The ability to put theory into practice is key for any discipline especially for Public Administration. Theory provides directions to complex organizational, management, and leadership problems in public administration. Understanding how to directly apply public administration theories to practice has improved and enhanced my leadership capabilities. 

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Standard D of the MPA Portfolio focuses on the apply theory to practice in a range of settings by demonstrating the practical application of theory, presenting concrete recommendations, and providing examples of theory to professional practice. The works I chose to fulfil Standard D are from PAPA 5315: Behavioral Skills for Managers, UAP: 5184 Local Government Planning Administration, and PAPA 5044: Local Government and the Professional Manager. 

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My first example for Standard D, Objective 1 is a segment of my midterm from Behavioral Skills. In my midterm response, the ability to apply motivation theory to real life context is demonstrated through a conceptual understanding of the theory and analysis of required texts. I reflected on my own relationship with motivation theory, particularly in how it has played a role in my work experience. My analysis of motivation theory reviewed my personal experiences, incentives, and attitudes around my previous jobs while pursuing my undergraduate degree. This reflection allowed me to gain a better understanding of how theory influences and applies to real life. By understanding the management theory, I can highlight key insights on how the theory is applied in real life. 

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My second example for Standard D, Objective 2 is a case analysis from Local Government Planning Administration. The analysis from a case presented by the ICMA, and is based off a real city, but with the identify changed to remain anonymous. The case focuses on a city who is struggling with abandoned properties, and how the city government can work to address those issues. In my analysis the background, stakeholders, key issues, and action needed are presented, before providing courses of action with consequences, conclusion, and concrete recommendations. My recommendations for city officials were to focus on community engagement to rebuild community groups to address a loss of community from abandoned properties, and to create community green spaces on vacant lots. These recommendations are realistic and could be evaluated in a real-life scenario. This case analysis is an example of theory applied in practice as the recommendation actions are rooted in organizational management and local government theory. 

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The third example for Standard D, Objective 3 is a case analysis from Local Government and the Professional Manager. The analysis is a case from the ICMA focusing on an ethical dilemma when replacing the police chief in a small community. The case reviews the politics and ethics for a city manager looking to hire a new police chief, and the potential consequences depending on his decision. I analyze the background, stakeholders, key issues, and action required, before providing courses of action with consequences, conclusion, and concrete recommendations for the city manager. My recommendations are rooted in the ICMA Code of Ethics, showcasing the application of theory to professional practice. 

 

Learning theory in the MPA program allows me to practice problem solving skills as public administrator in a safe environment, setting me up with tools for success in a myriad of situations in real life.