Management trends in the state and municipal sector. Discussion. (1 hour)
8. Information management in the public sector. Discussion (1 hour)
9. Cyber security strategy analysis (1 hour)
10. Creative management opportunities and talent management in the public sector. Discussion. (1 hour)
11. Legal regulation of crisis management. Group work presentation. (2 hours)
12. Inclusion of the latest management findings in the implementation of certain management functions. Presentations of independent work. (3 hours)
13. 2nd test on management trends, processes and latest findings. (1 hour)

Part-time distance learning:
All topics specified for full-time studies are covered, but the number of contact hours is reduced to half of the number specified for full-time studies.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Exam – 50%
Two tests – 20%
Independent work, situation analysis, presentation of public administration studies or planning documents, analysis of policy documents and assessment and presentations of group work - 30%
10% corresponds to one point on the 10-point study results evaluation scale.


The study process in part-time distance learning is organised in accordance with Order of the Vice-Rector for Studies No. 2.4-8/54 on distance learning procedures at LBTU. Study courses are scheduled for each semester according to the study plan. Students acquire the topics covered in each course independently, using the materials prepared and uploaded by the lecturer in the e-studies environment (Moodle). Feedback on the learning of lecture and seminar topics is provided through self-assessment tests, discussion forums, and individual tasks, as well as during face-to-face or online consultations, lectures, and final examinations, according to the timetable.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

The independent work must be presented in the lessons at the scheduled time.
Test papers must be written in the time allotted for them.
Missed lessons are made up in accordance with the LBTU Study Regulations and the requirements provided in the study course program.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

A master’s student can receive a passing grade in the test if at least 50% of the questions are answered correctly.
Individual and group assignments are evaluated according to the requirements of task performance, the ability to apply theoretical insights on public administration, and the ability to analyze the operations of public-sector organizations.
Discussions are assessed based on participation and the ability to explain and debate issues related to situation analysis with well-reasoned arguments.

Compulsory reading

1. Brandsma G.J. Handbook on European Union Public Administration. Cheltenham, UK:
Edward Elgar, 2024. 386 p. ISBN: 978-1-80220-900-6
2. Artificial Intelligence in Science. Challenges, Opportunities and the Future of Research (2023) OECD Pieejams: https://www.oecd.org/publications/artificial-intelligence-in-science-a8d820bd-en.htm
3. Bariss V. Publiskā administrācija. Jelgava: LLU, 2009, 111.lpp.
4. Cropf R.A. The public administration casebook. Boston: Longman, 2012, 108 p.
5. Denhardt B.R. Theories of Public Organization. 6th ed. Boston: Wadsworth, 2011, 240 p.
6. Gaile A., Pavlova M. Efektīva vadītāja rokasgrāmata. Rīga: Valsts kanceleja, 2017, 171.lpp.
Pieejams:https://www.mk.gov.lv/sites/default/files/editor/efektiva_vaditaja_rokasgramata.pdf
7. Holzer M., Schwester R. Public administration: an introduction. Abingdon, Oxon, New York: Routledge, 2019, 438 p.
8. Informations Management. (2013)
Pieejams: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317012641_Information_Management
9. Levits E. Valsts un valsts pārvaldes juridiskā struktūra un pamatjēdzieni, 2020, 44. lpp.
10. Public administration in Central Europe: ideas as causes of reforms. London, New York: Routledge, 2020, 292 p.
11. Public administration under modern conditions: concept, features, chalenges. eBook. Rīga: Baltija Publishing, 2020. 264 p. Pieejams: http://www.baltijapublishing.lv/omp/index.php/bp/catalog/book/55
12. Shafritz J. M., Russell E.W., Borick C. Introducing Public Administration. 8th ed. London and NewYork: Routledge, 2015, 592 p.

13. Kā Latvijas sabiedrībai kļūt saliedētākai un pilsoniski aktīvākai? Sabiedriskās politikas centrs Providus. Rīga: Providus, 2023. 1 tiešsaistes resurss. 38 lp. https://www.km.gov.lv/lv/media/35067/download?attachment

Further reading

1.Weber. Bureaucracy. In: PublicAdministration. Concepts andCases. (ed. Stillman II r. J.) Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co,1996, pp. 58 - 66.
2.14 Ways to Build A Solid Crisis Management Strategy. (2020) Forbes,16. Sept. 2020. Pieejams: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2020/09/16/14-ways-to-build-a-solid-crisis-management-strategy/
3. FredericksonH. G. , SmithK. B., Larimer C. W., Licari M. J. The Public Administration Theory Primer.Boulder : Westview Press, 2018, 310 p.
4. Information management in practice. Faculty of University Sopot, 2015. Pieejams: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://wzr.ug.edu.pl/nauka/upload/files/Information%20management%20in%20practice.pdf
5.Ozoliņa Ž., Reinholde I. (red.) Laba pārvaldība. Rīga: Zinātne, 2009.
6. Praude V. Menedžments. 1. grāmata. Rīga: SIA" Burtene", 2012, 496 lpp.
7. Praude V. Menedžments. 2. grāmata. Rīga: SIA" Burtene", 2012, 305 lpp.

8. Scheller D.S. Elementary Statistics for Public Administration: An Applied Perspective. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 2025. ISBN: 978-1-009-43995-4

Periodicals and other sources

1. Attīstības plānošanas sistēmas likums. Pieejams: https://likumi.lv/ta/id/175748-attistibas-planosanas-sistemas-likums
2. Informācijas tehnoloģiju drošības likums. Pieejams: https://likumi.lv/ta/id/220962-informacijas-tehnologiju-drosibas-likums
3. Krīzes vadības padomes nolikums. Pieejams: https://likumi.lv/ta/id/224553-krizes-vadibas-padomes-nolikums
4. Saeimas kartības rullis. Pieejams: https://likumi.lv/ta/id/57517-saeimas-kartibas-rullis
5. Politikas veidošanas rokasgrāmata. Pārresoru koordinācijas centrs. Pieejams: https://www.pkc.gov.lv/sites/default/files/inline-files/pkc_rokasgramata_090316_web.pdf

6. Public Administration Review. Online ISSN:1540-6210 Pieejams: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/15406210

Notes

Compulsory course in the ESAF academic master’s study programme “Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration”.