Course Description

"Making Government Work in Hard Places" is an advanced-level course offered by PrincetonX that delves into the intricacies of institutional change and public service reform. This comprehensive program is designed for public servants, civic leaders, and individuals passionate about creating positive change in challenging governmental environments. The course, which includes Burmese translations for most of its content, offers a unique blend of theoretical concepts and practical applications in applied political economy and the science of delivery.

What students will learn

• A robust conceptual vocabulary to identify and analyze obstacles in government improvement
• A comprehensive solutions toolkit for addressing common yet complex problems in public administration
• Insights from contemporary reform leaders and their innovative approaches
• Fundamental skills in process streamlining, project management, and strategy development
• Practical applications of political economy principles in real-world governance scenarios
• Techniques for sustainable policy implementation and government transformation

Course Coverage

• Reducing delays, errors, and fund diversions in citizen services
• Implementing citizen monitoring and community-driven projects for rural service improvement
• Preventing conflicts of interest and self-dealing in institutional reform
• Building trust, community engagement, and changing public expectations
• Overcoming capacity traps in government (addressing brain drain, political turbulence, etc.)
• Facilitating coordination at the cabinet level
• Developing strategies and incentives for sustaining change

Who this course is for

• Public servants seeking to enhance their effectiveness
• Civic leaders aiming to drive positive change in their communities
• Policy makers interested in innovative approaches to governance
• Professionals in NGOs and international organizations focused on government reform
• Students of political science, public administration, and related fields
• Anyone passionate about improving government efficiency and effectiveness in challenging environments

Real-world Applications

• Implement effective strategies for institutional change in their own contexts
• Improve citizen services and reduce inefficiencies in public administration
• Develop community-driven projects that address local needs
• Build trust between government institutions and citizens
• Navigate complex political landscapes to achieve reform goals
• Create sustainable policies and programs that withstand political and social challenges
• Enhance coordination and collaboration within government structures
• Address capacity issues in government agencies
• Design and implement effective monitoring and evaluation systems for public projects