MPA Self Assessment
MPA Self Assessment
MPA Self Assessment
Introduction
The program of Master in Public Administration (MPA) was terminated just two years after
the inception of IM | Sciences, when the Institute became a separate entity after breaking off
from its parent Institution (University of Peshawar). Although in a period of much turmoil
and turbulence the programe survived in the initial years of establishment of IM/Sciences, but
only after the graduation of its first batch the programe was discontinued due to shortage of
funds. MPA program was restarted in the year 2008 with the help of British High
Commission which provided fully funded DFID merit based scholarships for the entire period
of two years to students who were eligible for admission in this program. However, even
after the Commission stopped its funding the program survived and it is now its budding
phase, but holds a promising future for the Institute, slowly and gradually gaining grounds.
MPA in now a full fledge program catering to the needs of students who want to pursue a
career in public administration or any related field. Its main emphasis is on management and
administration of public sector organizations, yet the program is equally valid for any non-
government as well as corporate sector. The students seeking admission in this program are
well equipped with the latest and necessary skills and knowledge in the relevant field. The
program also offers specialization in different areas keeping in view the market demand.
• Through its collaborative network of students, faculty, and the staff, the Institute’s
society in which individuals recognize their roles as accountable to the public good.
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executives, managers that can venture to shape the practice of administrative and
managerial activities in every industry and become a catalyst for social and economic
development.
The purpose of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) Degree Program is to prepare
students to enter the public sector as managers and leaders. The Program is designed to
enhance the career goals of professionals in government, special interests and lobbying
Public Administration (MPA). It aims at providing future public leaders with the conceptual
framework and practical skills necessary to succeed in public service. The objective of this
program is cultivating professional high class talents in the field of public administration.
Students’ abilities to apply public administrative theories and methodologies into practical
use are emphasized; in this program, students will enhance their critical understanding of
public policy, management themes, processes and skills in both the local and the international
countries. With the joint effort of the faculty members in IM/Sciences and carefully designed
curriculum, it is believed that besides mastering the general theories and research
will master the nature of public administration in a comparative perspective. Through probing
into both the successes and problems in the development process of Pakistan, students will
build stronger abilities for solving practical problems and difficulties they might come across
Mission Statement
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As a rule of thumb the mission statement of very program should flow from the bigger
mission statement of the Institute and should contribute toward the fulfillment of the
Institute’s mission.
The mission statement of MPA program reflects three core components without which no
mission statement can be complete, such as; its product, target market and strategy.
MPA program aims at practical application of theory and concept relevant to public
administration in specific and management in general, through active class room learning
Objectives of MPA
and management.
To promote democratic values and practices in the Pakistani society through studies
Short Term
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To reinforce the capacity of the Institute, high level manpower of the government, and
implementation.
manage policies.
However, besides these objectives there are some readily measurable and practical objectives
which serve the purpose of the program as well as the Institute. These objectives of the
to produce professionals who are well versed in the concepts and principles of public
administration.
to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective public sector
Outcomes
3. the graduates produced are responsible members of the society, who know the
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8. Efficient and effective personal organization skills.
9. Developing an individual learning capacity which will prepare the students and
10. Designing processes for intervening in specific social and political situations and
problems.
11. Understand and relate concepts, theories and methodologies from different
13. Constructively and effectively present complex contents and action proposals.
14. Working in teams and identifying the role you feel most comfortable with;
Seminars, group discussions, case studies and presentations assigned to small teams of
students are used to integrate students, skills, knowledge , abilities and learning. The Master
rather used for discussion than traditional lectures. Social competences and leadership skills
are developed through field research, team assignments and projects, and the presentation.
Learning and teaching is focused on applied studies. Thus, theories and models are learned
and taught within the context of their application to public administration issues and practical
projects, case studies, and public administration analyses. As for the dissertation, it should
integrate theories and methodologies students learnt in class room with real-life issues of
With English adopted as the basic language of instruction and assessment, through
communicating with professors and exchange students from various cultural backgrounds,
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utilizing well-known reference books and academic articles from different sources, will
guarantee students in this program be ready for a career related to public administration in
Type of Degree
the knowledge of public policy, planning, management and other related fields.
(i) The Program of studies leading to the MPA degree covers a time span of two years.
(ii) This period of two years is divided into four semesters. The first and second year of
studies, comprising two semesters each. In the first year of the program students are imparted
the basic education in public administration and management for the purpose of foundation
building. Followed by the specialized courses in the following year. After the completion of
course work the students are required to under take a research project, involving research
Course Units
For students to qualify for the award of an MA in Public Administration he/she must take a
total of twenty two (28) course units including research- based dissertation.
