Scott Way, 8 March, 2024
QUT offers a range of postgraduate programs, one of which is the Public Sector Management Program (PSMP). Specifically designed for mid-level managers in the Australian public service, the PSMP serves as a gateway for motivated individuals seeking career advancement within the public sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Since its establishment in 1991, PSMP has become a widely respected postgraduate program that caters to all tiers of government. QUT has been delivering this program across the Commonwealth Government and all States and Territories since 2015.
Teaching in our PSMP program is Scott Way, QUT PSMP Sessional Lecturer and Director of Industrial and Organisational Psychology at BDO Australia. With over 30 years of experience, Scott has been an integral part of the program since its inception, bringing forth a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Reflecting on his involvement, Scott said, “As a consultant and sessional lecturer with the PSMP since its inception over 30 years ago, I have travelled extensively throughout the world, primarily in the Asia-Pacific region.”
“I've assisted organisations and governments of all types to enhance the performance of their people, systems, and structures,” he continued.
“There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that those who complete the PSMP are as well-equipped as any of the leaders I have encountered.”
In a recent interview, Scott provided insights into the evolution of the PSMP and his teaching experience:
Q: How has PSMP changed over the past 30 years, given your involvement since its inception?
A: Since taking over the design, delivery, and management of the PSMP, QUT has significantly lifted the level of professionalism. This involved a complete re-write of the materials, including updating the content of the materials, introducing the blended learning framework, and better aligning the relevance of concepts to a contemporary public service.
Q: How have these program enhancements translated into long-term benefits for students?
A: All the above developments have meant that students are better engaged as adult learners, resulting in higher levels of participant satisfaction and a greater ‘return on investment’ for the sponsoring agencies. It has also contributed to a more positive experience for participants and facilitators. It has also strengthened the brand of the PSMP and positioned it within the public sector as a valuable degree and investment for students and agencies.
Q: How has your experience been teaching in the program?
A: Firstly, QUT has provided exceptional academic and administrative support for facilitators. This has been done by providing annual developmental workshops supported by monthly ‘check ins’, questions answered within 24 hours, developing supplementary learning and reference materials and ongoing upgrades to the learning management system.
All these supports have meant that, for the first time, the PSMP feels genuinely coherent and integrated into a world-class academic environment. As a sessional lecturer, I no longer feel isolated or ‘in the dark’ but now have genuine pride in the ‘product’ and the ‘service’.
This is capped off by wonderful graduation ceremonies that blend an appropriate level of pomp and pageantry with intimacy and recognition of the effort invested by students…with the support of their families.
The academic and administrative support for students has also been exemplary with enhanced learning management systems and, on most occasions, responses to student enquiries within the workday.
Q: What memorable experiences have you had while interacting with students in the program?
A: It is difficult to identify outstanding moments with students as the vast majority are positive, as they grapple with the course materials and assignments while maintaining a full-time role and often managing family responsibilities.
Perhaps the only real standout is that of a student who commenced very nervously and, after day 1 of Unit 1, was considering withdrawing as he had never completed tertiary-level study. I encouraged him to take it a day at a time, and so by the end of Uni 1, he was feeling better. Our paths crossed again during Unit 4, and he was still anxious but indicated that he was enjoying the content and ‘learning’.
We met again at graduation, and he and his wife were buzzing with enthusiasm for the course.
As his office was near mine in Adelaide, I would occasionally bump into him while collecting our morning coffee. During one encounter, he indicated that he was about to commence an MBA, which was a wonderful surprise as he indicated how he thought he had mastered the academic world. Several years passed, and we again crossed paths while collecting coffee, where he told me he had completed his MBA and had enrolled in a PhD!
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