PPM9440

Public sector financial management

Mr Graeme Macmillan

6 points
* One 3-hour session per week
* Second semester
* City and distance

Objectives The purpose of this subject is to analyse the impact of resource management allocation and management within the public sector from the viewpoint of the economy and public sector entities. The expected outcomes of the subject are a full understanding of the government financial management processes, and the development of financial management skills for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness of resource usage.
Synopsis This subject is concerned with the total impact of financial resource allocation and management within the public sector. It covers in detail the implications of the integrated management cycle of resource management used extensively in the public sector - planning, budgeting and resource allocation, performance management and direction (implementation), reporting and review, and then input to planning for the next resource allocation cycle. The emphasis is to develop each part of the cycle as an integral part of the management of resources, and demonstrate the importance of integrating finance, human and organisational resources into an overall planning structure. Issues include strategic business planning in government, privatisation and corporatisation, performance measurement, regulation of public finance and entrepreneurialism in the public sector. Case studies are used drawn from federal, state, local and overseas public sectors.

Assessment Major paper (2000 words): 50%
* Case studies (3000 words): 40%
* Attendance: 10%

Prescribed texts

Nicholls D Managing State finance NSW Treasury
Osborne D and Gaebler E Reinventing government Addison-Wesley