Master of Public Management (MPM) Postgraduate Degree Program of InWEnt Capacity Building International, Germany in co-operation with the University of Potsdam New Challenges in the Public Sector. As public administration is modernizing worldwide, the demand for qualified executive and managerial staff is increasing. The complexity of organization and policy change requires of professionals new understandings of public service issues and a broad range of skills. Particularly in developing and transition countries, public administration requires decision-makers with interdisciplinary training who are capable of resolving problems in management and communication and thereby helping to reform public administration. The Master of Public Management (MPM) Program offers professionals academically sound, practice-oriented training for public governance and management. The program emphasizes economics and the social sciences and prepares participants for interdisciplinary approaches to conceptual assessment, implementation, and the adaptation of international management models to the specific circumstances of the public sector. The 14-month MPM Program is offered by InWEnt in co-operation with the University of Potsdam and is based on international standards for professional training. Launched in April 1999, it is the first of its kind in Germany. The teaching staff includes professors of the University of Potsdam's Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences (FESS) and other European universities as well as highly experienced lecturers from international organizations. Successful participants will receive the academic degree of "Master of Public Management" (MPM).
Program Objectives Broader than the conventional curriculum of traditional public administration studies and law, the program's interdisciplinary approach includes the study of public policy, public administration, public management, and business management. At the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences recognized practice-oriented economists, sociologists, and political scientists as well as experts in business administration and public management combine forces to provide a cosmopolitan environment for internationally-oriented students. Through a network of partnerships and coalitions, the program seeks to promote a dialogue between the academic world, the public sector, business, and the nonprofit sector. World-wide research activities of the faculty include links with the Public Sector and Governance Competence Center at the FESS, the Global Public Policy Institute, Transparency International, GTZ, the World Bank, the UNDP, the University s interdisciplinary Institute of Local Government Studies, as well as membership in the European Association for Public Administration Accreditation (EAPAA) The MPM Program is designed to equip public-sector professionals with the analytical and practical skills required to meet society's need for improved efficiency and effectiveness in public management. The program is based on the assumption that these skills are best developed holistically, systematically, and in a theoretically sound manner. Accordingly, the program encourages pro-active behavior, a hands-on approach to teaching and learning, and requires considerable initiative and extensive independent study of the participants. Target Group The program is designed for qualified graduates in economics, business management, or social sciences with relevant professional and leadership experience in public-sector organizations from developing and transition countries. Applications are welcome from professionals working in public-sector institutions such as ministries, government agencies, sub-national public authorities, local government, and NGOs in partner countries of InWEnt, which is funded by and acting on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Economic Co-operation and Development. Applications are also welcome from mid-career professionals working in other institutions of development co-operation or who are from developed countries and working in similar institutions or related areas. Scholarship support from InWEnt focuses on applicants who are from partner institutions. We welcome especially applications of women.
Admission Requirements - Successful completion of a recognized academic degree (at least an honors BA) from an accredited university in economics, business management, or social sciences. Exceptions are made for equivalent backgrounds, training, and experience. - Relevant and practical experience in managerial or executive positions in public- sector organizations. - Proof of an excellent command of English (spoken and written). Date and Duration The 14-month program begins in April. Basic Program Structure The full-time MPM Program covers two semesters of courses, plus two months for writing and defending a master's thesis. Participants are expected to enroll in four compulsory courses and choose two or three electives each semester. Courses typically involve a combination of short presentations given by the students, case studies, exercises, examinations, and term papers. The final evaluation is based on a weighted average of course grades, the grade awarded for the master's thesis and its defense. The program features a series of preparatory workshops, an introductory course in the German language, a course in professional and academic communication and excursions or summer schools during the semester break. The MPM core faculty includes both professors from the University of Potsdam and distinguished scholars from such countries as Australia, Belgium, Switzerland, and the United States. Some faculty members come straight from consulting projects or government offices to share hard-learned lessons in bridging theory and practice. A full professor of the SESS directs the program. The program is operated by the University's UP Transfer Gesellschaft für Wissens- und Technologietransfer mbh and enjoys the support of a program manager. Classes take place in a fullyequipped course center that includes a computer pool and facilities for independent study and tutoring. Fully integrated in the University of Potsdam's SESS, many of the courses are enrolled in by both MPM students and UP graduate students. All MPM courses are taught in English. Course Structure The MPM Program curriculum is divided into five study areas and consists of a number of compulsory courses (indicated in italics) and electives. In addition, students are expected to participate in a communication course, tutoring activities, summer schools, and excursions designed to assist students in their development of a master's thesis.
