Some questions answered:

1-What is Public Administration?

-In it's strictest sense,Public Administration is the the science of Bureaucracy.

2-How is it different from Private Administration?

-Private Administration is the study of the Private Sector (Corporate world) and Degrees awarded in this field are known as BBA/MBA,WHEREAS,Public Administration is a subject that emphasizes on the analysis of Bureaucracy,in both,national and international environments.Accordingly,Degrees awarded in this discipline are universally known as MPA (Masters of Public Administration) and MPP (Masters of Public Policy).

3-Why is this subject gaining rapid popularity?

-Well,It's popular among CSS candidates because of being a COMPULSORY SUBJECT at the CSA.Even the State these days considers the knowlegde of Public Administration a requirement and advantage,simply because it better prepares young officers for the future execution of their managerial duties and responsibilities.
Even generally speaking,it's popular because Bureaucracy is often referred to as the 4th organ of the Government,(the first 3 being the Executive,Judiciary and the Legislature).Such being it's importance in the State spheres,Bureaucratical sciences have attracted the attention of scholistic elites worldwide and the subject has accordingly been recognized by all international governments,particularly after W.W.1.

4-Is it a scoring optional?

-Absolutely!

5-Is it comparitively comprehendable to other optionals?

-If i were to describe it in three words,I'd say it's a 'piece of cake'!

6-What domains does Public Administration cover?

-The 'POSDCORB' activities of governments.These activities include:
* P = Planning
* O = Organization
* S = Staffing
* D = Directing
* Co = Co-ordination
* R = Reporting,and
* B= Budgeting

7-Like other subjects,will the study of Public Administration help me beyond the Civil Services as well?

-Without an ounce of a doubt!
POSDCORB activities are the techniques which are common to all organizations.Without them,no organization can exist!Specially without Planning,Organization,Staffing and Budgeting.

8-Who are the suggested authorities on Public Administration?

-(A)-Woodrow Wilson/The Study of Administration

-(B)-W.F.Willoughby's/Principles of Public Administration

-(C)-L.D.White/Introduction To The Study Of Public Administration

-(D)-Dr.Ribanti Ralph/Research of Bureaucracy in Pakistan

-(E)-Charles.F.Kennedy/The Bureaucracy of Pakistan

***Since a good portion of the paper emphasizes on Administration as practiced in Pakistan,therefore,it's convenient to study the works of domestic writers whose books are in compliance with the syllabus as given out by the F.P.S.C of Pakistan.
An authority among these authors is:

-(F)-Dr.Sultan Khan/Public Administration in Pakistan (Part 1),and

-(G)-Dr.Sultan Khan/Personnel Administration in Pakistan (Part 2)

-(H)-M.Faisal Khan/Public Adminstration---A Glossary alongwith Abbreviations and 10 years objectives.

9-These books also cover the entire domains of this discipline.Which chapters should I adhere to?

-It will be given out in the subsequent days.

10-What chapters should I expect questions from in the Competitive Examination,2006?

-This is a very sensitive and important issue and will be answered after careful scrutiny.But let me tell you in advance that CSS is all about expecting the unexpected!

11-How should I prepare my notes?

-It's always best to arrange for pre-prepared notes and material.However,try to follow a time-tested outline and for the said purpose you may consult the link/Post related to this issue,titled "Score Boosting Tactics"/Tips and Experience Sharing. http://www.cssforum.com.pk/beginners-guide/tips-experience-sharing/2285-score-boosting-tactics-taking-exam.html

12-What's the average time frame it takes to prepare this optional?

-A minimum of 1 week,and a maximum of 15 days.(Yes,I'm serious)!

13-Which Professors should I consult if I require a deeper understanding of Public Administration?

-I'm afraid that in this regard I can only help candidates claiming association to the Sindh Domiciles.However,on the general note,nationwide top ranking universities appoint publicly acclaimed authorities as Departmental Deans and Public Administration should be no exception to this fact.

As for the candidates hailing from Sindh,the following Professors can be consulted:

-(1)-Prof.Dr.Humayun (Departmental Dean-Karachi University),and

-(2)-Prof.Dr.Wajidi (Deputy Dean of P.A - Karachi University)

-(3)-NIPA (National Institute of Public Administration)-A national body,known as the heart of P.A.

****(Prof.Dr.Wajidi,a former CSP,has been the official examiner of the F.P.S.C for a consecutive 5 years and his expertise has been personally tested by me on a number of occassions.The Professor's HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)!!!

NT:Being pressed on time,I regret being unable to answer any further queries through PMs.

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No one is listening,until you make a mistake !!