Self Assessment Report of MPA Program Introduction The program of Master in Public Administration (MPA) was terminated just two years after the inception of IM | Sciences, when the Institute became a separate entity after breaking off from its parent Institution (University of Peshawar). Although in a period of much turmoil and turbulence the programe survived in the initial years of establishment of IM/Sciences, but only after the graduation of its first batch the programe was discontinued due to shortage of funds. MPA program was restarted in the year 2008 with the help of British High Commission which provided fully funded DFID merit based scholarships for the entire period of two years to students who were eligible for admission in this program. However, even after the Commission stopped its funding the program survived and it is now its budding phase, but holds a promising future for the Institute, slowly and gradually gaining grounds. MPA in now a full fledge program catering to the needs of students who want to pursue a career in public administration or any related field. Its main emphasis is on management and administration of public sector organizations, yet the program is equally valid for any nongovernment as well as corporate sector. The students seeking admission in this program are well equipped with the latest and necessary skills and knowledge in the relevant field. The program also offers specialization in different areas keeping in view the market demand. Mission Statement of IM/Sciences • Through its collaborative network of students, faculty, and the staff, the Institute’s comprehensive mission is to establish a self-conscious, learned, and self-regulating society in which individuals recognize their roles as accountable to the public good. • More specifically, we aim to provide advanced knowledge of the public administration through teaching, research, and training in order to produce leading 1 executives, managers that can venture to shape the practice of administrative and managerial activities in every industry and become a catalyst for social and economic development. Program Purposes and Aims The purpose of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) Degree Program is to prepare students to enter the public sector as managers and leaders. The Program is designed to enhance the career goals of professionals in government, special interests and lobbying groups, nonprofit and professional organizations. Program aims at a two-year Master in Public Administration (MPA). It aims at providing future public leaders with the conceptual framework and practical skills necessary to succeed in public service. The objective of this program is cultivating professional high class talents in the field of public administration. Students’ abilities to apply public administrative theories and methodologies into practical use are emphasized; in this program, students will enhance their critical understanding of public policy, management themes, processes and skills in both the local and the international perspectives, as well as build leadership skills necessary for problem-solving in transition countries. With the joint effort of the faculty members in IM/Sciences and carefully designed curriculum, it is believed that besides mastering the general theories and research methodologies in the field of public administration, students’ participating in this program will master the nature of public administration in a comparative perspective. Through probing into both the successes and problems in the development process of Pakistan, students will build stronger abilities for solving practical problems and difficulties they might come across in their future work in transition countries Program Mission, Objectives, and Outcomes Mission Statement 2 As a rule of thumb the mission statement of very program should flow from the bigger mission statement of the Institute and should contribute toward the fulfillment of the Institute’s mission. The mission statement of MPA program reflects three core components without which no mission statement can be complete, such as; its product, target market and strategy. MPA program aims at practical application of theory and concept relevant to public administration in specific and management in general, through active class room learning activities. The program further aims at contributing towards socio-economic development of the society, leading towards sustainable growth. Objectives of MPA The program has both long and short term objectives. Long Term Objectives The long term objectives of the program are; to build national capacity in public policy formulation, social services, administration and management. To promote democratic values and practices in the Pakistani society through studies related to decentralized decision making process. Short Term 3 To reinforce the capacity of the Institute, high level manpower of the government, and NGOs in implementing the decentralization policy, planning and program implementation. To train specialists in designing and redesigning institutions and organizations to manage policies. However, besides these objectives there are some readily measurable and practical objectives which serve the purpose of the program as well as the Institute. These objectives of the Master of Public Administration program (MPA) are stated below; to produce professionals who are well versed in the concepts and principles of public administration. To produce graduates ready to avail market opportunities. to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective public sector and not-for-profit sector management. Outcomes 1. Competent students with capacity to accept responsible positions in government , non-government and corporate sectors. 