CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

FOREWORD

ii

1.

INTRODUCTION

2.

PROGRAMME AIMS & OBJECTIVES

3.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND CURRICULUM

MAPPM Dissertation: Eligibility and Prequisites

Registering in Courses:
Credit Transfer

3
4
5

BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSES

SA5101 :
SA5301 :
SA5401 :
SA5601 :
SA5801 :
SA6101 :
SA6201 :
SA6202 :
SA6302 :

Theories of Government and Public Administration

Managing Organizations and People
Values and Choice in Public and Social Policy
Policy Processes and Analysis
MAPPM Year 1 Residential
International Public Management
Comparative Public Policy
Evidence-based Policy Issues & Evaluation
Public Budgeting and the Management of Financial
Resources
SA6303 : Comparative Public Sector Management
SA6603 : Applied Research Methods Workshops
SA6903 : MAPPM Dissertation

6
6
6
6
7
7
8
8
8

TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS

10

Directed reading
Lectures
Seminars and oral presentations
Discussion topics
Workshops
Case studies and other exercises
Written assignments
Visiting speakers
Individual supervision
Feedback
Handouts
Blackboard (e-learning portal)
Physical Format

10
10
10
11
11
11
11
12
12
13
13
13
13

4.

5.

9
9
9

6.

7.

8.

PROGRESSION THROUGH THE PROGRAMME

14

Assessment and Examinations

Course Grades
Extenuating Circumstances
Grading of Courses
Repeating Courses to Improve Grades
Review of Assessment Panel Decisions
Academic Standing and Grade Point Average (GPA)
SGPA and Academic Warning
Requirements for University Awards
Classification of Awards
Leave of Absence
Continuation Fee for Leave of Absence
Tuition Fees

14
14
14
15
16
16
17
17
18
18
19
19
19

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC AND SOCIAL ADMINISTRATION

20

Personnel and Administrative Support

Communication Channels
Academic Staff
Programme Committee
Programme Leaders and Tutors
General Office
Notice Boards and Electronic Mail

20
20
20
20
21
21
21

OTHER SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS

21

Run Run Shaw Library

Computing Services Centre
Student Development Services
Young Chung Yee Health Centre Medical Clinic

21
22
22
22

APPENDIX I
Academic Honesty and Plagiarism
APPENDIX II
Table of Required Courses, Credit Units and Assessment

23
23
29
29

Acknowledgements

Sections from the following documents have been used in the preparation of this
handbook:
Academic Regulations for Taught Postgraduate Programmes
Rules on Academic Honesty
Regulations on Tuition Fees

Should there is any discrepancy between the information contained in this Handbook
and the information on the University website, the latter prevails.

Foreword

The Department of Public and Social Administration (SA) is a multidisciplinary department

with a multinational faculty and a strong international orientation. With faculty members
graduating from many of the worlds top universities and with a commitment to leading edge
research and high quality teaching, it is one of the regions most sought after places to study
politics, policy, and administration.
The department offers a full range of programmes from undergraduate, taught master, to
doctoral levels. Our Bachelors programmes include BSocSc (Hons) in Environmental
Policy, BSocSc (Hons) in Public Policy, Management, and Politics and BSocSc (Hons) in
Administration and Public Management (Self-funded). There are two taught masters
programmes, an MA Public Policy and Management and an MA Housing Studies. Graduate
research is also a core academic activity in the department. The research degree studies
programme take in students for M.Phil and Ph.D training and offers a rigorous combination
of theoretical and applied studies.
Classroom learning and desk based research is, of course, just one part of university life and
we seek to enhance student learning through various opportunities to broaden personal
development, cultural sensitivity, and applied skills. To these ends, the department offers an
expanding range of extra-curricular activities both locally and abroad, including international
exchanges, overseas study tours and internships.
Our teaching and research expertise offers students at all levels a vibrant academic
environment which enables them to engage creatively and critically with the key policy
challenges facing the contemporary world-locally, regionally and globally. Current research
strengths encompass such areas as applied ethics, China studies, environmental policy, policy
analysis, politics, public management, and urban and housing studies.
Let me welcome you warmly to the department and wish you well in your future studies!

Professor Ray Forrest

Head
Department of Public and Social Administration
City University of Hong Kong

ii

Master of Arts in Public Policy and Management

(Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy and Management)
1. INTRODUCTION
The MA in Public Policy and Management (MAPPM) is designed to meet the
needs of practising public, private and third sector managers and professionals
engaged in public services delivery. Others for whom the programme is highly
relevant include local politicians and their staff, journalists, members of voluntary
organizations and citizens who possess a keen interest in Hong Kongs public
affairs and who wish to learn more about governance, policy and management in
the public sector. Through its innovative and interactive learning strategies the
programme will enhance your knowledge and understanding of many
contemporary international theories and concepts in public policy and
management. During the programme you will develop also a deeper understanding
of the roles, inter-relationships and limitations of key actors and organizations
within the public sector. Values and cultures found within public policy-making
processes and in the delivery of accountable and effective public services are
explored in depth. Special attention is given to helping you to achieve your career
goals by enhancing both your analytical abilities and professional practical skills.

2. PROGRAMME AIMS & OBJECTIVES*:

The MA in Public Policy and Management (MAPPM) aims broadly to support the
development of effective, people-centred governance in Hong Kong by producing
graduates who can creatively contribute to policy analysis for, and the innovative
management of, a wide range of public, private and non-governmental
organizations. In particular, the programme aims to provide you with opportunities
to enhance your theoretical knowledge and to discover new insights into public
policy making and management in both local and international contexts. During
your studies, the MAPPM will provides many opportunities for you to enhance
your intellectual capacity through researching systematically and analysing
critically theories and information about the practices and processes of public and
social policy. It will enable you also to strengthen further your practical
management and problem solving skills.
Upon successful completion of the MAPPM, you should be able to:
1. discover and analyse critically current and emerging knowledge relating to
principles, theories and practices in international and local governance, public
policy and management;

2. contrast and assess the roles, inter-relationships and limitations of various

actors and organizations involved in governance, policy making and public
management;
3. explain, compare and evaluate critically various values, ethical principles and
cultural traditions shaping policy-making processes and the delivery of services
to the community;
4. be creative in problem solving and demonstrate practical and, as appropriate,
innovative management, planning, team-working, decision making and
research skills; and
5. contribute to the development of knowledge about public policy and
management by active discovery through undertaking supervised dissertation
or other project-related coursework.
*subject to the Universitys approval

3. PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND CURRICULUM

You have been admitted to a University Programme that is composed of courses.
If you follow your programme successfully, you will obtain the University award
of the Master of Arts in Public Policy and Management. Each course you take will
earn you credit units. To obtain the award you must complete the courses
required by the programme and accumulate sufficient credits.
Classes are normally held on one, two, or occasionally three weekday evenings per
week and some classes are also held on Saturday mornings and afternoons.
Timetables, however may need to vary depending upon the availability of staff and
classrooms. Part-time students normally take two years to complete the
programme. Full-time students will normally complete the programme within one
year and will need normally to attend three to four evenings per week plus some
Saturday mornings and afternoons.
For part-time students, the first year of the programme lays the theoretical
framework for the academic study of key issues, practices and values in public
policy and management. First year core-courses include:

Theories of Government and Public Administration;

Values and Choice in Public and Social Policy;
Managing Organizations and People;
Policy Processes and Analysis;
Applied Research Methods Workshops;
MAPPM Year 1 Residential

Special induction activities help students to develop their study skills. The
MAPPM Year 1 Residential provides opportunities for intensive experiential
learning and may be held in Singapore, Mainland China, the Macau SAR, or some
other jurisdiction suitable for comparative study.
In their second year of study part-time students proceed to more specialised
courses in Comparative Public Policy and International Public Management. Corecourses include:

Comparative Public Policy;

Public Budgeting & the Management of Financial Resources;
International Public Management;

Electives are:
EITHER:

MAPPM Dissertation (prerequisites for undertaking a Dissertation

apply as outlined further below);

OR:

BOTH Evidence-based Policy Issues & Evaluation AND Comparative

Public Sector Management

During Semester B, Year 1, and depending on their eligibility, part-time students

choose between undertaking an individual dissertation or taking both of the two
taught elective courses. Work on individual dissertations is supervised and
normally begins in the Year 1 Summer term and continues through to the end of
Semester B, Year 2. The taught elective courses are taught during Semesters A
and B of Year 2. Full-time students may (subject to certain prerequisites) either
undertake an individual dissertation which they commence in Semester A, Year 1
and finish during the Summer term, or they may take the two taught elective
courses during Semesters A and B.
The detailed programme structure is given in Appendices 1 and 2.

MAPPM Dissertation: Eligibility and Prequisites

Part-time students: to be eligible to undertake a Dissertation you will normally be
required to:
1. have gained at the end of your first year of study a CGPA of at least 3.2; and
2. submit a formal Dissertation Proposal towards the end of your first semester B
of at least 2,000 words in which you set out:
a. your proposed topic;
b. your aims and objectives;

c. your proposed methods and your rationale for the study. The rationale
should also include a short literature review.
Full-time students: may apply to undertake a Dissertation, but must submit a
formal Dissertation Proposal of 2,000 words in early Semester A and this will
then be subject to the approval of the Dissertation Team.
Registering in Courses:
For students following the normal part-time mode, the department will pre-register
courses for you. However, if you are taking fewer or more courses than normal in
any semester, you will need to register / de-register yourself using the add / drop
form from the e-portal. Please check carefully the dates in each semester by
which you must complete the add / drop procedures. The department will not
remind you of these and if you fail to drop a course(s) in time, you will still
need to pay the credit unit fees.

Appendix 1

MA in Public Policy & Management (Indicative Study Plan for Part-time Students)
YEAR ONE
Semester A

YEAR TWO

Break

SA5101 Theories of
Government & Public
Administration
(3 CU)
SA5401 Values & Choice in
Public & Social Policy
(3 CU)

Semester B

Summer

Semester A

Break

Semester B

SA5301 Managing
Organizations & People
(2 CU)
SA6201 Comparative Public
Policy

SA6101 International Public

Management

(3 CU)

(3 CU)

SA5601 Policy Processes &

Analysis
(2 CU)

SA6302 Public Budgeting

& the Management of
Financial Resources
(2 CU)

SA5801 MAPPM Year 1

Residential
(4 CU)

SA6603 Applied Research

Methods Workshops
(2 CU)

SA6903 MAPPM Dissertation

(6 CU)
OR BOTH
Total CU = 30 credits

SA6202 Evidence-based
Policy Issues &
Evaluation
(3 CU)

SA6303 Comparative
Public Sector
Management
(3 CU)

Appendix 2

MA in Public Policy & Management (Indicative Study Plan for Full-time

Students)
Semester A

Break

Semester B

SA5101 Theories of
Government & Public
Administration
(3 CU)

SA5301 Managing
Organizations &
People
(2 CU)

SA5401 Values &

Choice in Public &
Social Policy
(3 CU)

SA5601 Policy
Processes & Analysis
(2 CU)

SA6201 Comparative
Public Policy
(3 CU)

SA6101 International
Public Management
(3 CU)

SA6302 Public
Budgeting & the
Management of
Financial Resources
(2 CU)
SA5801 MAPPM Year
1 Residential
(4 CU)
SA6903 MAPPM Dissertation (6 CU)
OR BOTH
SA6202 Evidence-based
Policy Issues &
Evaluation
(3 CU)
Total CU = 30 credits

SA6303 Comparative
Public Sector
Management
(3 CU)

Summer
SA6603 Applied
Research Methods
Workshops
(2 CU)

Credit Transfer
One important feature of a credit unit system is that it makes it easier to give you
credit for work you have done outside the University. If you have taken equivalent
courses at the same level (i.e. Masters Degree or higher) at another university or
college, or have a professional qualification of similar academic standing, you may
be granted credit transfer for an equivalent course in your City University
programme
At least half of the credit units required for your award at City University of Hong
Kong, however, must be earned by the successful completion of courses in the
MAPPM.
Credit units earned outside the university and counted toward a City University
award do not count in the calculation of a students GPA, except where special
arrangements have been made.
For some students, credit transfers are arranged before they are admitted to the
University and may be built into their programme entry requirements. Others may
claim credit transfer after they have been admitted. This, however, must be done in
the first semester and before the deadline set by the University.
If you think you can claim credit transfer, please apply through e-portal (click
AIMS, select Student Record, My Applications, then Credit Transfer) and submit
with official transcripts or certified true copies and other documentation (e.g.
syllabus) in support of the application. Submit your application by post or in
person at the Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Service Counter,
together with the original receipt of the required fees payment (if any).
Applications without complete supporting documentation and the receipt for fees
will not be considered.
For new students admitted in 2012-13, applications should be submitted
before 31 August 2012.

