Course Final Project Instructions

Assume that you have been approached by a newspaper editor of the business section of the largest newspaper in your state.  The editor has asked you to write a newspaper article that will appear in the business section of the paper.  The editor has selected you because the editor has been told by a number of influential community members that you truly understand the daily life of a person in public administration.   The editor is looking for an article that explains the functions, challenges, and rewards of being a public administrator.

Your assignment is to write an article that includes all of the following 10 items:

1. Defines public administration.
2. Explains leadership and management in public administration.
3. Identifies and explains the major functions of public administration.
4. Addresses ethics and accountability in public administration.
5. Explains the political context of public administration.
6. Explains the challenges and relationships involved with intergovernmental administration.
7. Explains how organizational behavior theory can be helpful in public administration.
8. Explains public-sector human relations.
9. Explains budgeting and financial administration.
10. Includes an effective summary.

Helpful hint: Use your own words, properly reference your resources, and use examples.  This final project must be more than two pages long, in 12-point font.

This final project is worth 100 points (one third of the total possible course points).

Your course final project should contain paragraphs with the following format:

1. An introduction paragraph, which contains a minimum of two sentences that introduces your answer to the reader and establishes a foundation for the remainder of your answer.
   
2. Body paragraph(s), which present the major content of your answer.  Each body paragraph consists of at least two sentences.  Most students include two to three body paragraphs with three or four sentences within each body paragraph.
   
3. A conclusion paragraph, which contains a minimum of two sentences and summarizes the major points contained in the body paragraphs.

Your instructor will use the following rubric to grade your essay:

Grading Rubric for the Course Final Project

Criterion Student Demonstration Levels Criterion Points - 1 - Understanding No Understanding to Incorrect Understanding Correct Understanding with Insufficient Supporting Rationale Correct Understanding with Sufficient Supporting Rationale Correct Understanding with Excellent Supporting Rationale 25 - 2 - Critical Thinking Critical Thinking not Evident - No Supporting Rationale Weak Critical Thinking - Supporting Rationale is Flawed Solid Critical Thinking –Logical Supporting Rationale Excellent Critical Thinking – Excellent Supporting Rationale 25 - 3 - Key Concepts and Terms Key Course Concepts and Terms Not Used, or Used Incorrectly Key Course Concepts and Terms Used Incorrectly or Seldom Used Correctly Key Course Concepts and Terms Used Sufficiently Throughout Answers Key Course Concepts and Terms Used Correctly and Exceptionally Well Throughout Answers 25 - 4 - Writing Ineffective Introduction, Body, or Conclusion; Gross Grammar, Sentence Structure, Spelling, or Punctuation Errors Appropriate Introduction, Body, and Conclusion; Frequent Grammar, Sentence Structure, Spelling, or Punctuation Errors Appropriate Introduction, Body, and Conclusion; Few Grammar, Sentence Structure, Spelling, or Punctuation Errors Excellent Introduction, Body, and Conclusion; No Grammar, Sentence Structure, Spelling, or Punctuation Errors 25 Total Possible Points 100