2. 118 qualified graduates in public administration in last three years. 3. the graduates produced are responsible members of the society, who know the meaning of public administration in letter and in spirit. 4. Critical analysis of social and political problems and problem-solving techniques. 5. Analyzing different, real and complex social and political problems. 6. Applying knowledge acquired to practical cases. 7. Assessing processes for intervening in the social and political world. 4 8. Efficient and effective personal organization skills. 9. Developing an individual learning capacity which will prepare the students and graduates to address problems in different environments. 10. Designing processes for intervening in specific social and political situations and problems. 11. Understand and relate concepts, theories and methodologies from different disciplines that can be put to use in public administration. 12. Identify and understand complex social and political phenomena. 13. Constructively and effectively present complex contents and action proposals. 14. Working in teams and identifying the role you feel most comfortable with; working in different environments. Teaching and Studying Approaches Seminars, group discussions, case studies and presentations assigned to small teams of students are used to integrate students, skills, knowledge , abilities and learning. The Master program is based on a student-centered learning approach so that class-contact hours may be rather used for discussion than traditional lectures. Social competences and leadership skills are developed through field research, team assignments and projects, and the presentation. Learning and teaching is focused on applied studies. Thus, theories and models are learned and taught within the context of their application to public administration issues and practical projects, case studies, and public administration analyses. As for the dissertation, it should integrate theories and methodologies students learnt in class room with real-life issues of public administration in a local and national environment. With English adopted as the basic language of instruction and assessment, through communicating with professors and exchange students from various cultural backgrounds, 5 utilizing well-known reference books and academic articles from different sources, will guarantee students in this program be ready for a career related to public administration in any local, national and international environment. Type of Degree The program of study encompasses coursework, assignments, seminars, research papers, examinations and a dissertation. The dissertation should make a significant contribution to the knowledge of public policy, planning, management and other related fields. Duration of the Course (i) The Program of studies leading to the MPA degree covers a time span of two years. (ii) This period of two years is divided into four semesters. The first and second year of studies, comprising two semesters each. In the first year of the program students are imparted the basic education in public administration and management for the purpose of foundation building. Followed by the specialized courses in the following year. After the completion of course work the students are required to under take a research project, involving research work in the field as well as a dissertation. Course Units (i) The Program is structured on a course unit basis. For students to qualify for the award of an MA in Public Administration he/she must take a total of twenty two (28) course units including research- based dissertation. 6 (ii) A course unit is equivalent to three contact hours (3) per course, per week, per semester. The course work is usually supplemented by seminars and lectures by guest speakers from the government and corporate sectors. (iii) The Course Unit load per student shall be on average / or a minimum of five (5) courses per semester. Core Courses The study program is based on Core and Optional/elective course structure. The core courses are compulsory and deal with the broad aspects of public policy, local government, institution building, organizations, public, regional and local finance, research and research methodology. All the courses offered in MPA are approved by HEC and in line with the HEC syllabi. Elective (Optional) Courses Besides the core courses MPA has to offer students a wide range of optional/ and or elective courses. The optional courses are updated and modified in accordance to market dynamism and the current program needs. These optional/ elective courses allow for a more indepth analysis and understanding of specific issues, leading to various specializations in the fields of Human Resource Management, Finance, and Marketing, linking these specializations to the core concepts of Local Government, Public Policy and Administration, Management and Social Services. MPA Curriculum The MPA curriculum, based on standards of Higher Education Commission, is synchronized with the Institutes objectives as well as the objectives of the program. It stresses: 7 understanding the political, legal, ethical and social context of administration with respect to pertinent processes and theories; achieving proficiency in understanding and developing positive