Master of Arts in Public Policy & Management (Combined Mode)

Required Courses
Course
Code

Course Title

Level

Unit
Worth

Semester

SA5101

Theories of Government & Public Administration

P5

SA5301

Managing Organizations & People

P5

SA5401

Values & Choice in Public & Social Policy

P5

SA5601

Policy Processes & Analysis

P5

SA5801

MAPPM Year 1 Residential

P5

Break

SA6101

International Public Management

P6

SA6201

Comparative Public Policy

P6

SA6202

Evidence-based Policy Issues & Evaluation

P6

SA6302

Public Budgeting & the Management of Financial

Resources

P6

SA6303

Comparative Public Sector Management

P6

SA6603

Applied Research Methods Workshops

P6

Summer

SA6903

MAPPM Dissertation

P6

3 Semesters

Combined mode: Local students taking programmes in the combined mode can attend
either full-time (12-18 credit units per semester) or part-time (no more than 11 credit
units per semester) in different semesters without seeking approval from the
University. Non-local students must normally maintain the required credit load for
their full-time or part-time studies throughout the programme and any changes will
require prior approval from the University.

To obtain the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy and Management, you must
gain 24 credits and successfully pass all the core, non-elective taught courses.

To obtain the Master of Arts in Public Policy and Management, you must gain 30
credits and complete either SA6903 MAPPM Dissertation (6 credits) OR both
SA6202 Evidence-based Policy Issues & Evaluation (3 credits) AND SA6303
Comparative Public Sector Management (3 credits)

4. BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSES

SA5101: Theories of Government and Public Administration
Course Aims

examine critically major theories about the state, the role of government and the
nature of public administration, public management and governance;
discover the theoretical and practical issues underpinning current trends whereby
public administration is being reformulated in terms of public management and/or
good governance;
evaluate the similarities and differences in the roles and management of, and
interactions between, the public, private and non-governmental sectors;
apply the theories of government, governance and public administration/ management
to analyse the quality of governance in Hong Kong;
enable students to analyse public administration/management issues in Hong Kong
with reference to their historical, political, economic and social environments, and to
recommend possible approaches for resolving the problems.

SA5301: Managing Organizations and People

Course Aims

critically engage students with contemporary issues and developments in human

resource management (HRM) and organisational behaviour (OB);
adopting a diverse multi-disciplinary, cross-cultural and comparative approach the
course will require students to discover, analyse and contribute to providing creative
solutions for specific HRM and OB issues related to Hong Kong and mainland China.

SA5401: Values and Choice in Public and Social Policy

Course Aims

examine the rationale and the context of the study of public policy;
analyse the relationship between the state, society and public policy;
assess policy capacity in Hong Kong;
discuss the concept of globalization and its consequences on public policy;
develop ideas about the relationship between values and the normative basis of public
policy;
examine, compare and evaluate different moral principles and ethical theories shaping
public policy and service delivery;
enable students to develop their ideas about the moral basis of public policy making in
Hong Kong.

SA5601: Policy Processes and Analysis

Course Aims

examine major theories of policy process, models of policy making, and forms of
6

policy analysis;
enable students to engage with the complexity and dynamics of public and social
policy;
discover how new ideas shape public policies; implementation;
apply the theories and models of policy making to the analysis policy cases in Hong
Kong; and
evaluate policy alternatives, both prospectively and retrospectively.

SA5801: MAPPM Year 1 Residential

Course Aims

discover new knowledge about, and skills in: team management, development and
leadership; self-development; conflict resolution and negotiation; communication
with senior management, peers, subordinates, the public and media; policy-making in
contexts of disputed interpretations of the public interest;
critically examine and test theories and the application of knowledge and key
management skills to complex public management and policy problems;
develop teamworking roles and skills and enhance group bonding through
engagement in a variety of collaborative and competitive extended team-based
exercise;
examine comparatively and critically key governance, public policy and management
principles and practices in the jurisdiction being visited;
master the abilities required to conduct the background research, design,
implementation, on-site data collection, data analysis and final report writing and
presentation of a study comparing policy issues and public perceptions of a key policy
area in Hong Kong and the country being visited.

SA6101: International Public Management

Course Aims

identify significant recent and current international trends and developments in public
management theories and practices;
examine the processes and related debates about the nature and impact of
globalization, internationalization, diffusion and transfer in public sector management
and reform;
illustrate and analyse the diversity, complexity and dynamics of public sector
management through the comparative study of key public management reforms in the
international arena and in the Asia-Pacific and European regions in particular;
recognize the importance, strengths and weaknesses of the activities of transnational
and regional organizations such as the World Bank, OECD, etc., in the development,
dissemination and evaluation of public management reforms;
encourage the development of the academic skills needed to locate, interpret,
organize, evaluate critically and discuss comparatively, both orally and in writing,
scholarly articles, factual information and official data relating to the development
and implementation of specific public management reforms in a variety of different
jurisdictions; and
7

assist in developing the knowledge and skills required for managing change in public
organizations.

SA6201 Comparative Public Policy

Course Aims
develop students knowledge on the major theoretical approaches which have
been developed for cross-national studies, policy transfer and lesson learning in
policy-making ;

critically assess and synthesize the applicability of these theories for analyzing
public policy development in Southeast and East Asia in the context of an
increasingly pluralized world;

undertake comparative study of major public policy areas such as environment,

education, social security, and health care in light of the global public policy
trends and changing governance models in public policy;
apply theories and evidence from other countries and reflect on processes of
policy transfer to into Hong Kong to enable them to question policy processes,
synthesize knowledge from different places and disciplines and consider the
nature of policy in Hong Kong.

SA6202: Evidence-based Policy Issues & Evaluation

Course Aims

enable students to discover a contemporary and critical perspective on

evidence-based policy-making in relation to key policy areas and issues;

critically assess the research needs of policy makers, practitioners and decisionmakers;

appraise critically the research literature about bridging the gaps between
research, policy and practice;

undertake in-depth comparative examination of major policy issues such as

ageing and care for the elderly; environmental policy and politics; healthcare
policy; education, transport or housing policy; economic policy, including
issues relating to economic co-operation between regional partners.

SA6302: Public Budgeting and the Management of Financial Resources

Course Aims

introduce the key concepts and core issues in public budgeting and financial control;
detect the problems and shortfalls of traditional budgeting and the objectives of
budgeting and financial management reforms;
evaluate current trends in budgetary and financial management reforms, both locally
and internationally;
understand key issues in the public budgeting and financial management in Hong

Kong with a view to critically assessing them with the techniques introduced in this
class.

SA6303: Comparative Public Sector Management

Course Aims

discover and evaluate critically alternative management and policy

implementation strategies for organizing and delivering public services;

develop critical skills and innovative ideas in comparative analysis in relation

to a variety of approaches to effective public sector management, governance
and regulation;

undertake in-depth comparative study of issues such as: modernising

disciplined services; managing heritage, leisure and cultural services; the
delivery of family and social service programmes; performance evaluation and
audit; private and third sector (NGO and not-for-profit) involvement in public
services delivery and in social enterprise; crisis management and also logistics.

