Case study targets practical skills

China and EU have developed training modules on EU public administration and public management for Chinese senior civil servants under the framework of the CNSA program.

Through such training, participants involved in advising the Chinese government at various levels gain a better understanding of European models and practice, and are also able to develop useful contacts with European administrations.

Special emphasis is placed on public management and important current issues such as crisis management, healthcare, unemployment and the rule of law.

The training modules concentrate on three main topics: public finances/economics, public management and public law. Each module is built around specific EU models and the experiences of different EU member states, and includes a case study.

The modules, delivered by more than one expert, provide a wider range of EU experiences.

There has been an increased emphasis on delivery of the modules in the provinces.

Cities and provinces visited in recent years include Shanghai, Qingdao, Dalian, Xiamen, Tianjin, Hebei, Hunan, Hubei, Fujian, Guizhou, Gansu, Shanxi, An'hui and Jilin as well as the Xinjiang Uygus Autonomous Region.

A lecturer said: "At the end of the lecture we had a Q & A session with about 40 senior civil servants. They asked many questions not only concerning technical details but also related to the political system and how European experiences may be applicable outside Europe."

The component also aims to improve teaching practice by applying modern methods, highlighted by the use of case studies in teaching practices.

Training in case study methodology provides Chinese trainers with practical illustrations and also covers ways to develop, design and deliver case studies. Such studies are now regarded as a useful addition to the training programs, enabling participants to engage in a practical activity that not only gives information but also tests problem-solving, decision-making, and other similar skills.

A database of over 60 case studies has now been established and trainers can access and apply the case studies in a number of programs.

Five modules have now been delivered and another is planned this year. In addition to Beijing, courses have been run in Hangzhou, Guangzhou and Kunming.

(China Daily 11/13/2007 page20)