3rd International Young Scholars Workshop in Public Policy and Administration Research

The American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) and Jilin University proudly announce that the International Young Scholars Workshop in Public Policy and Administration Research will be held in Changchun, the People’s Republic of China on July 21-24, 2014. This workshop aims to provide young scholars working in public policy, public administration and related fields with an academically rigorous platform for the presentation of research, scholarly exchange and social networking.

To strengthen academic and social exchange mechanisms for young scholars in public policy, administration and related fields, ASPA and Jilin University will organize an international forum that brings together outstanding young scholars and distinguished senior scholars who will serve as mentors, coaches, and guides.

The inaugural International Workshop for Young Scholars in Public Policy and Administration Research: The Role of Institutions in an Era of Change was a great success. The conference was hosted in Xiamen, the People’s Republic of China from May 31-June 3, 2011. More than 40 participants represented more than 12 countries and 22 universities. The 2013 Young Scholars Workshop, held at Central University of Finance and Economics in Beijing, was equally successful.

We are pleased to present this opportunity again. As applications for this workshop exceed available space, a rigorous review process takes place.

This intensive four-day program was modeled after conferences held at the Ronald Coase Institute, where participants present their work twice, and each time potential areas of improvement are highlighted. During the presentations, senior scholars provide feedback and suggestions to each young scholar. Using feedback from their coach, mentors, and fellow panelists, the participants improve their papers and presentations and present their final versions to all attendees in the final showcase, where they receive additional feedback. The final presentations at the prior conferences demonstrated the value of this intensive format. We are certain that the 2014 workshop will provide as much or even greater value.

This workshop is distinct from other related types of events in the following ways:

1.It is longer in length than similar workshops—four days—so that participants enjoy ample time for deliberation and exchange.

2.It not only brings together young scholars, but also invited senior scholars, distinguished in the field of public administration and policy, who act as mentors, coaches, and discussants.

3.The workshop format is highly intensive as young scholars have an initial presentation, followed by designated individual and group level discussions with senior scholars, and then a final presentation.

4.Faculty are assigned to young scholars grouped by sub-fields and concentrations, and engage in group discussions and individual consultations related to their research projects.

5.Faculty present their recent works in a relaxed atmosphere, allowing young participants to get fresh experiences on the process of conducting empirical research—from topic choice to reviewing the literature, from framing and analyzing to presenting.

6.Senior faculty provide instructional sessions on topics such as “How to Get Published” and “Conducting Research for an International Audience,” adapted for the young scholars.

We welcome research papers and projects on a broad range of public policy and administration issues including, but not limited to, the following:

1.The response of public policy and administration to post-crisis governance.

2.Empirical policy analysis in such specific fields as fiscal, environmental, health, labor, etc.

3.Traditional public administration topics, including but not limited to performance management, leadership, human resources and budgeting.

4.Aspects of strategic management and collaboration in public sectors.

5.The challenge of working across levels of governments and sectors.

6.The state of public sector ethics

All research papers and projects must be empirically based. Applications beyond the above illustrative topics will certainly be considered.

·      Best Paper Award

·      Most Improved Paper Award

We accept applications from doctoral candidates at the stage of dissertation writing or engaged in fieldwork, postdoctoral fellows and young professionals (assistant professors, lecturers or research fellows).

English

Applicants shall submit a summary of their research papers or projects containing no more than 250 words via e-mail to the YSW Planning Committee at youngscholars@aspanet.org

·      Summary submission deadline: April 4, 2014

·      Acceptance notification: Late April 2014

·      Full paper submission: June 15, 2014

The workshop will be held at Jilin University in Changchun, the capital city of Jilin Province in Northeast People’s Republic of China.

Accepted participants will receive a registration fee waiver. Lodging accommodations, local transportation, and daily meals for four days will be provided.

Participants must cover their airfare travel expenses.

Allan Rosenbaum – President, American Society for Public Administration and Professor and Director, Institute for Public Management and Community Service, Florida International University

Maria Aristigueta – Professor and Director, School of Public Policy and Administration, University of Delaware

Susan Gooden – Professor and Executive Director, Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute, Virginia Commonwealth University

Shaoming Cheng – Assistant Professor, Florida International University

David Guo – Assistant Professor, Florida International University

William Shields – Executive Director, American Society for Public Administration Xianming Zhang – Dean, School of Administration, Jilin University

Junbo Yu – Associate Professor, Jilin University School of Administration

Melissa C. Emerson – Student Representative to National Council, American Society for Public Administration

Tonya T. Neaves – District II Representative to National Council, American Society for Public Administration, and Adjunct Professor, George Mason University

Xulian Liu – Vice Dean, Jilin University School of Administration

Yuzhen Xu – Vice Dean, Jilin University School of Administration

Dongshui Yin – Vice Dean, Jilin University School of Administration