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 serving Polk County and beyond, transforms students’ lives through the power of teaching and lifelong learning by providing access to affordable associate and baccalaureate degree programs, career certificates, and workforce employment programs, delivered through various modalities and innovative technologies by diverse, qualified faculty and staff. In line with this purpose, Polk State’s Associate in Science and baccalaureate degree programs develop competence in various career-related skills. This course focuses on the development of competencies related to the following program outcomes:

1. Conduct analyses 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, not-for-profit, and private organizations.

• Conduct scientific research and analyze findings.
• Demonstrate the use of effective critical-thinking skills through application of research information.
• Present a research project based on an appropriate topic related to the core curriculum and demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills through the project.

• Case Study
• Action Research
• Program Evaluation
• Management Analyses
• Policy Analyses
• Work Process Analyses or Process Improvement Study
• Organizational Analyses
• Strategic Plan

Possible Project Techniques and Methodologies

• Surveys
• Content Analyses
• Interviews
• Cost-Benefit Analyses
• Focus Groups
• Performance Measurement Study
• Forecasting
• Observation
• Quantitative Data Analyses

Project Outline

The project approach and methodology should explicitly apply concepts drawn from coursework, readings, and assignments that aid in understanding the political, social, economic, and managerial factors that are relevant to the project. The project should demonstrate a student’s improved understanding of professional practice within a 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 must be transmitted to the professor electronically in attached files that are readable by MS Word. Documents must apply single-spaced, 12-point, Times New Roman font as the universally accepted professional format.

The final report is divided into seven sections as described below:

1. Executive Summary: This portion of the report is written when all other sections are complete. The Executive Summary provides the reader with an overview of the other sections of the report.
2. Introduction: This section describes the issues studied (including their development over time) and contextual information related to political, organizational, or societal factors. This section must describe the relevance or significance of the issues, problems, and the project as these relate to the organization or broader community. Discussion must present a concise and clear statement of the research question as well as the likely outcome(s) of not addressing the issue(s) or problem(s).
3. Analytical Framework: This section must present a full and balanced review of theoretical and practice-oriented concepts drawn from the appropriate scholarly and professional literature. It must compare and contrast different perspectives, and then analyze the aspects’ application to the research question (i.e., a literature review). Note: The purpose of performing a review of previous research and various theoretical approaches is to develop an analytical 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 knowledge about public management and public policy.
4. Methodology: The purpose of this section is to articulate specific research questions and hypotheses and describe the research methodology used for the project (e.g., processes for selection of interviewed persons, survey techniques, or data analyses). The author must carefully describe the specific steps taken to ensure the validity of the research design or project methodology, as well as the credibility and utility of the research results.
5. Findings: This section describes findings that are relative to the hypotheses or research questions, and includes analyses and interpretations of the data or evidence collected.
6. Conclusion: This part of the report discusses the potential impact of the research regarding the field and public interest. The discussion relates findings to previous research and existing theory and practice, and identifies areas for future research. This section of the report also presents implications and recommendations derived from the findings (as appropriate).
7. References: This area provides a complete and accurate list of references and uses the American Psychological Association (APA) format for citations. Appendices may be utilized to include lengthy and detailed material that is not directly discussed in the body of the report but is relevant to understanding its contents. Appendices may include interviews, survey items, special computations, and other essential reference material.

Note: The following website is helpful for understanding and meeting the requirements of 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 the student is encouraged to seek assistance whenever it is needed. To further the educational process, the Learning Resources Centers, comprised of the campus Teaching/Learning and Computing Centers (TLCCs), JD Alexander (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’s 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, a student may officially withdraw from any course without receiving a grade, provided this is done before 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 each specific program’s handbook.

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, course withdrawal may have on his or her financial-aid status. A student cannot use course withdrawal to avoid academic dishonesty penalties. A student who is engaged in processes related to 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 course repeats that vary from this policy; these guidelines are listed in each specific program’s handbook. 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 College 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 may have on his or her financial-aid status.

Academic Dishonesty

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

Information Technology Access/Use Policy

The information technology resources provided by Polk State College (including, but 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 non-discrimination policies:
Valparisa Baker
Director of the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (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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