Valdosta State University
PADM 7060 Quantitative Methods for Public Administration
Spring 2006 at Moody Air Force Base
Assignments
Class Policies
Organization
Schedule
Description:
   The application of quantitative methods to problems faced by the public administration practitioners. Topics include regression analysis and the use of probability theory as they apply to decision making in public management.
Texts:
 1. Meier, K. J., Brudney, J. L.& Bohte, J. (2006). Applied statistics for public and nonprofit administration, (6th ed.). Belmont, CA.: Wadsworth Group/Thomson Learning.
  2. LeRoy, M. K., & Corbett, M. (2006). Research Methods in political science (6th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. (Link to MicroCase® Dowload; set up password first. Download a PowerPoint with instructions for help on the MicroCase® Download.)
Instructor:
   Gerald A. "Jerry" Merwin Jr., Ph.D. <gamerwin@valdosta.edu> (Link to contact information.)
Web Site:
   http://www.valdosta.edu/mpa/classes/padm7060/
Office Hours:
   Wednesdays of class meeting weeks: 3:00-5:30 p.m. (West Hall) Other appointment times by arrangement directly with the instructor. I will also meet with students at Moody Air Force Base if needed.
 
Expected Outcomes: Participants will demonstrate the following:
1. Describe the role of quantitative methods in public management.
2. Differentiate between levels of measurement and measures of central tendency, noting when a given level of measurement/measure of central tendency is appropriate.
3. Enter data for computer analysis.
4. Analyze data using contingency tables and regression analysis, including controlling for variables.
5. Determine when a particular statistical technique is appropriate given the data and problem under consideration.
   
ADA: Valdosta State University complies fully with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Students requesting classroom accommodations or modifications because of a documented disability must contact the Access Office for Students with Disabilities located in room 1115 Nevins Hall. The phone numbers are 245-2498 (voice) and 219-1348 (tty). Learn more on the VSU web site at: http://www.valdosta.edu/ssp/ You may also reach them via email at access@valdosta.edu. Also, please discuss this via email with your instructor(s) at the start of each class.

Course Requirements: Each student is to go over the assigned chapters in advance and attempt to solve the problems assigned from the end of each chapter before those chapters are discussed with the instructor. Go to the "Schedule" page to see the assignments for each class. This will highlight problem areas and prepare each student for questions and discussion. Each student is to prepare two copies of his or her homework assignments; one to be handed in to the instructor at the beginning of discussion, and one for the student to check during that discussion. If a student cannot complete all of the problems, she or he must at least demonstrate a good-faith effort to complete them on time. Effort does count in grading homework assignments. See the "Assignments" page for information on submission of homework and other items.
 
In addition to the textbooks, each student is required to have a calculator and graph paper. There are a number of relatively inexpensive calculators with statistical programs built in. Students must show all calculations on problems completed in the course, but might wish to use the calculator to check the work. Graph paper will be required to complete some of the homework assignments, and may be required to complete some of the problems during the examinations.
 
Note: All problems assigned for week one are due at the beginning of class on the first session. Students must begin work on this class prior to the actual start of the class. Attendance is very important to this class.
 
Syllabus in PDF: If you want to print the syllabus, use the PDF version padm7060_syllabus_merwin.pdf (Note: You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have the reader, click here to get it.)
 
Reference http://www.valdosta.edu/mpa/classes/padm7060/index.html
Updated 02/12/2006, contact Jerry Merwin