SA6603: Applied Research Methods Workshops

Course Aims
enable students to enhance their basic knowledge and skills in social research
methods;
develop skills in devising innovative primary research questions, to collect and
interpret data and to contribute constructively and creatively to paired and
small group work tasks, particular emphasis will be placed on the critical
evaluation of both published research and of raw data presented in a variety of
formats;
strengthen abilities to describe and relate various methodological positions, to
justify the rationale for conducting primary research and to compare and
contrast different types of research.

SA6903: MAPPM Dissertation

Course Aims

enhance students abilities to carry out independent research and to develop

expertise in a chosen subject area;

enable students to demonstrate initiative and intellectual achievement in their

application of the theories and techniques provided by the course;

strengthen students abilities to discuss critically the chosen subject matter and
the principles being applied;

enable students to enhance their professional development and where

appropriate to make a research-based contribution to the understanding of
important issues within their own organizations.
9

If deemed necessary, students may be required to attend interview(s) to address

questions about the course. The interviews may include dissertation / project
supervisor(s), marker(s), Course Leaders, the Programme Leader, the
Examinations Officer or any other person as appropriate.
5. TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS
Throughout the programme the emphasis is placed on using methods that will (a)
help you to develop your analytical and critical capabilities, and (b) help to
inculcate an ethos of self-directed and peer-group learning.
Each taught session may include elements of lectures, student presentations,
discussions or class exercises. Your regular attendance at seminars and classes is
an essential requirement of the programme and is especially important in view of
the emphasis given to peer-group learning activities. Most courses require a
minimum of 70% attendance.
Depending upon the nature of the course, teaching methods might include:
Directed reading
All courses are informed by a process of directed reading which is elaborated upon
through inputs from lectures and reinforced by the use of essays or practical
written or class assignments. Reading lists will be given out by the lecturers
responsible for each session. You are expected to do the required reading before
each session.

Lectures
Formal lectures will be used to provide a foundation of knowledge and ideas and
also to help clarify issues arising out of class discussions. Lectures may sometimes
precede and / or follow students presentations or other activities depending on the
learning objectives and the students needs. Please remember that you are
expected to take your own lecture notes and should not expect to be given any
handouts.

Seminars and oral presentations

In seminars, various students, staff or visiting speakers will give prepared
presentations on specific readings, current developments in the field, or on topical
issues and questions relating theory to practice. Sometimes discussants will be
asked to critique these presentations. The subject will then be opened up to wider
debate and discussion by the whole class.
10

The success of the seminars as a learning experience depends heavily upon the
degree to which you and your peers prepare for the class and actively participate in
discussions. If you are giving an oral presentation - whether individually or with
other students - you will need to spend considerable time in planning, rehearsing
and ensuring that the length of your presentation matches the time available.
Overall, try to keep such presentations stimulating for the audience, focusing on
key issues and questions rather than simply summarising the literature. Use
teaching aids such as powerpoints, overhead projectors, whiteboards and handouts
when appropriate.

Discussion topics
Discussion topics are designed to stimulate questions and answers, debate and
close interaction between the students and lecturers.

Workshops
Workshops focus on analysing problems and issues in the practice of public policy
and management. Relationships between theory and practice are examined and you
will be expected to draw extensively upon examples from your own organizations
and work experience.

Case studies and other exercises

Case studies/simulations/role plays and other exercises enable you to examine,
analyse and solve problems of a real and practical nature as well as to develop
original ideas, or assess empirical data appropriate to the needs of modern public
administrators. These can also provide you with surrogate experiences beyond
your present work position.

Written assignments
Throughout the programme you will be required to submit a variety of written
assignments and papers. These aim to demonstrate the degree to which you have
been able to assimilate the seminar and reading materials and to understand and
apply the main theories and concepts.
It is essential that essays and papers are written in a clear and organized manner.
They must always be properly referenced and students need to be aware that
academic dishonesty is a serious matter. Although any case of suspected
plagiarism will be dealt with in a thorough and fair manner, students need to be
11

aware that, normally, even if they deny or claim forgetfulness or argue that only
one or two sentences have been copied without acknowledgement they will still be
held responsible for plagiarism. Further details of the academic conventions and
the preferred referencing system are given in Appendix I.
Warning
Should the Head of the course-offering department determine that there is prima
facie evidence of academic dishonesty, the case will be referred to the College
Academic Conduct Committee for a hearing. Students who are found to have
committed plagiarism could be subject to disciplinary actions, including being
expelled from the University with immediate effect.

All papers must be submitted on time via the blackboard system and will be
checked by the system for plagiarism. Assignments that are late and without
an extension approved by the course lecturer will be penalised and in some
cases failed outright. In some cases, including the dissertation, approved
extensions may incur both marking penalties and additional fees.
All CityU students are required to complete an online tutorial on academic
honesty and declare their understanding of it. New students who fail to
complete this requirement in the first semester of their enrolment in the
University will be prevented from receiving their course grades. For details,
please refer to the Rules on Academic Honesty available at
http://www.cityu.edu.hk/provost/academic_honesty/rules_on_academic_honesty.ht
m.

Visiting speakers
Visiting speakers provide opportunities for students to listen to, question and to
learn from practising managers and/or others possessing valuable expertise and
knowledge.

Individual supervision
Individual supervision is provided during the planning and progress of your
MAPPM Dissertation.

12

Feedback
Both lecturers and students will be involved in giving each other feedback on
presentations and other aspects of the programme. Sometimes video technology
will be used to help provide feedback on presentations and exercises. If you have
questions about your performance in any assignment, please do speak with the
tutor or lecturer concerned.

Handouts
As an MAPPM student you should be taking your own notes and the lecturers
are NOT required to provide you with handouts. However, in some courses,
handouts may be made available, but this should not be regarded as routine.

Blackboard (e-learning portal)

Blackboard is the e-earning portal used by CityU. It enables the easy dispatch of
course information, course announcement, timetable, lecture notes etc as well
serves as a platform for communication between students and teaching staff as
well as among students themselves.
All students are required to submit their coursework assignments in soft copy to
the staff concerned via the Blackboard through which a clear record of student
submissions can be maintained.
Students are advised to refer to the Blackboard User Guide for Students to
familiarize themselves with the operations of the Blackboard system.

Physical Format
Some Course Leaders/tutors may also require students to submit the assignments
in hard copy. Such hard copy must be identical to the soft copy submitted via the
Blackboard. The title of the assignment, together with the students name and
number, course name and code, and tutors name should appear on the front page.
Tutors have assignment boxes in the Department where the assignments can be
deposited.

13

6. PROGRESSION THROUGH THE PROGRAMME

Assessment and Examinations
The assessment of your academic work at the University has two aspects: the
assessment of a course, for which you will receive grades, and the classification
of an award based on a grade point average. Appendix II gives details of the
assessment pattern and units worth for each course.

