MPA511
 
Read
The Basics of Public Budgeting and Financial Management

• Chapter 7: Financial Management, pgs. 187-211

The first module gave you an introduction to public budgeting from a practical standpoint as well as introduced you to some of the theoretical concepts that are associated with the practice. Although this information is very valuable, it is important to be aware of the human element that heavily influences the budgeting process. In this module, we will discuss the main actors that are associated with the budget process and how different groups can influence budget decisions and policy making. In addition, we will discuss the budget cycles and timeframes associated with budget development and how this relates to the larger budget “game.”
 
ASSIGNMENTS:
 

M7D1: Managing the Finances of a Budget

 
SEE ATTACHED .PDF FILE FOR MODULE ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Let’s engage in some dialogue. It’s one thing to read about a topic. But, in order to learn, we need to think, write, and talk about the topic. We’ve combined the module notes with a discussion so that you may jot down your thoughts, insights, questions, etc. as you read.
Within the notes, you’ll find guiding questions, articles, and videos to help spark the conversations. To start the course off, let’s talk about the differences between public and private budgets. Let’s also explore the implications of federal budget differences on the general public. To earn maximum points, be sure to review the discussion guide and the discussion criteria links below.
 

M7A1: Budget Proposal

 
Your organization is expanding. A new department is being created and senior leadership is looking to justify this new office. You have been asked to develop the budget for the department (*Including staffing, equipment, etc.).
 
 

Submit

Your budget proposal must include:

• include an Executive Summary to state the purpose of the budget
• key budget components (operating costs, capital expenses, and benefits for the new department)
• use tables and charts to support key budget components
• appropriate justifications for various expenditures
• recommendations for budget implementation

Remember, this proposal is for senior leadership (audience) at the organization.

Final Project Instructions

MPA 511 Final Budget Proposal and Presentation Instructions
Your budgeting expertise will culminate in a final budget proposal and presentation which you will be working on throughout the course. You will use the scenario presented in M2A1:
Your organization is expanding. A new department is being created and senior leadership is looking to justify this new office. You have been asked to develop the budget for the department. (*Including staffing, equipment, etc.)
As you work on your project, keep in mind the specific needs of your organization (either one you work for, have worked for in the past, or plan to work for), and the stakeholders that will be approving your budget. Your final budget proposal should be structured in this manner:
Executive summary: Using the format for an executive summary you explored in module 1, provide a high level overview of the new department’s purpose, and the value it will add to the organization.
Key budget components: Include items such as operating costs, capital expenses, and benefits for the new department. Tables and charts to support key budget components should be included appropriately. (Work on this section will be completed in modules 4 and 5 assignments.)
Justification: Appropriate justifications for various expenditures
Budget implementation: Recommendations for implementing the budget for your new department.
The budget proposal is due at the end of module 7. Please review the rubric carefully for this assignment.
In module 8, you will be creating a presentation with your senior leadership in mind as your audience. Be sure and tailor your presentation for and to them. Your presentation will be recorded using Zoom. Be sure and set up your Zoom account and practice with it prior to module 8. Note that your presentation will need to include your justification, visual representations of your data, and make a case for the need for the spending for the new department. Sell your budget! You will also need to video recording of yourself in the presentation.
Your presentation link will be posted in M8D2, to allow other students in the course to view your presentation for additional ideas and comments. You will be required to view at least two of your classmates’ presentations and respond. Please review the rubric carefully for this discussion.
 

M7 Student Wrap Up

Submit

As a budget manager, you may have to conduct a risk assessment to determine appropriate allocations of funding to ensure spending is in line with company mission and objectives. In this chapter, we explored the tools and methods for the evaluation of a budget to determine the significance and extent of risk(s).
Simply using the example of maintaining a household budget, one might assess the risk between spend on two priority projects in terms of available resources and necessity. The roof is leaking, and the furnace is making a knocking sound. Which project is more important? How do you determine what happens first? What is the risk of fixing one over the other?
Though the example may seem a bit parochial, it is important to glean the purpose of risk assessment. Share your thoughts on risk assessment and its role in budget management.