Course Syllabus

O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs 

SPEA-V517: Public Management Economics  

Instructor: Kenneth Richards; Email: kenricha@iu.edu; Office: SPEA 410L; Phone: 855-1461 

Teaching Assistant: Mackenzie Shanahan; Email: shanahm@iu.edu 

 

Class Meeting: MW 2:20-3:35 PM, Room PV 272 (Section 9269) 

Office Hours: W 12:30-2:00PM, Room PV 272 

TA Office Hours: Th 1:00-2:15 PM, Room A204; If neither office hour time works for you, please reach out to Mackenzie or Dr. Richards via email to discuss an alternate time to meet. 

 

Texts: Wilkinson, N. Managerial Economics: A Problem-Solving Approach. Cambridge University Press, 2005. 

(This might be available as a pdf online. E.g., try here) 

 

Course Description: This course presents the economic concepts, relationships, and methods of analysis that are relevant for public sector management decisions and policy analysis.  Basic concepts and principles such as demand, production, cost, pricing, and cost‑benefit analysis are discussed.  The course builds on these concepts, demonstrating the importance and usefulness of economic analysis in public sector decision-making. The concepts in this course are fundamental building blocks for studies in policy, management, and finance. 

 

Learning Outcomes: By the end of the semester, students should be able to explain and differentiate between the core concepts of public management economics highlighted in the lectures. They should be able to recall and interpret these concepts in the context of understanding real-world events.  

• Analyze incentives and behavioral responses. 

• Understanding producer and consumer behavior and the markets that link them 

• Distinguish marginal from average relationships 

• Evaluate production, cost, and pricing decisions 

• Diagnose market failures and government interventions 

• Apply economic reasoning to public-management and policy problems 

• Communicate economic analysis to decision-makers 

 

How much time should you spend on this class? This is graduate school. You only learn by working hard.  We do not "fill you up" with knowledge.  Rather, you study and practice to gain understanding and skills. While some students have been able to succeed with just a few hours of work outside the classroom, most will need to spend 8 to 12 hours per week to master this material.  

This course moves quickly and can pose a challenge for those who are not prepared.  You need to be prepared at the beginning of the course and you need to prepare every week during the course.  For the beginning of the course, you need to prepare by completing the O'Neill Math Preparation Program before the semester starts.  Each week, you need to prepare for our class discussions by completing the readings and assigned exercises and problem sets.    

 

Course Requirements:  

Higher score of midterm exam 1 or 2	25%
Lower score of midterm exam 1 or 2	15%
Final exam	40%
Group presentation	10%
Class participation/attendance	10%
Total	100%

      

I do not curve individual assignments.  However, at the end of the semester, if it appears warranted, I will apply a curve to course grades.  I have generally applied a very small curve upwards to final grades.  The curve never works in reverse - no one's grade is ever lowered because of the curve on the final grade. 

 

Grading Scale: Based on the Canvas grading scale.  

A+	>= 97%
A	93 to < 97%
A-	90 to < 93%
B+	87 to < 90%
B	83 to < 87%
B-	80 to < 83%
C+	77 to < 80%
C	73 to < 77%
C-	70 to < 73%
D+	67 to < 70%
D	63 to < 67%
D-	60 to < 63%
F	0 to < 60%

 

Course Expectations:  

Participation & Conduct 

It is expected that you show up to class on time and regularly. Follow the O’Neill Honor Code throughout all class activities, found below in the “Information Relevant to all O’Neill Graduate Classes & Programs” section. Demonstrate professionalism, including respect for the ideas of your peers and instructors. Participate actively in class, including asking questions and carrying your weight in the group assignment. Attendance is a vital part of success within this class, as the best learning occurs when all students are involved in the discussion. Attendance is not solely physically being present. It means being prepared for active participation through staying engaged throughout the lecture period and arriving to class having completed the expected readings. The final attendance grade for the class will reflect both the number of courses attended and the level of participation throughout the semester. 

 

Readings 

I assume that every student has read the assigned reading at the beginning of the week for which it is assigned.  Reading the assigned materials means much more than making one pass through the assigned chapter or chapters.  An approach that was successful for you as you studied other social sciences, the humanities, or natural sciences may not work as well for economics.  The material tends to be difficult to digest.  Therefore, you should first skim the assigned reading to get a sense of what is being presented and then follow with a close second reading of the material.  During that close second reading, when you come to the end of a section that has presented a new concept(s), close the book and try to replicate the presentation, including diagrams.   

