Government and the Public Sector. Level 5 N Module Descriptor

Transcription

1 The Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) was set up as a statutory body on 11 June 2001 by the Minister for Education and Science. Under the Qualifications (Education & Training) Act, 1999, FETAC now has responsibility for making awards previously made by NCVA. Module Descriptor Government and the Public Sector Level 5 N

2 Summary of Contents Introduction Module Title Module Code Level Credit Value Purpose Preferred Entry Level Special Requirements General Aims Units Specific Learning Outcomes Portfolio of Assessment Grading Individual Candidate ing Sheets Module Results Summary Sheet Appendices Glossary of Assessment Techniques Assessment Principles Describes context and objectives Indicates the module content. This title appears on the learner s certificate. It can be used to download the module from the website An individual code is assigned to each module Indicates where the award is placed in the National Framework of Qualification, from Level 6 to Level 6 Denotes the amount of credit that a learner accumulates on achievement of the module. Describes in summary what the learner will achieve on successfully completing the module and in what learning and vocational contexts the module has been developed. Where relevant, it lists what certification will be awarded by other certification agencies. Recommends the level of previous achievement or experience of the learner. Usually none but in some cases detail is provided here of specific learner or course provider requirements. There may also be reference to the minimum safety or skill requirements that learners must achieve prior to assessment. Describe in 3-5 statements the broad skills and knowledge learners will have achieved on successful completion of the module. Structure the learning outcomes; there may be no units. Describe in specific terms the knowledge and skills that learners will have achieved on successful completion of the module. Provides details on how the learning outcomes are to be assessed. Provides details of the grading system used. List the assessment criteria for each assessment technique and the marking system. Records the marks for each candidate in each assessment technique and in total. It is an important record for centres of their candidate s achievements. Can include approval forms for national governing bodies. Explains the types of assessment techniques used to assess standards. Describes the assessment principles that underpin the FETAC (FETAC) approach to assessment. 2

3 1 Module Title Government and the Public Sector 2 Module Code N Level 5 4 Credit Value 1 credit 5 Purpose This module is a statement of the standards to be achieved to gain an FETAC credit in Government and the Public Sector in Ireland at Level 5. The module is designed to provide learners with knowledge of the public sector in Ireland to assist entry and career progression in the public sector. 6 Preferred Entry Level 7 Special Requirements None None. 8 General Aims Learners who successfully complete this module will: 8.1 understand the European, national, regional and local levels at which government operates within the public sector 8.2 understand the nature of citizenship and the dynamic of civic society 8.3 demonstrate an understanding of the provision of services delegated by central government 8.4 demonstrate the implications of modernisation and changing work practices in the public service 8.5 understand the principles and practice of public policy making 3

4 9 Units The specific learning outcomes are grouped into 5 units. Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3 Unit 4 Unit 5 Government and Governance in the Public Sector The Civic Society Provision of Services within the Public Sector Modernisation and the Public Sector Policy-making in the Public Sector 10 Specific Learning Outcomes Unit 1 Government and Governance in the Public Sector Learners should be able to: distinguish between the powers of the houses of the Oireachtas understand the role of TDs, Senators and government members in forming legislation name the Departments of State and their ministers, and identify the range of responsibilities of each department describe the structure of local government in Ireland, and the range of services provided by local authorities discuss the balance of power between elected members and the executive in local government understand the role of the principle European Union institutions (Council, Commission, Parliament, Court of Justice, Council of the Regions) in formulating legislation demonstrate an understanding of issues of co-operation and conflict among the European Union member states (national and local levels of government, democratic mandates, democratic deficit, and subsidiarity) Unit 2 The Civic Society Learners should be able to: understand what is meant by civic society understand what is meant by volunteerism demonstrate an understanding of the nature of citizenship and the social contract 4

5 identify the main organisations that form the social pillar in Ireland identify the major types of community and not-for-profit groups in Ireland and their aims and objectives understand the composition of the electorate and the most recent electoral results understand the concept of inter-culturalism and its effect on Ireland Unit 3 Provision of Services within the Public Sector Learners should be able to: describe the provision of health care in Ireland describe the provision of education and training in Ireland describe the role and function of the Judiciary, the Courts and the Garda Siochána understand the role and function of the Defence Forces describe the role of state agencies, and commercial and noncommercial Semi-state bodies identify the regional assemblies and regional authorities operating in Ireland, and outline their role and function outline the role and function of County Enterprise Boards, County Development Boards, LEADER+, Area Partnership companies, and harbour authorities and fisheries boards demonstrate an understanding of public sector cross-border organisations and areas of public sector co-operation on the island of Ireland Unit 4 Modernisation and the Public Sector Learners should be able to: understand the effects of the Strategic Management Initiative on the role of civil servants 5

