Application of Lessons Learnt in the Course

There are many lessons that I have learnt in the course which will certainly be of great
value to me as a public administrator in future. Perhaps the most important one is learning
about effective management of public-private partnerships in the delivery of public services.
Understanding how to achieve such partnerships and manage them in a manner that ensures
that they serve the interests of the public is a skill that all public administrators ought to
develop because public-private partnerships are likely to become one of the main methods
that public agencies use to finance public projects and services.
One of the major challenges facing public entities is the need to meet public
expectations for high quality public services in an environment of constrained financial
resources. To make sure that they deliver quality services and make investments in projects
that spur economic growth, such as convention centers, parks, and public transportation
networks, public organizations are increasingly relying on funding from private companies.
Apart from providing funding for such projects, private companies also offer technology and
an innovative mindset which can help to improve the operational efficiency of public
services.
Despite these benefits, public-private partnerships can go horribly wrong if they are
not managed properly. For instance, poorly conceived and managed projects can expose the
public to various financial and even health and physical risks, especially when there are
technical defects or cost overruns. The practice can also lead to entrenchment of corruption
and exploitation of the public by private organizations to make money. Since public
administrators are likely to use public-private partnerships to improve service delivery and
fund various public projects, it is important that they understand the best way to maximize the
benefits of such partnerships while simultaneously guarding the public organizations that

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they run against the risks of public-private partnerships. Therefore, the lessons that I have
learnt in this course in this regard will certainly have a positive influence on my future career
in public administration.