organizational behavior, as well as in effectively utilizing a full range of management and administrative techniques; developing the ability to apply appropriate methodologies to solve important problems and issues. These methods include quantitative and qualitative approaches to policy analysis and to program evaluation. The curriculum is designed to attain the following objectives: 1. to introduce students to the theory and principles of public administration, with an understanding and consideration from social, economic, political and legal perspectives; 2. to enhance students' knowledge, skills and competencies to plan and act effectively in the management of public service organizations; 3. to help students build the skills of applying qualitative and quantitative techniques to issues arising from the processes of administration and management CURRICULUM BREAKDOWN Course arrangement: First Semester Courses 1. Principles of Public Administration (48 class hours, 3 credits) 2. Principles of Management (48 class hours, 3 credits) 3. Introduction to Marketing (48 class hours, 3 credits) 4. Financial Accounting (48 class hours, 3 credits) 5. Organizational Theory and Behavior (48 class hours, 3 credits) 8 Second Semester Courses 1. Comparative Administration (48 class hours, 3 credits) 2. Financial Administration (48 class hours, 3 credits) 3. Human Resources Management (48 class hours, 3 credits) 4. Statistics including SPSS. (48 class hours, 3 credits) 5. Elective (48 class hours, 3 credits) Third Semester Courses 1. Public Policy Analysis (48 class hours, 3 credits) 2. Economic Analysis (48 class hours, 3 credits) 3. Computer Application (48 class hours, 3 credits) 4. Strategic Management (48 class hours, 3 credits) 5. Elective (48 class hours, 3 credits) 6. Elective (48 class hours, 3 credits) Fourth Semester Courses 1. Social Research Methods (48 class hours, 3 credits) 2. Project Planning and Management (48 class hours, 3 credits) 3. Planning and Development Administration (48 class hours, 3 credits) 4. Elective (48 class hours, 3 credits) 5. Elective (48 class hours, 3 credits) Research Dissertation (6 credits) 9 Course Descriptions The description of the courses is divided into core courses and optional courses. Description for some of the courses is given below: Description of Core Courses Principles of Public Administration (3 Cr) This course examines the role of public administration and not-for-profit organizations in a democratic society. Students examine the cultural and intellectual evolution of the field, the theories, forces, and people that drive the public sector and the specific management techniques used to implement public policy. It also acquaints the students with the tiers of government and the overall working of public machinery. Public Policy Analysis (3 Cr) This course examines the in detail the formation and implementation of public policies. The mega theories which play its role in policy formation are discussed with the students to build their understanding in the underlying issues and concepts of policy formulation. Finally, attention is given to the entire process of public policies development and the institutions that governments use to implement those policies. The outcome of the course is that students develop a working knowledge of public-sector policymaking and learn to analyze public policy problems in order to understand how public policy is formulated, decided upon, and implemented. Emphasis is on agenda setting, program design, and implementation. Social Research Methodology (3 Cr) Students gain an overview of the commonly used statistics and research methods in public administration including descriptive statistics, statistical distributions, probability, hypothesis 10 development and testing, correlation, contingency table analysis, and regression. Research design, measurement strategy, data collection, data analysis, and reporting results are discussed. A broad range of quantitative and qualitative methods are covered in order to provide the analytical tools necessary to examine the myriad public sector issues. Human Resource Management (3 Cr.) The course examines the role of the human resource professional as a strategic partner in managing today’s organizations. Some of the key functions of HRM include HR planning, recruitment, selection, training and development, performance appraisal, compensation management and employee- management relations. The course is designed so as to enhance the understanding of students of issues pertain to HRM in local, national and international contexts. Students are given examples form actual organizational problems to so as to enhance their problem solving and decision making abilities of HR practices. The course especially focuses on contemporary issues of HRM in organizations. Description of Optional Courses Leadership in the Public Sector (3 Cr.) This course explores the dimensions of leadership and decision making within the public sector. Students explore the major theoretical frameworks of leadership as well as the relationship of leadership to organizational change and effective management strategies. Emphasis is given to assisting practitioners and students with in-depth reflection for selfdevelopment in such areas as decision-making, ethics, and emotional intelligence. 