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(ii) A course unit is equivalent to three contact hours (3) per course, per week, per semester.
The course work is usually supplemented by seminars and lectures by guest speakers from
(iii) The Course Unit load per student shall be on average / or a minimum of five (5) courses
per semester.
Core Courses
The study program is based on Core and Optional/elective course structure. The core courses
are compulsory and deal with the broad aspects of public policy, local government, institution
building, organizations, public, regional and local finance, research and research
methodology. All the courses offered in MPA are approved by HEC and in line with the HEC
syllabi.
Besides the core courses MPA has to offer students a wide range of optional/ and or elective
courses. The optional courses are updated and modified in accordance to market dynamism
These optional/ elective courses allow for a more indepth analysis and understanding of
Management, Finance, and Marketing, linking these specializations to the core concepts of
Local Government, Public Policy and Administration, Management and Social Services.
MPA Curriculum
with the Institutes objectives as well as the objectives of the program. It stresses:
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understanding the political, legal, ethical and social context of administration with
administrative techniques;
problems and issues. These methods include quantitative and qualitative approaches
perspectives;
2. to enhance students' knowledge, skills and competencies to plan and act effectively in
3. to help students build the skills of applying qualitative and quantitative techniques to
CURRICULUM BREAKDOWN
Course arrangement:
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Second Semester Courses
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Course Descriptions
The description of the courses is divided into core courses and optional courses. Description
This course examines the role of public administration and not-for-profit organizations in a
democratic society. Students examine the cultural and intellectual evolution of the field, the
theories, forces, and people that drive the public sector and the specific management
techniques used to implement public policy. It also acquaints the students with the tiers of
This course examines the in detail the formation and implementation of public policies. The
mega theories which play its role in policy formation are discussed with the students to build
their understanding in the underlying issues and concepts of policy formulation. Finally,
attention is given to the entire process of public policies development and the institutions that
governments use to implement those policies. The outcome of the course is that students
policy problems in order to understand how public policy is formulated, decided upon, and
Students gain an overview of the commonly used statistics and research methods in public
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development and testing, correlation, contingency table analysis, and regression. Research
design, measurement strategy, data collection, data analysis, and reporting results are
discussed. A broad range of quantitative and qualitative methods are covered in order to
provide the analytical tools necessary to examine the myriad public sector issues.
The course examines the role of the human resource professional as a strategic partner in
managing today’s organizations. Some of the key functions of HRM include HR planning,
the understanding of students of issues pertain to HRM in local, national and international
enhance their problem solving and decision making abilities of HR practices. The course
This course explores the dimensions of leadership and decision making within the public
sector. Students explore the major theoretical frameworks of leadership as well as the
Emphasis is given to assisting practitioners and students with in-depth reflection for self-
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Industrial & Labour Laws (3 Cr.)
examined. Emphasis is given to the challenges facing the public sector in attracting and
a highly aware electorate. Specific topics include the evolution of the modern public service,
This course covers broad approaches to strategic human resource management. Students
develop a working knowledge of how to do planning in for the human resource in the public
sector using different approaches. In the usual way, students learn about the SWOT method,
the BCG Matrix, and many other techniques but then much more is gained by studying how
strategic planning and management is actually carried out of human resource in public, non-
Dissertation (6 Cr.)
In the last Semester, students should work on their dissertations which are required to
conduct a research project on a public administration issue or any other topic relevant to their
specialized area of study. In the dissertation, students should apply the theories and
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Learning Goals and Objectives of Master of Public Administration (MPA)
THEME 1. Communication
Objective 1a. Oral Communication: Students will be able to present opinions, theories, and
Objective 1b. Writing: Students will be able to produce focused, coherent, and grammatically
Objective 1c. Teamwork: Students will be able to collaborate effectively in team processes.
interaction.
Objective 2a. History: Students will demonstrate knowledge of the history of public
administration.
Objective 2b. Politics: Students will be able to explain how the political processes of the
Objective 2c. Theory: Students will be able to explain the key elements of public
Objective 2d. Diversity: Students will demonstrate awareness and sensitivity to a diverse
public.
