Dissertations, Theses and Capstone Projects

Author

Hongchun Lin

Date of Award

Spring 2009

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Department

Political Science

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to report on my internship experience at the Office of International Services and Programs (OISP) of the Kennesaw State University (KSU) based on the Public Administration theories. The author did his internship from January to April, 2009. This paper is divided into two sections: the first part provides an in-depth description of the OISP, and the second part details my internship assignments and experience.

The internship report first provides a general introduction to the Office of International Services and Programs (OISP) in terms of its history, purpose, principal functions and its productivity. From the report, it is known that the internationalization is becoming KSU’s first priority. In the past ten years, both the students and faculty body have been experiencing a fast growth especially as the establishment of OISP within the Institute for Global Initiative.

Additionally, the organizational framework of OISP and staff duty is discussed. Five categories of stakeholders from top management level to external level jointly work on the success of internationalization, ensuring the quality of programs. The author also discusses the leadership style in OISP and his internship experience. At the end of the first part, the author analyzes the prospect of OISP in terms of challenges, opportunities and expectations.

In the second part of the report, the author selects Study Abroad Programs (SA Programs) as analysis target. Based on the documents and procedures experienced in the program, the author divided the process of SA Programs into eight steps: faculty application and renewal, website and application, promotion and consultation, student application and payment, conformation and student orientation, Class and other departure material preparation, implementation abroad, and reconciliation & evaluation. In evaluating the eight steps, theories from the books Practical Program Evaluations, (Gerald Andrews Emison, 2007) and MBA Fundamentals—Program Management (Vijay, Kanabar; Roger, D.H. Warburton, 2008) are applied in analyzing the process. Besides, documents from the OISP, Comprehensive Program Review Self-study for the International Center (2003) and KSU Internationalization Review & Strategic Plan (2004) are also the valuable references for the report. Meanwhile, the data and information from website and interviewing with the OISP stuff are useful as well. The author analyzes the eight steps into the process of five stages which is well known in project management: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing. Components of project such as time management, cost management, quality management, human resources management, communications management and risk management are also discussed.

After the discussion above, the author finds that internationalization and SA Program is very systematic in KSU. The well-organized instructions and documents for staff and students, the teamwork and smooth communication from stuff in OISP, admission office, program director, academic colleges and other stakeholder jointly provide desirable services to applicants into the program which turn out a fruitful result.

The program survey and evaluation were also conducted for program directors and students via hard questionnaires and on-line survey which indicateed OISP’s scientific management style.

For Chinese high educational institutions, they should learn the advanced practice in Study Abroad from four major parts include strategy, policy, environment, and service to adapt Chinese educational situation.

Although KSU face a situation of international crises since 2008 and growing competitive neighbors, Quality Enhancement Plan, the international collaboration, increase student global unions, and other collaboration will promise KSU a bright future.

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