Course Grades
Course grades are approved by the Assessment Panel set up by the course-offering
department. At the meeting of the Assessment Panel, when a semester is over, the
Course Leader concerned will recommend grades for the class. Approved grades
will then be sent to the SGS for updating in the students academic record. No
grade is official until it is published in the students grade record via SGS.
NB: Where courses are assessed by both coursework and examinations,
students taking these courses are required to pass BOTH the coursework and
examination component (if applicable) to pass the course overall.
Extenuating Circumstances
If you failed to attend an examination, or your performance in the examination was
affected, or if you did not hand in coursework with an assessment weighting of
20% or above because you were ill or for other good reasons, the Assessment
Panel dealing with the course needs to know. As soon as possible, or at the latest
within five working days of the examination, or the scheduled date for
completing the assessment for the course, you must write to the relevant
Course Leaders and send a copy to the Programme Leader too. You are
required to complete a standard form to report the extenuating circumstances
and to attach any documents supporting your case. The duly completed form
and supporting documents must reach the Department within 5 working days
of the date of examination.
If the Assessment Panel accepts that extenuating circumstances affected your
performance, the Panel will give an I (incomplete) grade, or an X grade. The
incomplete grade means that you will get a chance to complete the assessment
within the period as prescribed by the Assessment Panel. If you are too ill, or there
are other circumstances that make it impossible to complete the course in time, the
Assessment Panel can assign an X grade, this allows you to drop the course and
register for it again as if for the first time.

14

Grading of Courses
Courses are graded according to the following schedule:
Letter Grade Point
Grade

Grade Definitions

A+

4.3

4.0

A-

3.7

B+

3.3

3.0

B-

2.7

C+

2.3

2.0

C-

1.7

1.0

Marginal

Sufficient familiarity with the subject matter to enable

the student to progress without repeating the course.

0.0

Failure

Little evidence of familiarity with the subject matter;

weakness in critical and analytic skills; limited, or
irrelevant use of literature.

Pass

Pass in a pass-fail course. Courses to be graded on a

pass-fail basis for a programme are specifically
identified under the programme in the course catalogue.

Excellent Strong evidence of original thinking; good organization,

capacity to analyze and synthesize; superior grasp of
subject matter; evidence of extensive knowledge base.

Good

Evidence of grasp of subject, some evidence of critical

capacity and analytic ability; reasonable understanding
of issues; evidence of familiarity with literature.

Adequate Student who is profiting from the university experience;

understanding of the subject; ability to develop solutions
to simple problems in the material.

Operational Grades
IP

In Progress

An IP grade is shown where students will register in

subsequent Semesters to complete the assessment of the
course.

Incomplete

A grade of incomplete may be granted (1) where there are

extenuating circumstances that have prevented a student from
completing required work, or attending the examination; (2) at
the discretion of the Assessment Panel. Where an I grade is
assigned, the Assessment Panel will approve a schedule for the
completion of work, or a supplementary examination. An I
grade will be converted into an F grade four weeks after the
15

I grade is first reported, unless an alternative grade has been

assigned.
S

Dissertation In a dissertation-type course, an S grade is assigned by the

Submitted
Course Leader when a students dissertation has been
submitted for assessment.

Late Drop

Assigned when a student is permitted to drop the course after

the add/drop period prescribed by the University.

AU

Audit

An audited grade is assigned when an auditing student has

completed the conditions established at registration as an
auditor. No assessment is made or grade awarded for auditing.

WD

Withdrawn

Assigned when a student has registered for the course in a

semester/term and subsequently submitted a notification of
withdrawal from the University.

Students should consult Academic Regulations for Taught Postgraduate Degress

(http://www.sgs.cityu.edu.hk/student/TPg/regulations/acadreg) for updated

information.
Students assigned a grade of D or better, or a Pass grade in a pass-fail course, earn
credit units for the course. Grades of F, IP, I, S, WD, X or AU do not earn credit units.
Grades of P, I, IP, S, WD, X and AU are not counted in the calculation of a students
CGPA. Grades of F are counted, unless the fail is recovered under AR12.3.

Repeating Courses to Improve Grades

Students may repeat a course, or equivalent course, to recover a failure or to improve
a course grade of C or below. After the first attempt, only two repeat attempts are
permitted. Course grades for all attempts will appear on the students transcript, but
only the final grade earned will be included in the calculation of the students CGPA.
Students are not permitted to repeat a dissertation-type course. Please note that
SA6903, MAPPM Dissertation is counted as a dissertation-type course and so
cannot be repeated if failed.

Review of Assessment Panel Decisions

Students should first contact the Course Leader concerned within 5 working days of
the announcement of grades with a view to resolving the matter informally.
16

If the students concerns regarding course grades cannot be resolved by informal

means, the student may seek resolution via the formal procedures.
Formal requests for review of course grades will only be considered if there has been
a procedure irregularity in the assessment process or/and there exist circumstances
that impact the course grade awarded that the student was unable to bring them to the
attention of the Course Leader prior to the assessment for valid reasons.
Disagreement with the academic judgment of Course Leaders does not
constitute valid grounds for review.
Any request for review of course grades must be made in writing to the Dean of the
College/School offering the course within 22 working days of the announcement of
grades by the University. The written application must:
(i) state the grounds on which the request for review is made;
(ii) include a description of the relevant facts; and
(iii) provide supporting evidence.
Please refer to AR11 of Academic Regulations for Taught Postgraduate Degrees for
details
Academic Standing and Grade Point Average (GPA)
Academic standing provides an indicator of your academic progress and identifies
whether you are experiencing any academic difficulty or not. Your performance is
measured by the Grade Point Average (GPA). As you can see from the Grade
Definition Table shown earlier in the handbook, every letter grade you receive
corresponds to a numerical grade on a four-point scale. A GPA is an average of these
course grades. Two types of GPA, a Semester GPA (SGPA) and a Cumulative GPA
(CGPA) are calculated.

SGPA and Academic Warning

The SGPA is designed to identify students who are having academic problems. The
SGPA is calculated each semester for all courses, including failed courses, but
excluding courses graded I, P or X. If your SGPA falls below 2.0, you will be
officially warned. This is the time to look for help and to consider how to remedy
the situation. You cannot graduate with a CGPA below 2.0, so a low SGPA may
mean that you will have difficulty completing the programme. If you are not able
to improve your performance, you may be placed on Probation or on Academic
Suspension or your studies may even be terminated.

17

Standing

Definitions

Good Standing

Students are making satisfactory academic progress.

Academic
Warning

Students most recent academic performance has been unsatisfactory, or their

overall academic average is below minimum requirements. Students on warning
are asked to seek academic advice from their academic advisor.