6 understand the effects of the Better Local Government and the Delivering Better Government initiatives on the role of local authority employees outline the recommendations of the Hanley Report on the provision of health care services discuss the importance of Customer Service Charters in public sector organisations describe the regulatory environment of the public sector, including the offices of the Ombudsman, and the Comptroller and Auditor General, and the implications of the Freedom of Information Act and the National Archives Act identify career paths in the public service, outlining entry requirements, promotion prospects, training and development demonstrate an understanding of the concept and nature of e- government, and the delivery of public services through e- government Unit 5 Policy-making in the Public Sector Learners should be able to: demonstrate awareness of the major interest groups contributing to public policy understand the role of specific interest groups (NIMBY, BANANA, etc) in shaping public policy discuss the impact that lobbying and citizens access to policymakers has on instituting public policy understand national wage agreements and the social partnership process from 1987 to the present discuss the role of trade unions and employers bodies in shaping national wage agreements and the social partnership 6

7 11 Portfolio of Assessment Please refer to the glossary of assessment techniques and the note on assessment principles at the end of this module descriptor. All assessment is carried out in accordance with FETAC regulations. Assessment is devised by the internal assessor, with external moderation by the FETAC. Summary Assignments (2) 60% Project 40% 11.1 Assignments (2) The internal assessor will devise two briefs that require the candidate to produce evidence that demonstrates a knowledge and understanding of government and the public sector in Ireland Project The internal assessor will devise a project brief that allows students to carry out an investigation of the structure, role and responsibilities of a public service organisation of their choice, and of the contemporary issues facing that organisation. 12 Grading Pass 50-64% Merit 65-79% Distinction % 7

8 Individual Candidate ing Sheet 1 Government and the Public Sector N22612 Assignment 30% Candidate Name: PPSN No.: Centre: No.: Assessment Criteria Maximum Candidate Research Appropriate research methodology selected Range of sources widely relevant to government and the public sector explored and acknowledged through accurate citation and the inclusion of a bibliography 5 Content Contemporary issues in government and the public sector identified and examined fully and comprehensively eg legislation, work practices, trends Comprehensive knowledge of government and the public sector in Ireland displayed Findings clearly presented and explained 15 Analysis Emerging themes identified and analysed objectively Conclusions and inferences logically drawn TOTAL MARKS This mark should be transferred to the Module Results Summary Sheet Internal Assessor s Signature: Date: External Authenticator s Signature: Date: 8

9 Individual Candidate ing Sheet 2 Government and the Public Sector N22612 Assignment 30% Candidate Name: PPSN No. Centre: No.: Assessment Criteria Maximum Candidate Research Appropriate research methodology selected Range of sources widely relevant to government and the public sector explored and acknowledged through accurate citation and the inclusion of a bibliography Content Contemporary issues in government and the public sector identified and examined fully and comprehensively eg legislation, work practices, trends Comprehensive knowledge of government and the public sector in Ireland displayed Findings clearly presented and explained 5 15 Analysis Emerging themes identified and analysed objectively Conclusions and inferences logically drawn 10 TOTAL MARKS This mark should be transferred to the Module Results Summary Sheet 30 Internal Assessor s Signature: Date: External Authenticator s Signature: Date: 9

10 Individual Candidate ing Sheet 3 Government and the Public Sector N22612 Project 40% Candidate Name: PPSN No.: Centre: No.: Assessment Criteria Maximum Candidate Content Organisation chosen and justified appropriately Role and responsibilities of a public service organisation in Ireland identified and discussed Contemporary issues of the organisation identified and discussed eg work practices, e-government strategies, modernisation Research Appropriate research techniques selected and justified Range of primary and secondary sources widely explored Sources acknowledged clearly, bibliography included Analysis Organisation and issues examined objectively and thoroughly Conclusions and inferences logically drawn Supporting material selected carefully 15 TOTAL MARKS This mark should be transferred to the Module Results Summary Sheet 40 Internal Assessor s Signature: Date: External Authenticator s Signature: Date: 10

11 Module Results Summary Sheet Module Title: Government and the Public Sector Module Code: N22612 Candidate Surname Candidate Forename Total 100% Grade* Signed: Internal Assessor: Date: This sheet is for internal assessors to record the overall marks of individual candidates. It should be retained in the centre. The marks awarded should be transferred to the official Module FETAC Results Sheet issued to centres before the visit of the external Authenticator. Grade* D: % M: 65-79% P: 50-64% U: 0-49% W: candidates entered who did not present for assessment 11