11 Industrial & Labour Laws (3 Cr.) The political and institutional environment of public human resource management is examined. Emphasis is given to the challenges facing the public sector in attracting and developing human assets in an environment of conflicting goals, stakeholder obligations, and a highly aware electorate. Specific topics include the evolution of the modern public service, the functions of human resource management, employment discrimination, labor management relations, professionalism and ethics. Strategic Human Resource Management (3 Cr.) This course covers broad approaches to strategic human resource management. Students develop a working knowledge of how to do planning in for the human resource in the public sector using different approaches. In the usual way, students learn about the SWOT method, the BCG Matrix, and many other techniques but then much more is gained by studying how strategic planning and management is actually carried out of human resource in public, nonpublic ( NGO’s), and corporate sectors. Dissertation (6 Cr.) In the last Semester, students should work on their dissertations which are required to conduct a research project on a public administration issue or any other topic relevant to their specialized area of study. In the dissertation, students should apply the theories and methodologies they learned in social research methods. 12 Learning Goals and Objectives of Master of Public Administration (MPA) THEME 1. Communication Objective 1a. Oral Communication: Students will be able to present opinions, theories, and research findings orally. Objective 1b. Writing: Students will be able to produce focused, coherent, and grammatically correct written communications applicable to government and nonprofit management. Objective 1c. Teamwork: Students will be able to collaborate effectively in team processes. Objective 1d. Interpersonal: Students will be able to demonstrate skills in personal interaction. THEME 2. The Context of Public Administration Objective 2a. History: Students will demonstrate knowledge of the history of public administration. Objective 2b. Politics: Students will be able to explain how the political processes of the United States influence public management. Objective 2c. Theory: Students will be able to explain the key elements of public administration theory, organizational theory and organizational behavior. Objective 2d. Diversity: Students will demonstrate awareness and sensitivity to a diverse public. 13 Objective 2e. Careers: Students will understand the careers available in public administration and how to prepare for them. THEME 3. Critical Thinking Objective 3a. Theory Application: Students will be able to apply theories to practical policy and administrative situations. Objective 3b. Applied Scientific Method: Students will conduct applied social science research to generate knowledge for administrative and policy processes. Objective 3c. Problem Solving: Students will be able to structure problems and apply a systematic problem solving approach. Objective 3d. Ethical Reasoning: Students will be able to describe and apply a range of ethical perspectives to ethical dilemmas inherent in Public Administration. Objective 3e. Data analysis: Students will demonstrate ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative data. Objective 3f. Argumentation: Students will be able to organize and defend an argument. Objective 3g. Reporting: Students will integrate the elements of theory, methods, problem structuring, ethics, analysis, and argumentation to generate reports usable in government and nonprofit management. THEME 4. Core Public Management Competencies Objective 4a. Policy Process: Students will understand the stages and processes of policy making. 14 Objective 4b. Policy Analysis: Students will demonstrate the ability to formally structure problems, forecast expected policy outcomes, recommend preferred policies, monitor observed policy outcomes, and evaluate policy performance. Objective 4c. Budgeting: Students will be able to develop budgets and know when to apply which budgeting approaches. Objective 4d. Human Resources Management: Students will demonstrate the ability to perform core and strategic human resources functions. Objective 4e. Public Management: Students will be able to effectively design work, delegate tasks, manage contracts, assess performance, and implement programs. Objective 4f. Leadership: Students will demonstrate an understanding of human behavior, leadership, and organizational theory to guide and inform leadership activities. Objective 4g. Information Technology: Students will be able to effectively use information technology to accomplish administrative and policy tasks. Revision of Course Contents MPA is a dynamic program and its market dynamism is ensured by keeping the courses contents updated with the current needs of the market. This requires revision of course titles, inclusion or exclusion of certain courses or simply modifying and updating the course contents within the broad framework of HEC guidelines. Eligibility for Admission in MPA Program The basic requirement for admissions in MPA is at least 2nd division / 45% marks in BA, B.Sc or equivalent degree. (Fourteen years education) 15 SECTION 3 LABORATORIES AND COMPUTING FACILITIES 3.1. Introduction The MPA program is facilitated by the IT-Section in availability of computers labs. There are eight computer labs in total. Out of these, four labs (each of which have at least 30 computers) are used for lectures and the other four labs (with more than 80 computers each) are used by student for their research and assignments. . Two labs are located on each floor of the Institute. Along with this the students have access