Probation

Students most recent academic performance has been extremely unsatisfactory, or

their overall academic average has continued to be below the minimum
requirements for graduation. Students on Probation will be assigned an academic
advisor by their programme department, and will not be permitted to register in
courses in the following semester without the approval of the academic advisor.
The programme department may also require students on Probation to take a
reduced credit unit load in the semester.

Academic
Suspension

Students who cannot benefit from course registration in the next semester may be
suspended for an approved period of not less than one semester. Academic
Suspension is designed to provide students with an opportunity to resolve the
problems that are preventing them making academic progress. On return from their
suspension, students may be given the opportunity for one additional course repeat
in each failed course to recover failure(s).

Requirements for University Awards

The Cumulative GPA (CGPA) is calculated to classify the final award. Students
may be granted a taught postgraduate award only if they have achieved a CGPA of
2.0 or above.

Classification of Awards
The University grants Masters Degree / Postgraduate Diploma / Postgraduate
Certificate awards with classifications based on CGPAs:
Classification
Distinction
Credit
Pass

CGPA
3.5 or above
3.2 3.49
2.0 3.19

In all cases of classification of awards, the CGPAs cited above are indicative. The
University has the right to make exceptions in the application of the indicative GPAs.
Students may be considered for an Interim Award for the Postgraduate Diploma in
Public Policy and Management if they need to exit the programme and are unable to
complete the MAPPM Dissertation OR both the Evidence-based Policy Issues &

18

Evaluation AND Comparative Public Sector Management electives. However, to gain

the interim award students must have passed all other courses within the programme.
To be considered for conferment of the interim award, you must apply in writing to
SGS within one calendar year of your withdrawal from the MAPPM.

Leave of Absence
Students who are not able to pursue studies temporarily at the University have to
apply for leave of absence. Cases include, but are not limited to, students who do not
follow the indicative study plan in pursuing their students and encounter the problem
of having no course to take in a particular semester; students who fail a particular
course in their last semester of studies and require re-taking that course in the next
course offering semester.
Students applying for leave of absence should submit an application via AIMS.
Students should state the intended period of absence and the intended resumption date.
The time of the approved leave of absence will not be less than one full semester, and
cannot be accumulated to more than two calendar years. Each application for leave of
absence will be considered and approved by the Head of Department on a case-bycase basis.
Applications for leave of absence should be made before the end of the course
add/drop period in a semester/term. Students will receive a notification, in the form of a
letter, indicating the status of their application.

Continuation Fee for Leave of Absence

Upon approval by the University, students have to pay a continuation fee to
maintain an active enrolment status in the University. This applies even where a
student has to seek Leave of Absence because there is no suitable course for them
to take in a particular semester (such as when a student needs to repeat a failed
course that is only taught in one semester each year). Once the continuation fee is
paid, students will then be entitled to full student benefits during the period of
leave.

Tuition Fees
The tuition fees of CityU programmes are charged as variable fees according to
the number of credit units taken in each semester / term. For details, please refer
to
the
Regulations
on
Tuition
Fees
available
at
http://www.sgs.cityu.edu.hk/student/TPg//regulation/tuitionfees

19

7. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC AND SOCIAL ADMINISTRATION

Personnel and Administrative Support
The Department of Public and Social Administration developed the first
programmes of study in public and social administration and in public policy and
management in Hong Kong. Staff members in the Department are specialized in a
number of related fields and are actively engaged in research. Currently there are
about 60 full-time academic/teaching and research staff members. Their contact
information
is
available
at
the
departmental
website
http://www6.cityu.edu.hk/sa/faculty_academic_teaching.asp

Communication Channels
There are several channels of communication through which students can access
information and express their concerns and opinions.

Academic Staff
Course Lecturers and Tutors endeavour to assist students with matters relating to
their programme of study. The Programme Leader provides the same kind of
assistance for all students in the programme, in addition to being active in
continuously monitoring the operation of the programme. The Head or relevant
Associate Heads of the Department also meet with students for the exchange of
information and ideas. Students are encouraged to provide feedback and comments
through the questionnaires administered in every semester.

Programme Committee
The Programme Committee plays a very important role in maintaining the quality
of the programme to ensure the attainment of its aims and objectives. The
membership of the Programme Committee includes the Head/Associate Heads of
the Department, Programme Leader and other academic staff members appointed
by the Head of the Department. One student from each year of the programme is
elected to represent their respective classes. An alternate representative can also be
elected and may normally attend the Programme Committee meetings as well. The
Programme Committee is a valuable channel of communication between students
and the Department. Student representatives are able to express opinions and voice
concerns which are considered by the Committee. The Committee normally meets
once every semester.

20

Programme Leaders and Tutors

Tel No.

e-mail address

Programme Leader &

Year 1 Tutor

Dr. Mark R. Hayllar

3442 8905 SAMARK

Dissertation Elective
Coordinator

Dr.Lina Vyas

3442 7732 SALYVAS

Promotions &
Admissions Tutor

Dr. Glenn Hui

3442 7016 GLENNHUI

These staff can also be reached by fax at 3442 0413.

General Office
The General Office of the Department of Public and Social Administration is
located in B7302, Academic Building 1. The office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 12:30
p.m., Monday to Friday. It will be closed on all Saturdays, Sundays and Public
Holidays.
Students may be informed by their tutors to collect their marked assignments from
the General Office. In this case, students should bring along their student I.D. card
and collect their own marked assignments from the General Office during the
office hours, within two weeks of being informed.

Notice Boards and Electronic Mail

Student Notice Boards are located in the corridors near the Department and
students are advised to check them regularly. Students can also communicate with
academic staff through emails. Each student is assigned with a CityU email
account. All official email communication of the University will be made through
this account.

8. OTHER SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS

Run Run Shaw Library
The Librarys collection includes more than 955,500 volumes of print books and
over 2 million volumes of electronic books. The collection also comprises around
202,900 volumes of bound periodicals and around 2,690 print serials titles. The
21

Library maintains an expanding number of electronic databses, e-journals, and

media resources.
Students are encouraged to take the online Library Tour to familiarize themselves
with the location of various Library collections and facilities, and to have a brief
overview of the Library services.

Computing Services Centre

The Computing Services Centre is equipped with powerful mainframes and
minicomputers, which are installed a great variety of software packages of
computer languages, database management systems, commercial, statistical and
scientific applications to cater for the computing needs of various academic
disciplines. The Centre organizes a Student Computer Literacy Programme with a
series of short courses and repeated throughout each academic year with priorities
given to the new students.
Student Development Services
The Student Development Services provide various counselling services for
students that are oriented towards students personal and vocational growth.
Individual discussion with a counsellor is by appointment with the Student
Development Services (SDS) on the 6th Floor of the Amenities Building. Parttime students may telephone for appointments to see counsellors in the evenings.
Drop in appointments during the day are also welcome and there is a duty
counsellor to help with urgent problems. The SDS hotline is 34428478.
The University has excellent indoor and outdoor sport facilities that are fully
available to all students.