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Objective 2e. Careers: Students will understand the careers available in public administration
Objective 3a. Theory Application: Students will be able to apply theories to practical policy
Objective 3b. Applied Scientific Method: Students will conduct applied social science
Objective 3c. Problem Solving: Students will be able to structure problems and apply a
Objective 3d. Ethical Reasoning: Students will be able to describe and apply a range of
Objective 3e. Data analysis: Students will demonstrate ability to analyze qualitative and
quantitative data.
Objective 3f. Argumentation: Students will be able to organize and defend an argument.
Objective 3g. Reporting: Students will integrate the elements of theory, methods, problem
structuring, ethics, analysis, and argumentation to generate reports usable in government and
nonprofit management.
Objective 4a. Policy Process: Students will understand the stages and processes of policy
making.
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Objective 4b. Policy Analysis: Students will demonstrate the ability to formally structure
Objective 4c. Budgeting: Students will be able to develop budgets and know when to apply
Objective 4d. Human Resources Management: Students will demonstrate the ability to
Objective 4e. Public Management: Students will be able to effectively design work, delegate
Objective 4g. Information Technology: Students will be able to effectively use information
MPA is a dynamic program and its market dynamism is ensured by keeping the courses
contents updated with the current needs of the market. This requires revision of course titles,
inclusion or exclusion of certain courses or simply modifying and updating the course
The basic requirement for admissions in MPA is at least 2nd division / 45% marks in BA, B.Sc
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SECTION 3
3.1. Introduction
The MPA program is facilitated by the IT-Section in availability of computers labs. There are
eight computer labs in total. Out of these, four labs (each of which have at least 30
computers) are used for lectures and the other four labs (with more than 80 computers each)
are used by student for their research and assignments. . Two labs are located on each floor of
the Institute. Along with this the students have access to computer facilities in the library as
well. Students also have access to HEC digital library and can download new research
articles from the registered websites like J-Store, which is paid by the Institute. Registered
software for advance research like SPSS, STATA, Gretel and EViews are taught in the
that takes care of the computers and facilitates teachers and students when required.
Multimedia facilities are available in each class for lectures and presentation. Apart from the
lab access, computers along with the internet are being provided to faculty members for their
offices. Video conferencing facility is available in the Institute through which students of
MPA program are able to attend conferences, lectures and workshops at international and
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3.2. SAFETY PROCEDURES FOR COMPUTER LABS.
The MPA program labs are used only for computing purpose, so the chance of any incident is
very rare. However, in case of emergency, such as fire or electric shock, the labs are equipped
with fire extinguisher. The Institutes first add medical lab is also available in such situations.
SECTION 4
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4.1. Introduction
Our main aim is to produce the best graduate, which will be the best representative of the
Institute. Along with the taught courses, the other focus is on the development of personality
traits and vision of the students. The student counselling is considered as an important
responsibility in this regard. Our faculty dedicates extra time for students counselling to help
them in various problems regarding their education, career and social life.
4.2. Courses
stipulated time.
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4.3. STRUCTURE OF COURSES
Student/teacher interaction is the main theme of these courses. The following principles are
At least 2 CGPA must be maintained by the students to retain their position in the
program
Typically a M.Sc Applied economics course include three monthly exams and one
comprehensive exam
Faculty distributes outlines in the beginning of the semester and devotes their office
learning abilities is the one of the important decision for the students. The committed faculty
makes sure their availability and provides the best advice and counselling in this regard.
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Students counselling system
The career development centre has specially been developed for students counselling so that
they make the best possible decision about their career. Apart from career counselling, the
program coordinator resolves conflicts among students or with the faculty. In severe cases the
parents are also informed and requested for a visit to the institute.
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Standard 5-1: The process by which students are admitted to the program must be
based on quantitative and qualitative criteria and clearly documented. This process
must be periodically evaluated to ensure that it is meeting its objectives.
Based upon the recommendation of the director, coordinator and admission committee,
the number of new students to be admitted in the following academic year is determined.
(i.e.45 students per year)
1. Students with B.A. / B.Sc., B.Com, BBA or equivalent and having at least second
division securing 45% marks in aggregate are eligible to apply.
2. Qualifying the admission test and interview is compulsory.
3. A candidate scoring less than 40% marks in the test shall stand disqualified for the
admission.
4. Have a good record of conduct.
5. Have approval from employers in case he/she is employed.
Transfer from outside the University/ from another program inside the Institute:
The admission to any degree programme of IMSciences through migration from any
other institute/university is not allowed under any circumstances.
Standard 5-2: The process by which students are registered in the program and
monitoring of students’ progress to ensure timely completion of the program must be
documented. This process must be periodically evaluated to ensure that it is meeting its
objectives.