to computer facilities in the library as well. Students also have access to HEC digital library and can download new research articles from the registered websites like J-Store, which is paid by the Institute. Registered software for advance research like SPSS, STATA, Gretel and EViews are taught in the program and the softwares are available to students in computers lab. Standard 3-1: Lab Manuals/Documentation/instructing. Instructions about the usage of computers are distributed among students and the faculty. Standard 3-2: Adequate personal support for labs The personnel support is very limited in all labs. There is only one lab assistant in each lab that takes care of the computers and facilitates teachers and students when required. Standard 3-3: Adequate Computing Infrastructure and Facilities. All faculty members and student have access to the modern technology of computing. Multimedia facilities are available in each class for lectures and presentation. Apart from the lab access, computers along with the internet are being provided to faculty members for their offices. Video conferencing facility is available in the Institute through which students of MPA program are able to attend conferences, lectures and workshops at international and national universities and organizations. 16 3.2. SAFETY PROCEDURES FOR COMPUTER LABS. The MPA program labs are used only for computing purpose, so the chance of any incident is very rare. However, in case of emergency, such as fire or electric shock, the labs are equipped with fire extinguisher. The Institutes first add medical lab is also available in such situations. SECTION 4 STUDENT SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE 17 4.1. Introduction Our main aim is to produce the best graduate, which will be the best representative of the Institute. Along with the taught courses, the other focus is on the development of personality traits and vision of the students. The student counselling is considered as an important responsibility in this regard. Our faculty dedicates extra time for students counselling to help them in various problems regarding their education, career and social life. 4.2. Courses Standard 4-1: Sufficient Frequency of Course Offering The program successfully delivers all the required major and elective courses within the stipulated time. 4.2.1. Core Courses All MPA core courses are offered every term per year. These core courses offered almost every semester spread over whole duration of this degree. 4.2.2. Elective courses Elective courses are offered the second semester commencing in two areas for specializing the degree namely in Development and Finance. 18 4.3. STRUCTURE OF COURSES Stand 4-2: Effective Faculty/Student Interaction Courses are designed keeping in mind the effective and application aspects. The Student/teacher interaction is the main theme of these courses. The following principles are observed to ensure the creative and productive output. Each class is made of 40 students at most. 75% attendance during the semester in each subject is mandatory. At least 2 CGPA must be maintained by the students to retain their position in the program Students have to submit assignments and presentations in time. Typically a M.Sc Applied economics course include three monthly exams and one comprehensive exam Faculty distributes outlines in the beginning of the semester and devotes their office hours for students counselling. 4.4. Guidance to Students Standard 4-3: Professional Advising and Counselling The selection of best career and area of specialization according to the intellectual and learning abilities is the one of the important decision for the students. The committed faculty makes sure their availability and provides the best advice and counselling in this regard. Students are provided up-to-date knowledge about the market demands. 19 Students counselling system The career development centre has specially been developed for students counselling so that they make the best possible decision about their career. Apart from career counselling, the program coordinator resolves conflicts among students or with the faculty. In severe cases the parents are also informed and requested for a visit to the institute. Criterion 5 :Process Control 20 Standard 5-1: The process by which students are admitted to the program must be based on quantitative and qualitative criteria and clearly documented. This process must be periodically evaluated to ensure that it is meeting its objectives. Admission criteria of the program: The process of admitting the student to the program is clearly documented by admission committee and is carried out by a quantitative and qualitative basis. Evaluation of this process is performed every semester to ensure that its objectives are met. The process consists of well-defined procedures and steps executed at the institute level. Based upon the recommendation of the director, coordinator and admission committee, the number of new students to be admitted in the following academic year is determined. (i.e.45 students per year) 1. Students with B.A. / B.Sc., B.Com, BBA or equivalent and having at least second division securing 45% marks in aggregate are eligible to apply. 2. Qualifying the admission test and interview is compulsory. 3. A candidate scoring less than 40% marks in the test shall stand disqualified for the admission. 4. Have a good record of conduct. 