Young Chung Yee Health Centre Medical Clinic

The on-campus Young Chung Yee Health Centre is located on the 4th Floor,
Amenities Building, City University of Hong Kong. The opening hours of the
clinic are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and
9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Saturdays. You are required to contact the clinic (3442
6066) for an appointment. Both full-time and part-time students can use the
services upon the payment of a nominal consulation fee (full-time students - $13
and part-time student - $150).

22

APPENDIX I

Academic Honesty and Plagiarism

(July 2007)

Students who commit an act of academic dishonesty which jeopardizes the integrity of
the learning and assessment process may be charged and be liable to disciplinary
actions. The following are examples of dishonest behavior with respect to academic
work.
Plagiarism, i.e., the use of another persons work or ideas without indicating
clearly the original source of that work or those ideas;
Submission for assessment of material that is not the students own work;
Misrepresentation of a piece of group work as the students own individual work;
Collusion, i.e., obtaining assistance in doing work which is meant to be solely the
students own work;
Unauthorized access to an examination or test paper;
Communicating unauthorized information during assessment including
examination;
Use of fabricated data that is claimed to be original data, or the use of data copied
or obtained by unfair means;
Impersonating another student at a test or an examination or allowing oneself to be
impersonated.
Students are expected to present their own work, give proper acknowledgement of
others work, and honestly report findings obtained from research activities. Students
are required to act truthfully and honestly in academic pursuits. Students who are
found to have violated the principle of academic honesty will be subject to academic
disciplinary actions.

What is Plagiarism?
Plagiarism is one particular form of academic dishonesty. Plagiarism means to use
another persons idea or a part of their work and pretend that it is your own
(Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary, 2003). The nature of the source does not
matter. It may be a book, an article, a dissertation, a Government report, a table from
the Internet, a memorandum, or simply another students assignment or even teaching
material distributed to students. The source may also be graphics, computer
programmes, photographs, video and audio recordings or other non-textual material. It
does not matter whether the source has been published or not.
Written work must be presented in a proper manner and must adhere to academic
conventions concerning the use of quotations and references. All work that is

23

submitted will be assessed on these grounds. The source must be indicated at the exact
place the ideas are being used. For examples, if a set of ideas are being sourced from
an author and these form a substantial part of a paragraph a student is writing, then the
reference must come at the beginning of the paragraph and be made in such a way that
the reader is clear the ideas given in paragraph come from the initial source cited. The
reference cannot be vague and it cannot simply be included as a reference at the end of
the assignment. More details on references are given in a later section of this
document.
According to Martin (1984:183-184), there are several kinds of plagiarism.
a.

Word-for-word plagiarism
The most obvious and provable plagiarism occurs when someone copies phrases
or passages out of a published work without using quotation marks, without
acknowledging the source, or both. This can be called word-for-word plagiarism.

b. Paraphrasing plagiarism
When only some of the words are changed, the result can be called paraphrasing
plagiarism.
c.

Secondary sources plagiarism

When a person gives references to original sources, and perhaps quotes them, but
never looks them up, having obtained both from a secondary source which is
not cited. This can be called plagiarism of secondary sources.

d. Authorship plagiarism
More general than this is plagiarism of ideas, in which an original thought from
another is used but without any dependence on the words or form of the source.
e.

Finally there is the blunt case of putting ones name to someone elses work,
which might be called plagiarism of authorship.

Students need to be aware that academic dishonesty is a serious matter. Although

any case of suspected plagiarism will be dealt with in a thorough and fair
manner, students need to be aware that, normally, even if they deny or claim
forgetfulness or argue that only one or two sentences have been copied without
acknowledgement they will still be held responsible for plagiarism.
Warning
Should the Head of the course-offering department determine that there is prima facie
evidence of academic dishonesty, the case will be referred to the College Academic
Conduct Committee for a hearing. Students who are found having committed plagiarism
could be subject to disciplinary actions, including being expelled from the University
with immediate effect.

24

How to do Referencing
There are two ways to acknowledge the work of other writers, by direct quotation and
by paraphrase.
a.

Direct quotations
For a sizeable chunk (around 30 words or more)
Indent the quotation (about five spaces from the left margin).
Start on a new line.
Use ellipsis () to indicate omission.
No quotation marks are required.

For smaller amounts, incorporate the quotation into the text and use quotation marks.
b. Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing is when the writer of a paper takes points that have been made by
another author, and summarizes them by putting them into his or her own words.
Quotation marks are not used. However it is essential that the source of the
original material and ideas is given.

Referencing Styles
Different disciplines and forms of publication use different conventions for
punctuation, grammar, presentation, and citing the work of others. You should adopt a
style and use it consistently. SA encourages all students to adopt the Harvard
system of referencing, as laid out below.
In the Harvard style (sometimes called an author-date system), a reference (or
citation) is made up of two parts: a short reference in the text of the document placed
within parenthesis and a fuller reference given at the end of the document. The
function of the in-text reference -- is to give the reader information that will allow him
or her to quickly locate the source in the References list at the end.
If you use this system consistently and accurately whenever you make use of another
authors ideas or use his or her words, you will never be accused of plagiarism.

25

Referencing in the text:

Source Details
Basic form: Authors last name and year of
publication
2 authors with the same name:
Add an initial
Specific page or section is cited: Insert
colon after the date and then page number.
Always include page number for quotes.
Two publications by the same author in
the same year: Use a and b
Citing 2-3 authors: Include all names
More than 3 authors
Multiple references in the same citation:
Separate with semicolons

Citation
(Cox 1997)
(M. Cox 1997)
(Cox 1997: 21)

(Cox 1997a) and (Cox 1997b)

(Cox,
Cunningham,
and
Hatleberg 1997)
(Cox et al. 1997)
(Cox 1997; Cunningham 1996;
Hatleberg 1996)

Referencing at the end

Harvard style
Sources listed in alphabetical order by authors name and then by date.
Book
Citation
Bagby, J. W. 2003. The cyberlaw handbook for e1 Author: Use form of
name given on title page commerce. New York: Harcourt Brace.
Baumer, David L., Julius Poindexter, and Janice
3 Editors
Brown, eds. 2002. Cyberlaw and e-commerce.
Boston: McGraw Hill.
Smith, John, Janice Brown, Chris W. Enkunde, and
4-10 Authors / 2nd
Edition: List all names Lois Denmark. 2004. The history of the world wide
web. 2nd ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Heller, Chris, and Andrea Gottlieb. 2001. Gender
Chapter in an edited
roles in Ethiopian culture. In Gender in crossmultiauthor book:
cultural perspective, ed. Sherry Collier, 45-46.
Louisville, KY: Pilgrim Press.
Dissertation
Citation
Fitzpatrick, Kerry J. 2003. Effects of mowing on the
Unpublished
selection of raptor foraging habitat. PhD diss., Univ.
of Maryland.
Abstract, found using Leahy, Gail. 1998. Inducing white blood cell
production in the presence of radiation. PhD diss.,
a library database
Pennsylvania State Univ., 1997. Abstract in Digital
Dissertations, publ. nr. AAT 2365548, DAI-B
59/06 (Dec. 1998): 2797.