After the final selection of the students in the admission process, students are asked to
register in the subjects listed and identified by the semester committee (consisted by
coordinator and faculty members).
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Students’ academic progress is monitored by continuous assessment:
a. Attendance:
Every student of the Institute is required to maintain at least 80% of the attendance in
each course.
A student who fails to meet the minimum requirements of attendance in any course
will not be allowed to sit for final examination for that course(s).
Standard 5-3: The process of recruiting and retaining highly qualified faculty members
must be in place and clearly documented. Also processes and procedures for faculty
evaluation, promotion must be consistent with institution mission statement. These
processes must be periodically evaluated to ensure that it is meeting with its objectives.
A coordinator/faculty meeting at the start of the semester is held to ensure that highly
qualified faculty is recruited to the program.
Faculty appointments are generally made from candidate’s outstanding technical competence
and on the basis of demonstrated achievement in teaching, research and industrial experience.
Resumes are forwarded to the Director, IMSciences, which are forwarded to the relevant
course coordinators. Course Coordinators review the resumes and if they feel the
qualifications and experience are relevant with the objectives of the Institute, they forward it
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to the Coordinator Establishment for demo. So, demos are called on the recommendations of
Course Coordinators.
Recommended Candidates:
Subject to the availability of courses relating to specialization of the applicant and on
recommendations of Demo Panel Members courses are assigned on visiting basis to the new
appointee initially for a semester.
Based upon satisfactory performance of first semester, courses for second semester are
offered.
Two consecutive semesters satisfactory evaluations spreading over a year makes a visiting
faculty eligible for contract appointment on a fixed package.
Not Recommended:
These candidates cannot be assigned classes. However, the Advisory Committee in its
meeting held on June 8, 2010 has recommended that candidates on their request may be
called for demo second time after a period of six months.
The Course Coordinator determines performance of the visiting faculty. The parameters of
performance are:
Students’ evaluation which includes course level and teaching ability of faculty
The visiting faculty code of conduct during stay at the Institute
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On the basis of performance and evaluations during a year the Coordinator forwards case of
visiting faculty for contract appointment on fixed pay package which is offered in the
respective scale.
On the basis of satisfactory performance and evaluations during another year makes, a fixed
pay contract faculty eligible for contract appointment in IMSciences Pay Scale on the
minimum pay-scale of the position, which allows them CPF contribution, health facility and
other benefits under the rules of the Institute.
Miscellaneous
On the recommendations of Director and keeping in view the qualification and experience the
applicant may be called for interview with the panel. Successful applicant may be assigned
contract or visiting classes.
Faculty Evaluation
Each faculty member is evaluated every semester on his performance in teaching, research
and other Institute services.
Theses evaluations are based on
Teaching performance (checked through students input)
Self-evaluation (through self-evaluation forms filled by faculty members
themselves)
Coordinator evaluations.
To retain qualified faculty, the university offers the following support and financial
incentives:
The university has adopted Model Tenure Track Scheme offered by HEC. Faculty members
with high research profile are even awarded a maximum of 4 advance increments but the
criteria for these increments is not well defined.
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Standard 5-4: The process and procedures used to ensure that teaching and delivery of
course material to the students emphasizes active learning and that course learning
outcomes are met. The process must be periodically evaluated to ensure that it is
meeting its objectives.
In order to achieve excellence in teaching and learning, evaluation and process control of
these two factors are conducted regularly. Moreover the department puts a strong emphasis
on utilizing current modern technologies such as multimedia, audio visual facilities, computer
animations and models by instructors in order to enhance the quality of course material.
Standard 5-5: The process that ensures that graduates have completed the requirements
of the program must be based on standards, effective and clearly documented
procedures. This process must be periodically evaluated to ensure that it is meeting its
objectives.
Degree Requirements
For MPA 2 year degree, completion of all specified and elective courses according to
the degree plan of the program (minimum of 66 credit hours (as per HEC policy)
including 6 credit hour research thesis/project).
Achievement of GPA of 2.00 or better for all courses offered.
GPA Requirements
Students must maintain a minimum GPA/CGPA of 2.2 on a cumulative basis during
the course of their academic programme.
Students with a GPA/CGPA of less than 2.0 will be dropped from the rolls of the
Institute forthwith.
Students securing a GPA/CGPA between 2.0 and 2.2 will be on probation for one
semester.
