Assignment Task
Overview
Your task in this assessment is to provide a risk assessment in the form of a critique of recent trends in the Australian Public Service (APS) by identifying ‘systems traps’, if any, and suggesting possible solutions.
Background (Why am I doing this?)
This is an opportunity for you to apply concepts from systems thinking (i.e. systems traps, opportunities and leverage points), and from Mariana Mazzucato’s research, in order to lift the performance of the contemporary APS.
Instructions (What do I have to do?)
- Mariana Mazzucato argues that ‘Bad governance in both business and the state has over the last half century caused short-termism to overshadow investments needed for progress. These trends have depleted organizations of knowledge, skills and vision’ (The Big Con, 2023).
- Critique recent trends in public sector leadership, risk management and change management in light of Mazzucato’s research presented and signposted in the modules.
- To what extent, if any, does Mazzucato’s argument apply in Australia?
- Provide examples/evidence and suggest possible ‘ways out’ for the traps identified, and other positive changes and/or investments which could be made.
Your task in this assessment is to provide a risk assessment in the form of a critique of recent trends in the Australian Public Service (APS) by identifying ‘systems traps’, if any, and suggesting possible solutions.