PAD4879 - Capstone Experience: Public Administration

Academic Dean’s Contact Information

LAKELAND DEAN’S OFFICE: LLC 2255              PHONE: (863) 297-1024
WINTER HAVEN DEAN’S OFFICE: WSC 101      PHONE: (863) 297-1020

Polk State College Mission and Program Outcomes

Polk State College, a quality driven institution, transforms lives through the power of education by providing access to affordable associate and baccalaureate degrees, career certificates and workforce employment programs, delivered by diverse, qualified faculty and staff. In line with this purpose, Polk State’s Associate in Science and baccalaureate degree programs develop competence in career areas. This course focuses on the development of competencies related to the following program outcomes:

1. Conduct an analysis of appropriate financial and economic data necessary to support organizational decision making.
2. Think critically and ethically about the purpose, design, and function of government, community service, and civil society as each relates to public, non-for-profit, and private organizations.

 
Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Conduct scientific research and analyze findings.
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills by disseminating research information.
• Present and oral and written research project based on an applicable topic related to the core curriculum.

• Case study
• Action research
• Program evaluation
• Management analysis study
• Policy analysis study
• Work process analysis/process improvement
• Organizational analysis
• Strategic plan

Possible Project Techniques/Methodologies

• Surveys
• Content analysis
• Interviewing
• Cost/benefit analysis
• Focus groups
• Performance measurement
• Forecasting
• Observation
• Quantitative data analysis

Project Outline 

The project approach and methodology used should explicitly apply concepts drawn from course work, reading and practice that aid in understanding the political, social, economic, managerial factors relevant to the context and issues of the project. The outcome should be improved understanding of professional practice in public or non-profit organization or program. The project may also result in recommendations for action that could change an organization or program. 

All materials will be transmitted to the professor electronically in attached files readable by MS Word. Format will be Times New Roman 12 point font, single-spaced.

The final report will be divided into seven sections as described below: 

1. Executive Summary: Written when all other sections of the report are completed this section provides the reader an overview of the sections of the paper.
2. Introduction: Describes the issues studied, including its development over time and the political and organizational or societal context. Describes the relevance or significance of the issue, problem or project. Presents a concise and clear statement of the research question, as well as the likely outcome(s) of not addressing the issue/problem.
3. Analytic Framework: Presents a full and balanced review of theoretical and practice-oriented concepts drawn from the appropriate scholarly and professional literature, comparing and contrasting different perspectives and analyzing their application to the research question (literature review). The purpose of a review of previous research and various theoretical approaches to a topic is to develop an analytic framework that establishes the elements of the project, lays out the theoretical basis of the project, and integrates the project into the larger body of systematic knowledge about public management and public policy.
4. Methodology: Articulates specific research questions/hypotheses and describes the research methodology, such as selection of persons interviewd use of survey techniques, or data analysis. Carefully describes the specific steps taken to ensure the validity of the research design or project methodology and the credibility and utility of the research results.
5. Findings: Describes findings relative to the hypotheses or research questions with analysis and interpretation of the data or evidence collected.
6. Conclusion: Discusses the potential impact of the research on practice and the public interest. Relates findings to previous research and existing theory and practice. Identifies areas for future research.  Presents implications and recommendations derived from the findings as appropriate.
7. References: A complete and accurate list of references must be included in the style of American Psychological Association (APA) format. Appendices may be used to include lengthy and detailed material not directly discussed in the body of the report. This may include lengthy interviews, frequency distributions of survey items and special computations.

Website that may be helpful for this project: http://www.statpac.com/research-papers/research-proposal.htm

Textbook and Other Requirements

Textbook information is provided in the course syllabus, at the campus bookstore, on the campus bookstore website (www.polk.bncollege.com), or via the “Shop Textbooks” button on the PASSPORT schedule of classes.

College-Level Communication and Computation Skills

State Rule 6A-10.030 does not apply to this course.