A. Public Management - Foundations of Public Management - Human Resource Management - Financial Management - Change Management - International Project Management - Performance/Quality Management B. Public Administration/Government - Comparative Government and Administration Studies - Development Administration/Management - Politics and Administration in Germany - Local Government C. Public Policy - Introduction to Applied Policy Analysis - Policy Management: Global Public Policy - Policy Management: International Economics M. Methods and Skills - Management Behavior and Skills - Communication and Presentation Skills S. Supplementary Courses - Academic Writing Skills - Excursion - Thesis-Colloquium - European Public Management Summer School The program's courses are subject to review and amendment in response to the changing demands and environments within the public sector. Certificate Graduates are awarded an internationally recognized "Master of Public Management" degree.
Applications Completed application packages (to be sent before September 30 th for the program starting the following April) should include the following items. - An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) - A completed application form (to be obtained from the program's website) - Certified transcripts of academic records of every institute of higher education attended - Two letters of recommendation - Proof of English as foreign language (TOEFL or IELTS) - For applicants who wish to apply for an official scholarship from the German Government: Application to participate in an Advanced Training Programme in Germany Decisions on admissions are based on the evaluation of these documents and, where possible, a personal interview. Among the decision criteria are regional and cultural diversity. Cost of the Program The current tuition fee for the full-time, 14-month MPM Program is 8,400. Fees cover costs of all courses, the use of University's facilities, and relevant teaching materials. The fee does not include accommodation and living expenses. Living expenses in the Potsdam-Berlin area are comparable to those in other European cities and may be estimated at about 800 a month (covering accommodation, food, insurance, transport, and other expenses such as books). Financial Aid Participants are encouraged to seek full or partial funding provided by various sources available in most countries, such as the sponsorship of employers, or scholarships offered by public and private foundations, international organizations, national local governments, or German aid agencies. Applicants coming from InWEnt partner countries and organizations (for a list, please check our website) are eligible for a tuition waiver, as well as a scholarship (with a significant contribution by the participants or their employers).
University of Potsdam The MPM Program is integrated into the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences (FESS) at the University of Potsdam. The University of Potsdam is a young, dynamic university founded in 1991. Its reputation is based on excellence in research, teaching, and policy advice. Some 3000 students are now enrolled at the FESS. The MPM Program is based at Park Babelsberg, close to Babelsberg Castle, one of the three campuses of the University of Potsdam. Potsdam is the capital of the State of Brandenburg, which celebrated the 1000th anniversary of its founding in 1993. Potsdam began to acquire its distinctive appearance when the town became the residence of the Prussian royalty. The grounds of the three royal parks, the Palace of Sanssouci, the New Palace, the architectural jewel of Schinkel's Charlottenhof, the Cecilienhof Palace, and numerous churches and villas continue to charm visitors today. Of Potsdam s 140,000 inhabitants some 13,000 are university students. Potsdam s location is ideal for student life, and it is surrounded by woods, lakes, and rivers where leisure-time activities can take place. Situated a short ride with public transport away from Berlin, Potsdam provides immediate access to a vibrant international economic and political center at the cross-roads of Eastern and Western Europe. All over the world, governments and public institutions are being challenged to provide high-quality service and to respond more swiftly and adequately to citizens needs. In many countries, this involves reforming and strengthening the civil service and public institutions. Consequently, there is a growing demand for appropriately trained executive and managerial staff. The MPM program is designed to help address these challenges by integrating the conventional curriculum of traditional public administration studies and law with modern business administration, public policy, and interdisciplinary studies.
Contact InWEnt - Internationale Weiterbildung und Entwicklung ggmbh Capacity Building International, Germany Tanja Klapproth, Department 2.03 Administrative Policy/Security Policy Eugen Kaiser, Head of Division, Department 2.04 Promotion of Democracy/Administrative Reforms Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 40 53113 Bonn, Germany Fon +49 228 4460-1606 Fax +49 228 4460-1829 e-mail: tanja.klapproth@inwent.org --- University of Potsdam Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences UP Transfer/Master of Public Management (MPM) Program Heiko Schaper, Program Coordinator P. O. Box 90 03 27, 14439 Potsdam, Germany Phone: +49 (0) 331-977 - 46 47 Fax: +49 (0) 331-977 - 46 17 e-mail: heiko.schaper@uni-potsdam.de MPM Program Directors Prof. Dr. Harald Fuhr, Chair for International Politics Prof. Dr. Christoph Reichard, Chair for Public Management Information For more information, up-dates on the InWEnt and MPM programs and application procedures visit our websites at: www.inwent.org www.mpm-potsdam.de Stand: May 2009