Introduction to Public Policy (2nd Edition) (2nd Edition)

Author: Lester
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 studies 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 relevant fields of public policy and policy analysis, discussing various research approaches to policy analysis, including what constitutes a "model" and methods for evaluating "models." Part "Analysis of the Policy Process" focuses on analyzing the evolution of policy and the stages of the policy cycle, with particular attention to significant changes in understanding across different policy stages. Part "Analyzing Public 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 complementing and enriching the analyses of the first two parts. Part "Conclusion" explains and analyzes trends in policy analysis, discusses why analytical findings are utilized (or not utilized) by decision-makers, and provides a comprehensive summary of the preceding three parts.