  

Problem Sets 

After our class discussions of each topic go to the "Page" corresponding to that topic. You will find a copy of the class slides (posted after the Wednesday class meeting) and some supplementary materials, particularly brief video lectures on some of the most salient points we covered in class.  Also plan to spend time working on the Practice Problems.  This will provide you a sense of whether you are understanding the material and help identify the areas that you need to clarify.  The TAs are available to help you.  Be sure to visit with them if you have questions.  

Once you have completed the Practice Problems and are comfortable with your understanding of the material, complete the Assigned Problems.  These are generally going to be multiple choice. Some questions will be purely conceptual but many will involve calculations, so be sure to have a calculator at hand.  The assignments will vary in length from 30 minutes to 90 minutes and should be completed in one sitting.    

The Assigned Problems are also designed to give the instructors a sense of how the class is progressing generally and how you are managing individually.  If the Assigned Problems uncover issues that are giving much of the class problems, we will try to address those in class.  Thus, your timely completion of the Assigned Problems will be an important part of your participation in the class.  It is also to your advantage to work through the assigned problems on a timely basis because they will help you prepare for the Exams. Generally, Assigned Problems become available in the Quizzes section on Canvas after the class meeting on Wednesday and are due by the following Sunday at 5:00 p.m. 

  

Applications 

Because Public Management Economics stresses applications of the principles and concepts of intermediate microeconomics, it is important you do much more than the assigned readings.  You should be constantly listening to the news and examining public and industry discussions to spot applications of the concepts we are discussing in class.  We can all learn from each other during class discussion.  

To encourage this attitude of "learn and apply" you will be assigned to one of eight groups, each of which will be responsible for developing a crisp presentation of an application drawn from the news.  In general, groups should try to identify an application that builds on concepts from the previous two to three weeks of class discussion.  A good presentation will identify an interesting event or phenomenon, discuss its significance, explain its economic significance and how economics concepts help us better understand the issue.  If you can work in the policy implications of the issue, even better.   

Presentations will be scheduled for the beginning of class on Wednesdays.  The presentations should be carefully timed to last 20 minutes total, including questions, answers and discussion.  You are welcome to use slides, in which case you should upload those before the class begins.   

  

Exams 

There will be two Exams and a Final. These will range from multiple choice to problem solving and essay.  They will require a thorough understanding of the material.  You may bring a calculator (non-communicating, i.e., no cell phones or internet capable instruments) to exams and one sheet of standard letter size notes printed on two sides (no magnifying glasses). Bring plenty of pencils.  Scratch sheets will be provided for your calculations, but will not be collected. 

Please note that we will follow the university schedule for the final exam.  To avoid having to reschedule your travel plans, please check the schedule.  (It appears that the university may have scheduled the exam to conflict with a very few class time slots.  If you have such a conflict please notify Professor Richards or your TA immediately.) 

 

Academic Integrity 

Cheating and plagiarism are forms of academic dishonesty that cannot be tolerated in university education.  Definitions of various types of academic misconduct and University policies for dealing with violations are included in the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Conduct, the SPEA Student Honor Code, as well as each semester's schedule of classes. Each student should understand his/her rights and responsibilities under the IU and SPEA Codes, and that the instructor will follow procedures described in those Codes in handling any case of academic dishonesty.  Any student found cheating or plagiarizing will receive a failing grade for the course and will be reported to the Dean of Student Affairs.   

 

AI Usage 

AI as a tool is encouraged to support learning throughout this course. This means that you are expected to fact check all AI responses, and you are ultimately responsible for any content that is used in assignments such as the group presentation. If you depend upon AI to get through this course, including problem sets, then it will be extremely difficult to succeed. Remember, all exams are given on paper, and complete understanding of course concepts without the use of AI is required for success.  

 

Course Policies:  

1. Make-up Exams: There is no makeup exam offered unless arrangements are made ahead of time, and there is no excuse for an unexcused absence from an exam. If you are unable to take the exam at the scheduled time, you must contact the professor at least three weeks in advance. In the case of illness, contact the professor as soon as possible.  