5. Have approval from employers in case he/she is employed. Transfer from outside the University/ from another program inside the Institute: The admission to any degree programme of IMSciences through migration from any other institute/university is not allowed under any circumstances. Standard 5-2: The process by which students are registered in the program and monitoring of students’ progress to ensure timely completion of the program must be documented. This process must be periodically evaluated to ensure that it is meeting its objectives. After the final selection of the students in the admission process, students are asked to register in the subjects listed and identified by the semester committee (consisted by coordinator and faculty members). 21 Students’ academic progress is monitored by continuous assessment: a. Attendance: Every student of the Institute is required to maintain at least 80% of the attendance in each course. A student who fails to meet the minimum requirements of attendance in any course will not be allowed to sit for final examination for that course(s). b. Evaluation and Grading: The performance of students is evaluated through a continuous testing procedure spread over the entire period of studies/semester. Besides the semester's final examination, which carries forty percent of the total marks, there will be a number of tests, term papers, assignments, presentations and short quizzes. Hourly examinations will be administered every month and thus students are required to appear in three such examinations for each course in a semester (the two best scores will be counted towards the final grade). A number of surprise quizzes will be given during classes to monitor the day to day progress of the students. Moreover, the performance of students in class discussions, written assignments, research reports etc., will be evaluated to form a part of their overall grades. If the requirements are not met within this time limit, the student's grade in that course will be converted into a 'fail'. No “Make Up' examination will be allowed in any course under any circumstances. A Grade Point Average (GPA) will be computed at the end of the course for all students. Final letter grades in each course will be converted to grade points. Standard 5-3: The process of recruiting and retaining highly qualified faculty members must be in place and clearly documented. Also processes and procedures for faculty evaluation, promotion must be consistent with institution mission statement. These processes must be periodically evaluated to ensure that it is meeting with its objectives. A coordinator/faculty meeting at the start of the semester is held to ensure that highly qualified faculty is recruited to the program. Faculty appointments are generally made from candidate’s outstanding technical competence and on the basis of demonstrated achievement in teaching, research and industrial experience. Procedure for recruiting new professorial rank faculty and lecturers Resumes are forwarded to the Director, IMSciences, which are forwarded to the relevant course coordinators. Course Coordinators review the resumes and if they feel the qualifications and experience are relevant with the objectives of the Institute, they forward it 22 to the Coordinator Establishment for demo. So, demos are called on the recommendations of Course Coordinators. The existing roadmap for appointment of faculty members is given below: 1. Appointment on Visiting Basis 2. Appointment on Contract Basis on Fixed Pay Package 3. Appointment on Contract Basis on IMSciences Pay Scale 4. Confirmation of Services in IMSciences Pay Scale 5. Miscellaneous Details are given below: 1st Step: Visiting Faculty Appointment Recommendations of the panel are ascertained as: Recommended Candidates: minimum Marks ≥ 70 Call for Next Demo: minimum Marks ≥ 60 Not Recommended Candidates: Marks < 60 Recommended Candidates: Subject to the availability of courses relating to specialization of the applicant and on recommendations of Demo Panel Members courses are assigned on visiting basis to the new appointee initially for a semester. Based upon satisfactory performance of first semester, courses for second semester are offered. Two consecutive semesters satisfactory evaluations spreading over a year makes a visiting faculty eligible for contract appointment on a fixed package. Call for Next Demo: The candidates under this category have potential to teach, however, in order to improve their teaching skills the Advisory Committee in its meeting held on June 8, 2010 has recommended minimum of six months duration. After six months the Institute may give a chance to these candidates to give a 2nd demonstration. Not Recommended: These candidates cannot be assigned classes. However, the Advisory Committee in its meeting held on June 8, 2010 has recommended that candidates on their request may be called for demo second time after a period of six months. 2nd Step: Contract Appointment on Fixed Pay Package: The Course Coordinator determines performance of the visiting faculty. The parameters of performance are: Students’ evaluation which includes course level and teaching ability of faculty The visiting faculty code of conduct during stay at the Institute 23 On the basis of performance and evaluations during a year the Coordinator forwards case of visiting faculty for contract appointment on fixed pay package which is offered in the respective scale. 3rd Step: Contract Appointment on IMSciences Pay Scale: On the basis of satisfactory performance and evaluations during another year makes, a fixed pay contract faculty eligible for contract appointment in IMSciences Pay Scale on the minimum pay-scale of the position, which allows them CPF contribution, health facility and other benefits under the rules of the Institute. 