4th Annual Summer Public Management Institute
August 25-29, 2008
Tukums, Latvia
"Measuring Performance in Public Administration"

The State Chancellery of the Republic of Latvia and the Latvian School of Public Administration announce the 4th Public Management Summer Institute in Latvia for young public administrators in August 25-29, 2008 in Tukums, Latvia.

Across the region there is substantial concern within governments and societies for the need for a stronger and more focused training program for civil servants and future decision-makers. This Summer Institute is designed to strengthen policy planning and performance measuring capacity of civil servants and to indirectly enhance the professional level of public administration training across the region.

Overview
The Institute is a unique and important opportunity for public administrators from region's countries to have access to leading thinking in public administration from the region, the US and Europe. A strong emphasis is put on best practices to demonstrate and share accomplishments in public administration.

'The Summer Institute is also a unique networking and knowledge sharing opportunity for public administration professionals and academia in the region. The choice of the region is a unique cross-boarder initiative that brings together several administrative traditions and spaces, i.e. three Baltic States, Poland, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Belarus, and beyond - other CIS countries and states of Central and Eastern Europe. The Summer Institute promotes modern governance standards across the boundaries of the states in the region.

The 4th Summer Institute follows the best traditions of the previous three events that covered such issues as strategic budgeting, human resource management in public administration and communication as a tool for better governance.

Organisers
The Summer Institute is organised by the State Chancellery of the Republic of Latvia and the Latvian School of Public Administration. The State Chancellery is responsible for overall management of civil service and public administration reform in Latvia. The Latvian School of Public Administration provides professional training for public service in Latvia.

Target Group
The main subject for the 4th Summer Institute is Measuring Performance in Public Administration. Therefore, the 4th Summer Institute is designed to be interesting and useful for young and experienced policy makers in the policy planning and performance measuring field that would like to increase their knowledge and proficiency.

Questions addressed:
• Religion of measurement - how and why do you measure progress?
• Linking performance management to policy planning - how to set measurable
objectives? And how to distinguish inputs, outputs, outcomes and impact
• What are the types of indicators? When to use them and what is the difference between them?
• Gaming indicators and data manipulation
• How to measure progress and efficiency of public administration?
• Monitoring, reporting and evaluation - what is the usage and benefits of performance indicators?
Beyond traditional performance indicators — Gross National Happiness, Ecological Footprint etc.
• Best cases: country experience
Methods

Lectures will be combined with practical exercises when participants will be divided into smaller groups. The exercises will include the following issues - setting objectives; defining inputs, outputs, outcomes, impact; and measuring effectiveness, efficiency.

This would allow students to attain practical experience in various aspects of performance management. Faculty and practitioners will be actively involved in practical exercises in order to assist students and promote their comprehension of given task.

A detailed program is attached [DOWNLOAD]

Faculty and practitioners involved
The Institute will involve Faculty and practitioners from various countries (USA, Finland, Ireland) and international organizations (World Bank, International Monetary Fund, OECD) with extensive experience with performance management projects.
** Importantly, additional themes, sessions and speakers can be added depending on their availability.

Sponsors
The proposed Latvian Public Management Institute is a joint effort of organisations concerned with the creation of regional public administration space as well as improvement of public administration skills in Latvia and region's EU countries. It is co¬sponsored by the State Chancellery, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, the Embassy of Ireland in Latvia, Soros Foundation.
There is an ongoing negotiation process also with embassies of other countries, for example the United States.

Place of the Venue
The Summer Institute will take place in one of the most beautiful palaces in Latvia — in Jaunmoku Castle in Tukums about 65 km from the capital city Riga. The castle was built in 1901 according to the project. by the architect W.Bockslaff. This is a brick building in Neo Gothic style with features of Art Nouveau and it was originally built as a second residence for the Mayor of Riga, George Armitsted. The complex of the manor includes also a stable with cast iron pillars inside it. The castle is surrounded by a beautiful park.

How to apply
If you are interested in participation, please submit your application form [DOWNLOAD]. Application forms can be submitted either by mail or e-mail.

Deadline for Application: JUNE 25, 2008 Language English
Postal address: Mr Janis Andzans Policy Coordination Department
State Chancellery
Brivibas blvd. 36, Riga, Latvia, LV-1520
E-mail: janis.andzans@mk.gov.ly

Registration fee covers organisational costs, full documentation, accommodation (August 25-29) and travel costs Riga airport -- Tukums — Riga airport, all meals (August 25-29).

Registration fee : 650,- EURO

Registration fee is to be paid by July 20, 2008 (in EUR) after the confirmation of the registration is received. All bank charges are to be paid by the payer.

Bank name PAREX BANK
SWIFT CODE: PARXLV22
Branch address: SMILSU STREET 3
CITY RIGA
COUNTRY LATVIA
Account number LV17PARX0000624870001
Beneficiary LATVIAN SCHOOL OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Address Raina blv.4, Riga, Latvia
Travel and related costs (e.g. visa) are expected to be paid by participants.

For additional information please contact:
Mr Janis Andžans
Policy Coordination Department
State Chancellery
Address: Brivibas blvd. 36, Riga, Latvia, LV-1520 Phone: +371 67082983
Fax: +371 67213505
E-mail: Janis.Andzans@mk.gov.ly

Ms Dace Aizstrauta
Policy Coordination Department
State Chancellery
Address: Brivibas blvd. 36, Riga, Latvia, LV-1520 Phone: +371 67082975
Fax: +371 67213505
E-mail: Dace.Aizstrauta@mk.gov.ly