Introduction to Public Policy (Second Edition) English Edition Textbook Series of Public Administration

Author: James P. 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 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 and course material for upper-level students in public administration and public policy courses. Introduction to Public Policy (Second Edition) is divided into four parts. Part "The 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 policy and the stages of the policy cycle, with particular attention to the significant changes in understanding across different policy stages. Part "Analyzing Public Policy Choices" explores the evolutionary processes of four substantive public policies, including education, welfare, criminal justice, and the environment. This section provides a unique historical perspective on specific public policies, thereby complementing and enriching the analyses of the first two parts. Part "Conclusion" explains and analyzes the trends in policy analysis, examines the reasons why analytical findings are utilized (or not utilized) by decision-makers, and offers a comprehensive summary of the preceding three parts.