4th Step: Confirmation of Service in IMSciences Pay Scale: The confirmation of services in IMSciences Pay Scale is subject to availability of budgeted positions and qualifying the Selection Board. Miscellaneous On the recommendations of Director and keeping in view the qualification and experience the applicant may be called for interview with the panel. Successful applicant may be assigned contract or visiting classes. Faculty Evaluation Each faculty member is evaluated every semester on his performance in teaching, research and other Institute services. Theses evaluations are based on Teaching performance (checked through students input) Self-evaluation (through self-evaluation forms filled by faculty members themselves) Coordinator evaluations. To retain qualified faculty, the university offers the following support and financial incentives: The university has adopted Model Tenure Track Scheme offered by HEC. Faculty members with high research profile are even awarded a maximum of 4 advance increments but the criteria for these increments is not well defined. Competitive salaries based on qualification and experience Two months annual vacations Increment in salaries based on the ratings of the faculty performance each year. Facility in offering and organizing short courses. Funds are granted for establishment of labs and research. If a faculty member gets the acceptance of his research paper in an impact factor journal, the processing fee is paid by the university. On publishing a paper in an impact factor journal, the 1st and 2nd authors are given Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 5,000 respectively. 24 Standard 5-4: The process and procedures used to ensure that teaching and delivery of course material to the students emphasizes active learning and that course learning outcomes are met. The process must be periodically evaluated to ensure that it is meeting its objectives. In order to achieve excellence in teaching and learning, evaluation and process control of these two factors are conducted regularly. Moreover the department puts a strong emphasis on utilizing current modern technologies such as multimedia, audio visual facilities, computer animations and models by instructors in order to enhance the quality of course material. Continuous assessment (including quizzes, tests, assignment and presentation etc.) and exams arranged in every semester are conducted to ensure that teaching and delivery of course material is effective and focus on students learning. Student’s response in the classes and their participation in the class discussion is another tool used for the same purpose. A meeting is held by the end of each semester to identify improvements in the process. Standard 5-5: The process that ensures that graduates have completed the requirements of the program must be based on standards, effective and clearly documented procedures. This process must be periodically evaluated to ensure that it is meeting its objectives. Degree Requirements For MPA 2 year degree, completion of all specified and elective courses according to the degree plan of the program (minimum of 66 credit hours (as per HEC policy) including 6 credit hour research thesis/project). Achievement of GPA of 2.00 or better for all courses offered. GPA Requirements Students must maintain a minimum GPA/CGPA of 2.2 on a cumulative basis during the course of their academic programme. Students with a GPA/CGPA of less than 2.0 will be dropped from the rolls of the Institute forthwith. Students securing a GPA/CGPA between 2.0 and 2.2 will be on probation for one semester. At the end of the semester, students on probation will be required to improve their GPA/CGPA to a minimum of 2.2. If a student on probation shows an improvement, but his/her CGPA is still below 2.2 his/her probation may be extended for another semester. Otherwise the student will be dropped from the rolls of the Institute. If a student fails certain courses but manages to maintain the required GPA/CGPA, he/she may be allowed to repeat and clear the course(s) or substitute(s) (wherever permissible) before the degree is awarded. 25 The GPA is computed as follows: Sum of (credit hours x grade point) ÷ Sum of Credit hours For Project/Dissertation, the evaluation of a student will be based on (a) Project Report/Dissertation submitted by the student and (b) performance in Viva Voce. Duration The normal duration of MPA programme is 4 semesters. Criterion 6 : Faculty Standard 6-1: There must be enough full time faculty who are committed to the program to provide adequate coverage of the program areas/courses with continuity and stability. The interests and qualifications of all faculty members must be sufficient to teach all courses, plan, modify and update courses and curricula. All faculty members must have a level of competence that would normally be obtained through graduate work in the discipline. The majority of the faculty must hold a Ph.D. in the discipline. 