At the end of the semester, students on probation will be required to improve their
GPA/CGPA to a minimum of 2.2.
If a student on probation shows an improvement, but his/her CGPA is still below 2.2
his/her probation may be extended for another semester.
Otherwise the student will be dropped from the rolls of the Institute.
If a student fails certain courses but manages to maintain the required GPA/CGPA,
he/she may be allowed to repeat and clear the course(s) or substitute(s) (wherever
permissible) before the degree is awarded.
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The GPA is computed as follows: Sum of (credit hours x grade point) ÷ Sum of Credit
hours For Project/Dissertation, the evaluation of a student will be based on (a) Project
Report/Dissertation submitted by the student and (b) performance in Viva Voce.
Duration
Criterion 6 : Faculty
Standard 6-1: There must be enough full time faculty who are committed to the program
to provide adequate coverage of the program areas/courses with continuity and stability.
The interests and qualifications of all faculty members must be sufficient to teach all
courses, plan, modify and update courses and curricula. All faculty members must have a
level of competence that would normally be obtained through graduate work in the
discipline. The majority of the faculty must hold a Ph.D. in the discipline.
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Standard 6-2: All faculty members must remain current in the discipline and sufficient
time must be provided for scholarly activities and professional development. Also, effective
programs for faculty development must be in place.
The IMSciences faculty is deemed current and competent in their discipline due to the
following factors:
o Education
o Diversity of background
o Industrial Experience
o Teaching Experience
o Ability to communicate
o Enthusiasm for developing more effective programs
o Scholarships
A number of research and teaching centers have been established on campus to foster
academic growth and development as well as community involvement.
Trainings and workshops are also arranged to strengthen the research and teaching skills
of teaching faculty.
Meetings are held by university’s authorities to evaluate the programs and modify if
needed.
Standard 6-3: All faculty members should be motivated and have job satisfaction to excel
in their profession.
Incentive on publication of research articles and adoption of TTS package are also
valuable for faculty motivation.
Faculty input through a survey (appendix) on program from faculty motivation and
job satisfaction is carried out.
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Criterion 7: Institutional Facilities
Standard 7-1: The institution must have the infrastructure to support new trends in
learning such as e-learning.
IMSciences Faculty and students has access to computers, Internet connection and
significant repository of Microsoft-related software.
The Technical support personnel are readily accessible and work hard to troubleshoot
and fix problems related with software and hardware.
Printing and copying are also available in the department.
All of the above factors help in implementing modern trends in learning, including e-
learning
Infrastructure:
Standard 7-2: The library must possess an up-to-date technical collection relevant to the
program and must be adequately staffed with professional personnel.
The university Main Library is well shelved with contemporary books and references and
other facilities listed below.
Standard 7-3: Class-rooms must be adequately equipped and offices must be adequate to
enable faculty to carry out their responsibilities.
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Presently, all classes are equipped with network connected computers and in-focus
projectors. They are primarily used to deliver electronic class notes and perform in-
class demos and presentations.
Every Faculty member is provided with a well-furnished office that helps them in
carrying out their responsibilities.
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Criterion 8 : Institutional Support
Standard 8-1: There must be sufficient support and financial resources to attract and
retain high quality faculty and provide the means for them to maintain competence as
teachers and scholars.
To attract qualified faculty and to maintain competence of the existing faculty, the Institute offers
the following support and financial resources:
The Institute has adopted Model Tenure Track Scheme offered by HEC.
Study leave with pay for scholarship holders
Research rewards to improve research profile
Competitive salary packages
Health insurance (Group Medical Insurance)
Group life insurance
Gratuity fund
Contributory provident fund
Support for scholars to avoid HEC’s travel grant
Support for researchers to avoid research grant of HEC
Research funds
Moreover, the Institute also supports faculty members to attend conferences (national
and international), training courses in their area of interest.
The university has appointed enough experienced supporting staff. That includes
o Network administrator
o Web administrator
o Lab Technicians
o Lab Attendants
Standard 8-2: There must be an adequate number of high quality graduate students,
research assistants and Ph.D. students.
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Standard 8-3: Financial resources must be provided to acquire and maintain Library
holdings, laboratories and computing facilities.
Library:
Financial resources for laboratories and computing facilities are satisfactory. In total the Institute
has 6 computer laboratories, equipped with latest computers and printing facilities. Out of the 6
computer laboratories, 5 computer labs have 35 computers each, whereas 1 computer laboratory
has 50 computers.
15 computers have also been placed in the Library for research purposes.
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