1 - Clear definition of the reserach question and research objectives
2 - Conducting and presenting a literature review identifying the main debates and the relevance and originality of the contribution made by the research
3 - Construction of an adequate a theoretical framework of analysis in light of the research objectives
4 - Construction of hypotheses and their rationale
5 - Definition of a methodological research strategy, taking into account the research objectives and hypotheses

1) Establishment of the components of the research project:
I) Objectives, problem, research question
II) Theoretical framework, literature review, relevance and innovation
III) Methodological strategy, justification of the field of observation, research plan and data collection techniques
IV) Schedule
V) Provisional table of contents
VII) References.
2) Theory as a tool and research product in Public Administration
3) Key concepts
4) Sources and Methods

The periodic evaluation will focus on:
I - Presentation and discussion in class of the first version of the research projects (at the beginning of the second semester) - 25% of the final grade
II - The elaboration of a research project for a doctoral thesis, in a written document with about 20 pages - 75% of the final grade

(the number of pages will consider main text, excluding for instance, cover pages, indexes, bibliography, annexes and similars)

The learning objectives are:
LO1 | Know the main research methods: qualitative, quantitative and mixed
LO2 | Mobilize the methods of collection of data and of data analysis in a competent and adequate manner, applying to the nature of the
data, to the objective and to the object of the research
LO3 | integrate the main ethical principles and debates of the area of studies in the design and development of the project
OA4 | Know the variety of literature analysis and apply this knowledge to the area of studies of the project
OA5 | Acquire knowledge and practical competencies of content analysis, namely developed with software (MaxQda).
LO6 | Acquire knowledge and practical competencies of collection, graphicalization and interpretation of statistic indicators and other data.

1. Panoramic view on the main research methods
2. Transversal ethical debates and principles
3. Literature Analysis: types and practices
4. Analytical units, angles and approaches
5. Mixed methods: an introduction
6. Ethnography and Auto-Ethnography
7. Field Diary
8. Interviews and Interaction
9. Content Analysis:
10. Organization od qualitative data with MaxQda
11. Qualitative Data analysis with MaxQda
12. Collection, production and analysis of statistic indicator
13. Statistical Analysis: dependency models and multivariate analysis
14. Individual presentations of the methodological component of the projects

The teaching-learning process involves:
-More theoretical sessions focused on knowledge presentation of the different research methods
-More practical sessions to discuss the methodological strategy in scientific papers in the core areas of the PhD course
- In class sessions for presentation and discussion of the methodological component of the projects
-Autonomous work of students.

At the end of this CU, students will have acquired advanced theoretical knowledge to:
- Understand Classical Theories of State, including their origins and influences on the formation of societies and political systems in Europe, through critical readings and debates.
- Analyse the evolution of Democracy and its implications for political institutions, using case studies and debates.
- Explore theories and models of public administration, using lectures, critical readings and case studies.
- Explore models of Public Administration from a comparative perspective with case studies and presentations.
- Apply theories and models to management practice in Public Administration, developing skills to analyse processes of administrative reform, modernisation and decision.
- Discuss current issues and topics in Public Administration and Puvlic Policies in lectures and seminars.

1. State, Society, and Political Systems
-Classical Theories of State, European Societies, and Political Systems
-Democracy, Political Institutions, and Types of Society
-Performance of Political Systems
-Seminar: The Role of the State, Political Systems, and Institutions in the Development of Democracies

2. Models and Theories of State, PA&PP
-Theories and Models of State, PA&PP: Evolution and Future Perspectives
-Seminar: Critical Analysis of Models and Theories

3. Reform and Administrative Modernization
-Comparative PA and Supranational Institutions
-Seminar on Trends Related to Reform and Administrative Modernization

4. Structuring Trends of Contemporary Society and Implications for PA
-Digital Transformation
-Sustainability and Environment
-Globalization and Interdependence
-Demography and Social Challenges
-Organizational Development, Transparency, and Participation

5. Advanced Topics in Administration Science
-Seminars on Relevant Topics for PA, PP and Public Management

The assessment of this course will be periodic, with particular emphasis on the ability to research and produce scientific knowledge. Thus, the assessment method involves the preparation of scientific papers (working papers) during seminars to be held each semester, corresponding to:

1- Each student is responsible for preparing a research paper (final paper based on 2 working papers) relevant to the topics covered in the UC each semester. The intermediate papers, 2 in number, must be based on a critical review of the literature, data analysis (if applicable) and an original contribution to the field and topic of study. The papers must be submitted at the end of each semester, according to the established dates.
Each working paper will be weighted equally between them, and all the papers (predictably 2) will together have a weighting of 35% in the final grade for the course.

2- Each student must present their work in seminars throughout the program. The presentation must be followed by a discussion session and questions from colleagues and teachers/advisors. The work will be assessed by a panel made up of the supervisor (q.a.) and other teachers specializing in the area, so that students can receive constructive feedback and guidelines for improving their work.
All the presentations will have a weight of 25% in the final assessment of the course. Each presentation will contribute to the formation of a single grade corresponding to a simple arithmetic weighting.

3- In the final semester, students must, based on the working papers produced (2), and the comments obtained from their presentation and discussion, present a final scientific article (based on the 2 working papers), which meets the quality standards for publication in scientific journals and/or conferences in the field.
The final paper will contribute 40% to the final grade for the course.
Working papers and assignments will be evaluated based on criteria such as originality, methodological rigor, theoretical relevance, contribution to the field, clarity of writing and presentation and discussion skills. Active participation in seminars, including contributing to the discussions of colleagues, is also considered in the ass
This method of assessment allows students to develop incremental research skills throughout the program, enhancing the production of high-quality final scientific papers. In addition, seminar presentations provide opportunities for interaction and feedback, promoting research and academic debate.

Students should be able to:
- Identify, analyse and critically judge problems and scientific results in the area of Public Administration;
- Use and explain theories, models and concepts in the field of Public Administration;
- Apply research methods and skills applied to Public Administration;
- Produce and present relevant and original research in the area of Public Administration, which contributes to the advancement of
knowledge of Governance, both nationally and internationally, and which can be the subject of scientific publication;
- Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise new and complex ideas relating to science and the social world in general, highlighting the
challenges facing Public Administrations;
- Communicate with peers, the scientific community, policy makers and leaders on public administration issues, explaining and applying
research results;
- Apply the principles and ethical rules of research in the area of Public Administration.

The syllabus will be adjusted each year to the research projects presented and carried out by the doctoral students. They will include:
a) a tutorial component, with specific topics for each student, provided by their supervisors;
b) a seminar component, with discussion of topics of common interest on research and analysis in PA, based on the presentation of
intermediate results of their research by the doctoral students and comments from teachers and peers;
c) a conference component, debating research and analyses of a high scientific standard, carried out and in progress, presented by leading
national and international researchers and academics;
d) a public presentation of the work in a Doctoral Colloquium

Every year, doctoral students submit a research paper to the doctoral research seminar and a progress report (for the transition year) which
is evaluated by the Evaluation Panel appointed by the doctoral scientific committee.
In the 3rd year they present a paper at the Doctoral Colloquium.
Participation in national and international scientific events is valued.
The thesis is publicly discussed and evaluated by a scientific jury (articles 31 and 32 of the ISCTE-IUL NRGD).
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