Textbooks in Policy Studies – serie

The fully revised second edition of this textbook offers a comprehensive introduction to theories of public policy and policymaking. The policy process is complex: it contains hundreds of people and organisations from various levels and types of government, from agencies, quasi- and non-governmental organisations, interest groups and the private and voluntary sectors. This book sets out the major concepts and theories that are vital for making sense of the complexity of public policy, and explores how to combine their insights when seeking to explain the policy process. While a wide range of topics are covered – from multi-level governance and punctuated equilibrium theory to ‘Multiple Streams’ analysis and feminist institutionalism – this engaging text draws out the common themes among the variety of studies considered and tackles three key questions: what is the story of each theory (or multiple theories); what does policy theory tell us about issues like ‘evidence based policymaking’; and how ‘universal’ are policy theories designed in the Global North?This book is the perfect companion for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying public policy, whether focussed on theory, analysis or the policy process, and it is essential reading for all those on MPP or MPM programmes.New to this Edition:- New sections on power, feminist institutionalism, the institutional analysis and development framework, the narrative policy framework, social construction and policy design- A consideration of policy studies in relation to the Global South in an updated concluding chapter- More coverage of policy formulation and tools, the psychology of policymaking and complexity theory- Engaging discussions of punctuated equilibrium, the advocacy coalition framework and multiple streams analysis

A comprehensive introduction to public policy and the policy cycle, the fully revised second edition of this popular textbook offers a practical guide to the topic while remaining underpinned by cutting-edge research. Bringing together analysis of classic works alongside the most recent developments in the field, this book is guided by the following three crucial questions: What is public policy? Who participates in making and putting public policy in practice as well as in assessing its success? And when and how does public policy change over time? In answering these questions, the book covers everything from the central institutions and actors of policy-making to implementation, evaluation and governance. Drawing on examples from across the world, the new edition expands on themes that were previously covered only marginally, including the underexplored connection between public policy and political economy, as well as placing more emphasis on climate change and practical advice on doing policy analysis.For undergraduate or postgraduate students studying on courses focussed on public policy or the policy cycle or process, this textbook is the essential guide to the subject. The book is also suited for those studying public policy in the context of politics or public management and administration.New to this Edition:- A revised conclusion containing guidance on how to do policy analysis.- Extended discussion of climate policy and politics.- Consideration of the effects of Brexit, the rise of populism and the impact of the loss of faith in globalization for international organizations.- More on policy process theories, comparative public policy, the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of public policy studies and new methodologies such as the evaluation of policy measures by means of social media data.

A comprehensive introduction to public policy and the policy cycle, the fully revised second edition of this popular textbook offers a practical guide to the topic while remaining underpinned by cutting-edge research. Bringing together analysis of classic works alongside the most recent developments in the field, this book is guided by the following three crucial questions: What is public policy? Who participates in making and putting public policy in practice as well as in assessing its success? And when and how does public policy change over time? In answering these questions, the book covers everything from the central institutions and actors of policy-making to implementation, evaluation and governance. Drawing on examples from across the world, the new edition expands on themes that were previously covered only marginally, including the underexplored connection between public policy and political economy, as well as placing more emphasis on climate change and practical advice on doing policy analysis.For undergraduate or postgraduate students studying on courses focussed on public policy or the policy cycle or process, this textbook is the essential guide to the subject. The book is also suited for those studying public policy in the context of politics or public management and administration.New to this Edition:- A revised conclusion containing guidance on how to do policy analysis.- Extended discussion of climate policy and politics.- Consideration of the effects of Brexit, the rise of populism and the impact of the loss of faith in globalization for international organizations.- More on policy process theories, comparative public policy, the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of public policy studies and new methodologies such as the evaluation of policy measures by means of social media data.

The second edition of this popular textbook combines coverage of public policies in different countries with the conceptual and methodological frameworks for analysing them. This new edition pays particular attention to the international contexts of ideas, interests and institutions in which decision makers operate. In addition, it considers the bilateral, multilateral and transnational aspects of policy-making in today’s interconnected world. This is a core text for introductory modules on undergraduate and postgraduate public policy, public management and public administration programmes. In addition, it will be useful for those courses that take a comparative approach to specific policy areas such as welfare, health and education. With a focus on enabling students to draw their own comparisons, it is the ideal choice for lecturers across the world.New to this Edition:- New and improved chapter structure places conceptual discussion before the empirical analysis, leading to a stronger emphasis on big picture questions throughout- Increased attention to contemporary relevant policy issues such as migration, climate change and security- Quantitative and descriptive data has been systematically updated