26 Standard 6-2: All faculty members must remain current in the discipline and sufficient time must be provided for scholarly activities and professional development. Also, effective programs for faculty development must be in place. The IMSciences faculty is deemed current and competent in their discipline due to the following factors: o Education o Diversity of background o Industrial Experience o Teaching Experience o Ability to communicate o Enthusiasm for developing more effective programs o Scholarships A number of research and teaching centers have been established on campus to foster academic growth and development as well as community involvement. Trainings and workshops are also arranged to strengthen the research and teaching skills of teaching faculty. Meetings are held by university’s authorities to evaluate the programs and modify if needed. Standard 6-3: All faculty members should be motivated and have job satisfaction to excel in their profession. Reasonable salaries with extra incentives are given to faculty members. The Institute offers its faculty many opportunities for professional development. The institute provides faculty members with funds for Journal paper registration Research award Policy o Rs. 10,000 to publish Y category journal o Rs. 25,000 to publish journals indexed by ISI, Social Science Citation Index (SSCI), Science citation Indexed (SCI), Science Citation Indexed Expanded (SCIE) and Thomson Reuters. Incentive on publication of research articles and adoption of TTS package are also valuable for faculty motivation. Faculty input through a survey (appendix) on program from faculty motivation and job satisfaction is carried out. 27 Criterion 7: Institutional Facilities Standard 7-1: The institution must have the infrastructure to support new trends in learning such as e-learning. IMSciences Faculty and students has access to computers, Internet connection and significant repository of Microsoft-related software. The Technical support personnel are readily accessible and work hard to troubleshoot and fix problems related with software and hardware. Printing and copying are also available in the department. All of the above factors help in implementing modern trends in learning, including elearning Infrastructure: Standard 7-2: The library must possess an up-to-date technical collection relevant to the program and must be adequately staffed with professional personnel. The university Main Library is well shelved with contemporary books and references and other facilities listed below. Library has the following types of resources available. o Books (approximately 8000) o Research journals (renewed every year) o Magazines (2500) o Research reports (2000) o Reading material in form of CDs o Daily 15 National Newspapers (Urdu and English) o Computers in Library with fast Internet facility o Different Digital Library is accessible throughout the campus o Soft Books are also available for all students and staff members o Reference service for Research Scholars will be available soon o Audio and Visual facility to learning will also be available soon. Books available in the library are adequate to support the program. Standard 7-3: Class-rooms must be adequately equipped and offices must be adequate to enable faculty to carry out their responsibilities. 28 Presently, all classes are equipped with network connected computers and in-focus projectors. They are primarily used to deliver electronic class notes and perform inclass demos and presentations. Every Faculty member is provided with a well-furnished office that helps them in carrying out their responsibilities. 29 Criterion 8 : Institutional Support Standard 8-1: There must be sufficient support and financial resources to attract and retain high quality faculty and provide the means for them to maintain competence as teachers and scholars. Faculty Support and Resources: To attract qualified faculty and to maintain competence of the existing faculty, the Institute offers the following support and financial resources: The Institute has adopted Model Tenure Track Scheme offered by HEC. Study leave with pay for scholarship holders Research rewards to improve research profile Competitive salary packages Health insurance (Group Medical Insurance) Group life insurance Gratuity fund Contributory provident fund Support for scholars to avoid HEC’s travel grant Support for researchers to avoid research grant of HEC Research funds Moreover, the Institute also supports faculty members to attend conferences (national and international), training courses in their area of interest. Secretarial Support, Technical Staff and Office Equipment The university has appointed enough experienced supporting staff. That includes o Network administrator o Web administrator o Lab Technicians o Lab Attendants These technical staff is properly trained time to time. Other facilities like photocopier, postage, air conditioners, heaters, fax etc. are not provided. Transport facility is provided. Standard 8-2: There must be an adequate number of high quality graduate students, research assistants and Ph.D. students. No relevant to MPA program (as discussed) Standard 8-3: Financial resources must be provided to acquire and maintain Library holdings, laboratories and computing facilities. 30 Library: Discussed in standard 7-2 Laboratory and Computing Facilities: Financial resources for laboratories and computing facilities are satisfactory. In total the Institute has 6 computer laboratories, equipped with latest computers and printing facilities. Out of the 6 computer laboratories, 5 computer labs have 35 computers each, whereas 1 computer laboratory has 50 computers. 15 computers have also been placed in the Library for research purposes. LABS Computing equipment 5 computer Labs 35 computers each 1 computer lab 50 computers Library 15 computers DLD Lab Contains the DLD equipment such as circuit boards etc. 31