IGNOU MPA-012 Assignment 2026-27
Administrative Theory
Last updated by IGNOU: 04 Aug 2026. Guide written from the official PDF on 26 Oct 2026, 04:24 am.
| Course code | MPA-012 |
|---|---|
| Course title | Administrative Theory |
| Programme | M.A. (Public Administration)MPA |
| School | School of Social Sciences |
| Assignment code | MPA-12/Asst/TMA/July-2026 and January-2027 |
| Session | July 2026 and January 2027 |
| Maximum marks | 100 |
| Weightage | 30% |
| Last date (June exam) | 31 Mar 2027 |
| Last date (December exam) | 30 Sept 2027 |
| Medium | English, Hindi |
About the MPA-012 assignment
The MPA-012 Administrative Theory assignment covers organisational structures, bureaucracy, scientific management and the Hawthorne experiments. It also explores New Public Management, motivation theories, Critical Theory and approaches to analysing politics.
This Tutor Marked Assignment has two sections with five questions each. Answer five questions in total, choosing at least two from each section. Each answer should be about 500 words, and each question carries 20 marks, making a total of 100 marks.
What the assignment asks
| Question | Marks | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 20 | Explain the characteristics and functions of formal and informal organisations. |
| Q2 | 20 | Describe Max Weber’s contribution to understanding bureaucracy. |
| Q3 | 20 | Explain the core principles of scientific management. |
| Q4 | 20 | Present a brief account of formal and informal organisations. |
| Q5 | 20 | Discuss the different Hawthorne experiments associated with Elton Mayo. |
| Q6 | 20 | Discuss the influence of the New Public Management perspective. |
| Q7 | 20 | Describe Douglas McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y. |
| Q8 | 20 | Examine Maslow’s theory of the hierarchy of needs. |
| Q9 | 20 | Explain the significance of Critical Theory for Public Administration. |
| Q10 | 20 | Discuss methodological individualism, rationality and the economic analysis of politics. |
This is a summary of each question. Download the official PDF above for the exact questions and word limits.
How to write and submit it
- Read the assignment instructions and the relevant Programme Guide guidance before preparing your answers.
- Attempt five questions overall, including at least two from each section.
- Keep each answer to approximately 500 words and use your own words.
- Write the final assignment neatly in your own handwriting.
- Organise answers logically, with clear links between paragraphs and suitable introductions and conclusions.
- Submit the assignment to the Coordinator of your allotted Study Centre by the applicable deadline.
- Obtain and retain a submission receipt; the PDF also recommends keeping a photocopy of your assignment.
Submission dates: 31 March 2027 (June term-end exam); 30 September 2027 (December term-end exam).
Frequently asked questions
Which sessions does the MPA-012 assignment cover?
It is for the July 2026 and January 2027 sessions of M.A. (Public Administration).
How many questions must I answer in MPA-012?
Answer five questions from the ten provided, selecting at least two from Section I and at least two from Section II.
What is the word limit for each answer?
Each answer should be approximately 500 words.
What are the maximum marks and assignment weightage?
The assignment carries 100 marks, with 20 marks per question. The official listing gives it a weightage of 30%.
When and where should I submit the MPA-012 assignment?
Submit it to the Coordinator of your allotted Study Centre. The listing gives 31 March 2027 for the June term-end exam and 30 September 2027 for the December term-end exam.
Does the assignment have to be handwritten?
Yes. The PDF requires assignments to be written neatly in your own handwriting and expressed in your own words.
Other IGNOU MPA assignments
All MPA assignments →Assignment details and PDFs come from IGNOU's official website; the guide is a summary of the official PDF. Always check the latest instructions and last dates on ignou.ac.in or with your Regional Centre before submitting.