26

Journal
In print-with
continuous pagination:
May omit issue number
In print: Journal
without continuous
pagination: Include
issue number
In print: Journal that
uses issue numbers
only-no volume
numbers
Online-found through
a library database:
Include URL of main
entrance of service and
access date if required
Letter to Editor
Print Source

On the Web-found
using a library
database
Magazine Article
Magazine-weekly and
monthly: Weekly and
monthly usually cited
by date only, even if
there are issues and
volume numbers
available
Online-found through
a library database

Citation
Smith, J. L., and C. N. Farmer. 2004. Ways of
coping with obesity: A ten year study. Journal of
the American Medical Society 291: 389-399.
James, E. W. 2000. Obesity in American
schoolchildren: An epidemic. Journal of Nursing 48
(3): 26-44.
Smith, Jane. 2001. Obesity among adolescents: A
nationwide study. Journal of American Health, no.
12: 18-30.
Smith, Jane. 2001. Obesity among adolescents: A
nationwide study. Journal of American Health, no.
12: 18-30. http://www.epnet.com/ (accessed June
23, 2005)
Citation
More common to cite newspapers using
parenthetical references. For example: In her
letter to the editor (Baltimore Sun, May 20, 2003),
Melissa Jones stated that In this case, no citation
would be needed. Otherwise, the citation in the
reference list would be: Jones, Melissa. 2003.
Letter to the editor. Baltimore Sun, May 20, 2003.
Jones, Melissa. 2003. Letter to the editor. Baltimore
Sun, May 20, 2003. http://www.epnet.com/
(accessed June 23, 2004).
Citation
Elliott, Michael. 2001. Embracing the enemy is
good business. Time, August 8.
George, Rebecca. 2004. Lucy: Grandmother to
humanity. Smithsonian, September.

George, Rebecca. 2004. Lucy: Grandmother to

humanity. Smithsonian, September.
http://www.epnet.com/ (accessed May 27, 2005).

27

Newspaper Article
In print-author known

In print-author
unknown
Online-found using a
library database

Online news
service/site

Website
Websites (Not online
news sites)

Websites, no author
known: Owner of site
may be used in place
of author

Citation
Epstein, Edward. 2005. Its that time again:
Lawmakers revisit daylight saving. San Francisco
Chronicle, April 9, 2005, final edition.
New York Times. 1995. Corporations adopt on site
nurseries. April 19.
Epstein, Edward. 2005. Its that time again:
Lawmakers revisit daylight saving. San Francisco
Chronicle, April 9, 2005, final edition.
http://www.lexis-nexis.com/ (accessed May 16,
2005).
Sahadi, Jeanna. 2005. Bankruptcy bill passes in
House. CNN.com, April 14, 2005.
http://www.cnn.com/2005/Polit/house/bankr.html
(accessed May 24, 2005)
Citation
Sullivan, Danny. Boolean searching. Search Engine
Watch.
http://www.searchenginewatch.com/boolean/howto.
html (accessed 20 may 2003)
Buddhist
Instruction
Retreat.
Fundamental
Buddhism
explained.
http://www.fundamentalbuddhism.com/buddhism.ht
ml (accessed 21 may 2005)

References
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary. 2003. Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press.
Lingnan University. How to prepare citations using the author-date system,
http://www.ln.edu.hk/tran/info/authordate.html. (accessed 20 April 2006).
Martin, B. 1984. Plagiarism and responsibility. Journal of Tertiary Educational
Administration, 6, 183-190.
Martin, B. 1994. Plagiarism: a misplaced emphasis. Journal of Information Ethics,
3(2), 36-47.
Maryland University Libraries. 2006a. Academic Honesty and Plagiarism,
http://www.lib.umd.edu/UES/honesty.html. (accessed 22 June 2006).
Maryland University Libraries. 2006b. Citing sources using the APA style manual,
http://www.lib.umd.edu/UES/citing_apa.html. (accessed 20 April 2006).
Maryland University Libraries. 2006c. Citing sources using the Chicago/Turabian
Style: In-text parenthetical method.
http://www.lib.umd.edu/UES/citing_chicad.html. (accessed 20 April 2006).
Student handbook 2005. The City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

28

APPENDIX II

Master of Arts in Public Policy and Management

Table of Required Courses, Credit Units and Assessment
Required Courses
Course
Course Title
Units
Assessment
Code
Worth
SA5101 Theories of Government and Public
3
50% Coursework; 50% Exams.
Administration
SA5301

Managing Organizations and

People

50% Coursework; 50% Exams.

SA5401

Values and Choice in Public and

Social Policy

40 % Coursework; 60%
Exams.

SA5601

Policy Processes and Analysis

50% Coursework; 50% Exams.

SA5801

MAPPM Year 1 Residential

Pass/Fail basis of grading

depending on attendance, group
and individual coursework.

SA6101

International Public Management

50% Coursework; 50% Exams.

SA6201

Comparative Public Policy

100% Coursework.

SA6202

Evidence-based Policy Issues &

Evaluation

50% Coursework; 50% Exams.

SA6302

Public Budgeting and the

Management of Financial
Resources

30% Coursework; 70% Exams.

SA6303

Comparative Public Sector

Management

50% Coursework; 50% Exams.

SA6603

Applied Research Methods

Workshops

100% Coursework.

SA6903

MAPPM Dissertation

100% Coursework.

29

Notes:
1) Examinations are normally closed book and of 2-3 hours duration. Occasionally
Course Leaders may prescribe alternative formats.

2) Coursework can and will vary from course to course and from Semester to
Semester. Course Leaders will determine what kind(s) of coursework will be most
suitable for enhancing and testing learning outcomes. Types of coursework may
include written assignments and presentations, discussion topics, debates, oral and
written critiques of other students work, unseen in-class tests, and so forth. As
student participation is frequently an essential element of the learning process, to
pass, coursework may also require attaining a minimum level of attendance and
participation.
3) Information given in this appendix is for reference only. Students are advised to
refer to the course information available at http://www.cityu.edu.hk/sgscat/current/catalogue_TP.htm?page=TP/TP_course_SA.htm for the most up-todate details.

SA/2/12/08/082

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