2. Technology Use: Since active class participation is an important factor for success, students are encouraged to be cognizant of their technology use in class. Electronic notetaking is permitted.  

3. Late Withdrawal: See https://calendars.registrar.indiana.edu/official-calendar/ for dates.  NOTE: late withdrawals used to require instructor permission but now only require consultation with the instructor.  

After the auto-W deadline, withdrawal will be significantly limited, and you will need permission to withdraw and must meet requirements established by O’Neill.  

4. Student Recommendations: I am willing to write recommendations for students. However, to provide a strong recommendation, I need to be very familiar with the student's class work.  To ensure that my recommendations will continue to be effective, I will only write recommendations for students who have completed at least two of my courses and have received a grade of "A" in both.  In a few cases I will offer to write recommendations on the basis of progress in the second class.  Of course, for students who are working with me outside of classes, as in the case of a GA, I use a different approach. 

 

Schedule of Assignments: A complete list of scheduled course meeting dates, readings for each day, assignment due dates, and exam dates can be found on the Home page for the course on Canvas.  

 

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Information Relevant to all O’Neill Graduate Classes & Programs: 

Course Materials—Instructor’s Exclusive Rights 

The faculty member teaching this course holds the exclusive right to distribute, modify, post, and reproduce course materials, including all written materials, study guides, lectures, assignments, exercises, and exams. While you are permitted to take notes on the online materials and lectures posted for this course for your personal use, you are not permitted to re-post in another forum, upload to AI, distribute, reproduce content from this course, or sell the instructor’s course materials (including notes and study guides) without the express written permission of the faculty member. 

Violations of this policy will be reported to the Dean of Students as academic misconduct (violation of course rules). Sanctions for academic misconduct may include a failing grade on the assignment for which the notes/study guides are being sold, a reduction in your final course grade, or a failing grade in the course, among other possibilities.  

Additionally, you should know that selling a faculty member’s course using IU email, or via Canvas may also constitute a violation of IU information technology and IU intellectual property policies; additional consequences may result. 

Counseling and Psychological Services  

For information about services offered to students by CAPS:  http://healthcenter.indiana.edu/counseling/index.shtml 

TimelyCare 

Indiana students have free, 24/7 access to virtual mental health care services with TimelyCare. Students do not need insurance to access TimelyCare services. https://www.iu.edu/mental-health/find-resources/timely-care.html#0 

Religious Accommodation Requests 

The "Request for Accommodation for Religious Observances" form must be submitted by the student to the professor no later than two weeks prior to the anticipated absence.  A separate form must be submitted for each absence and for each course. Faculty do not have to consider accommodations for the purpose of allowing students to travel away from Bloomington for religious observance.  Information about the policy is found here: https://vpfaa.indiana.edu/resources/religious-observances-information.html. 

Accessible Educational Services (formerly Disability Services for Students)  

Securing accommodations for a student with disabilities is a responsibility shared by the student, the instructor, and the AES Office. For information about support services or accommodations available to students with disabilities, and for the procedures to be followed by students and instructors: https://studentlife.indiana.edu/care-advocacy/iub-aes/index.html   

Sexual Harassment   

As your instructor, one of my responsibilities is to help create a safe learning environment on our campus. Title IX and our own Sexual Misconduct policy prohibit sexual misconduct.  If you have experienced sexual misconduct, or know someone who has, the University can help.   

If you are seeking help and would like to talk to someone confidentially, you can make an appointment with: 

i. The Sexual Assault Crisis Service (SACS) at 812-855-8900 

ii. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 812-855-5711 
iii. Confidential Victim Advocates (CVA) at 812-856-2469 

iv. IU Health Center at 812-855-4011 

For more information about available resources:  http://stopsexualviolence.iu.edu/help/index.html. It is also important to know that federal regulations and University policy require me to promptly convey any information about potential sexual misconduct known to me to our campus’ Deputy Title IX Coordinator or IU’s Title IX Coordinator.  In that event, they will work with a small number of others on campus to ensure that appropriate measures are taken and resources are made available to the student who may have been harmed.  Protecting a student’s privacy is of utmost concern, and all involved will only share information with those that need to know to ensure the University can respond and assist.  I encourage you to visit http://stopsexualviolence.iu.edu/help/index.html to learn more. 