Student Help

The professor is available for help during posted hours and by appointment during other non-class hours. Each student is encouraged to seek assistance from the professor. To further the educational process, the Learning Resources Centers, comprised of the campus Teaching/Learning and Computing Centers (TLCCs), JDA Student Success Center, and campus libraries, are available for student use. Each resource provides qualified staff and up-to-date equipment and facilities to promote academic success. The TLCCs and JDA Student Success Center provide tutoring services, computing resources, and other instructional support. The library provides information resources, individual and group study space, research assistance, information literacy instruction, and computing resources. Each facility provides free wireless access to the Internet. The Polk State College Library, Student Success Center, and TLCC hours of operation and tutoring schedules are posted at each facility and on the College website.

Withdrawing From a Course

A student may officially withdraw from a course during any given term, provided he or she follows the appropriate policy and procedure. Following the conclusion of the Drop period, students may officially withdraw without receiving a grade from any course, provided they do so no later than the published withdrawal deadline. The published deadline reflects approximately (but no more than) 70% of the term, based upon the course’s scheduled duration. It is the student’s responsibility to submit these withdrawal forms; failure to do so may result in a grade of F in the course. Under the Forgiveness Policy, a student is allowed only three attempts in any one course: one initial enrollment and two repeats. A student is not allowed to withdraw from a third course attempt. Limited admission programs may have specific guidelines regarding course withdrawal that vary from this policy; these guidelines are listed in the specific program handbooks. If a student stops attending class, the grade earned, usually an F, is assigned and posted. Prior to withdrawing from a course, the student should consult with the Financial Aid Office to determine what impact, if any, withdrawal from the course will have on his or her financial aid status. A student cannot use course withdrawal to avoid academic dishonesty penalties. A student who has been penalized for academic dishonesty in a course is not eligible to withdraw from the course.

Repeating a Course

Under the Forgiveness Policy, a student is allowed only three attempts in any one college credit course: one initial enrollment and two repeats. Under certain circumstances, a student may petition to repeat a credit course beyond the third attempt. Limited admission programs may have specific guidelines regarding repeating courses that vary from this policy; these guidelines are listed in the specific handbooks. The student should be aware that repeating a course may result in a higher course cost. A course cannot be repeated unless the previously earned grade is a D, F, or W (the Polk State Catalog provides further details regarding this process). Prior to repeating a course, the student should consult with the Financial Aid Office to determine what impact, if any, repeating the course will have on his or her financial aid status.

Academic Dishonesty

Each student is responsible for his or her work. It is assumed that each student is honest and will abide by this standard; however, in the event that there is an indication or suspicion of cheating or plagiarism, the situation shall be dealt with in accordance with the published College policy. Copies of this policy are available in the Student Services Office. More specific information can be found in the Course Syllabus.

Information Technology Access/Use Policy

The information technology resources provided by Polk State College (this includes, but is not limited to, telephones, computers, the Polk State Local Area and Wide Area Networks, and the Internet) must be used for academic purposes only. Use of these resources is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use can result in revocation or suspension of this privilege.

Equal Access/Opportunity

Polk State College is an equal access/equal opportunity institution committed to excellence through diversity in education and employment. The College complies with all state and federal laws granting rights to students, employees, and applicants for employment or admission to the College. Polk State College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or pregnancy in its programs, activities, or employment.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Valparisa Baker
Director, Equity and Diversity (Title IX Coordinator)
999 Avenue H NE
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Office: WAD 227
Telephone: (863) 292-3602
e-mail: vbaker@polk.edu

Equal Opportunity For Students With Disabilities

The College complies with The Americans with Disabilities Act and provides equal educational opportunity for qualified individuals. A student with a disability who requires special accommodations or auxiliary aids under The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the Coordinator or Director of Disability Services. Note: Limited admission programs may have performance restrictions that apply. Restrictions (where applicable) are outlined in each program’s student handbook.

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