Introduction to Public Policy (Second Edition)

Author: Lester, Stuart
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: This book provides a conceptual framework for the study and research of public policy. It examines the methods of public policy analysis from a unique historical perspective and offers insightful discussions on the formation of public policy. The book not only investigates common policy-making methods and processes but also delves into specific areas such as education, welfare, crime, and the environment. It serves as an excellent professional English textbook for upper-level students of public administration and a valuable textbook for public policy courses. Introduction to Public Policy (Second Edition) is divided into four parts. Part "Content of Public Policy Research" introduces the relevant fields of public policy and policy analysis, discussing various research approaches to policy analysis, including what constitutes a "model" and the methods for evaluating "models." Part "Analysis of the Policy Process" focuses on analyzing the evolution of policies and the stages of the policy cycle, with particular attention to the significant changes in understanding at different policy stages. Part "Analysis of Policy Choices" explores the evolutionary processes of four substantive public policies: education, welfare, criminal justice, and the environment. This section delves into specific public policies from a unique historical perspective, thereby supplementing and enriching the analysis of the first two parts. Part "Conclusion" explains and analyzes the trends in policy analysis, discusses the reasons why analytical findings are utilized (or not utilized) by decision-makers, and provides a comprehensive summary of the preceding three parts.