IU Culture Centers: https://studentlife.indiana.edu/communities/culture-centers/index.html 

 

O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs 

Student Honor Code  

Introduction 

The O’Neill School takes matters of honesty and integrity seriously.  We expect O’Neill students will, at all times, maintain academic integrity and civil and professional standards of conduct.  

Scope 

O’Neill’s Student Honor Code applies to all courses and programs offered by O’Neill, and to all students who participate in O’Neill classes and programs, regardless of whether students are admitted to O’Neill. Students studying at O’Neill are expected to continue their commitment to ethical behavior in all their endeavors, including, but not limited to, coursework inside and outside of O’Neill, internships, community service, and overseas study.  

O’Neill’s Student Honor Code incorporates IU’s Code of Student Right, Responsibilities, & Conduct and extends to matters of civility and professional conduct, including, expectations about class attendance, punctuality, participation in class, and decorum in class and at other school functions. 

Academic Conduct Requirements   

All students enrolled in O’Neill courses are subject to the academic misconduct provisions found in the IU Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, & Conduct.   

Academic misconduct is defined as any activity that tends to undermine the academic integrity of the institution. 

The IU Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, & Conduct lists and defines many types of academic misconduct, including cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, interference, violation of course rules, and facilitating academic dishonesty.    

Academic misconduct includes the use of any technology or assistance, including AI, that is not permitted by the instructor.  

Civility and Professional Conduct Requirements 

O’Neill requires that all students treat others with mutual respect and behave professionally in the classroom and during all academic and non-academic activities. 

These civility and professional conduct requirements foster an appropriate atmosphere inside and outside the classroom: 

• Students must act in accordance with the O’Neill School mission and values.  

• Students must regularly attend and be fully prepared for class, including completing readings.  

• Students must not behave in a way that interrupts or distracts from teaching or learning.  For example, students must be punctual in their arrival to class and be present and attentive for the duration of the class. They must not sleep, do work for another class, or wander in and out of the classroom, pack up, or leave class early (unless an emergency exists). 

• Students must abide by the course policy regarding use of electronic devices in the classroom, including a requirement that no electronics are allowed or that students are not permitted to use devices for non-class related purposes. 

• Students must responsibly participate in class activities and during team meetings for course assignments.  

• Students must attend scheduled meetings with faculty or staff, events for which they have RSVPed, interviews with prospective employers, and student organization meetings.   

• Students must address faculty members, other students, and others appropriately and with respect, whether in person, in writing, or in electronic communications. 

• Students must show tolerance and respect for others.  

• Students must practice respect and responsible stewardship of the physical resources of the school, refraining from destroying or defacing school property, integrating practices of sustainability, and contributing to a clean and orderly physical environment in all buildings, classrooms, offices, and meeting spaces.    

• Students must comply with the personal misconduct responsibilities within the IU Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, & Conduct. 

Reporting  

Students must abide by the O’Neill Student Honor Code themselves and hold their peers to the same standards. Students should report suspected instances of academic, civility, or professional misconduct to the instructor of the course. Students should report suspected instances of personal misconduct to the IU Office of Student Conduct.  

*Plagiarism: Plagiarism is defined as presenting someone else’s work, including the work of other students, as one’s own. Any ideas or materials taken from another source for either written or oral use must be fully acknowledged, unless the information is common knowledge. https://studentcode.iu.edu/responsibilities/academic-misconduct.html. (emphasis added) 

Intellectual Inquiry and Debate 

In keeping with the University’s adoption of the Chicago Principles, this class will seek to cultivate an environment of free intellectual inquiry, debate, and constructive criticism. The instructor will guide discussions to advance the course's educational objectives, and students are encouraged to listen to one another and engage thoughtfully with differing viewpoints, even when unpopular or controversial views are expressed. The mere expression of views, words, symbols, images, or thoughts that some people find offensive does not violate free speech norms if such expression arises for legitimate academic and/or pedagogical purposes. The class will also seek to cultivate an environment in which people can change their minds, and in which students who are uncertain or need time to formulate their thoughts can claim the space to do so.