Advanced Introduction to Public Policy

by B. Guy Peters

Overview

Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences and law, expertly written by the world's leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive and policy issues associated with discrete subject areas.

Renowned public policy scholar B. Guy Peters presents an introduction that untangles multidisciplinary approaches and condenses them into a sharp, functional overview of the field.

This book outlines three vital components of policy design: understanding the causes behind the problem being addressed; identifying means of intervention, including selection and implementation of policy instruments; and evaluation and development of a strong policy knowledge base. By considering policymaking as a problem of design analogous to architecture or engineering, it approaches the core issue of how decision-makers can make effective choices.

This clear and timely book captures the essence of an evolving field from both academic and practical perspectives. Students and established scholars alike will find the book to be a key resource for framing contemporary issues in public policy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781781955772
Publisher:	Edward Elgar Publishing
Publication date:	06/24/2015
Series:	Elgar Advanced Introductions series
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

B. Guy Peters, Maurice Falk Professor of Government, University of Pittsburgh, US

Table of Contents

Contents: 1. Public Policy: A Design Perspective 2. Policy Problems PART I MAKING DECISIONS ABOUT POLICY 3. Models of Policymaking 4. Agendas, Agenda-setting and Framing PART II POLICY INTERVENTIONS 5. Designing Intervention and Implementation 6. Policy Instruments PART III EVALUATING POLICY 7. Evaluating Public Policy: An Introduction 8. Evaluating Public Policy: The Utilitarian Dimension 9. Normative and Ethical Analysis of Policy 10. Conclusion: Policy Success and Failure Index

Editorial Reviews

''Less is oftentimes more!' This new book by Guy Peters proves the point: it is a small but beautifully crafted book, which provides an excellent introduction to and survey of public policy. It should be required reading for students and practitioners alike.'
—Wayne Parsons, Wales Governance Centre, Cardiff University, UK

'Guy Peters should be praised for placing design at the centre of the study of public policy. His clearly written book tells students and scholars exactly what they need to know and why it is so relevant.'
—Peter John, University College London, UK

'Once again, Guy Peters provides a first rate explication of the themes, issues and innovative trends that define the rapidly expanding field of public policy, from the evolving concerns of agenda-setting and policy formulation to implementation and evaluation. But the discussion also introduces new and even more challenging topics such as policy success and failure. Those who wish to enter the field at either a fairly introductory or advanced level will do well to get their hands on this book.'
—Frank Fischer, Rutgers University, US

From the Publisher

‘Once again, Guy Peters provides a first rate explication of the themes, issues and innovative trends that define the rapidly expanding field of public policy, from the evolving concerns of agenda-setting and policy formulation to implementation and evaluation. But the discussion also introduces new and even more challenging topics such as policy success and failure. Those who wish to enter the field at either a fairly introductory or advanced level will do well to get their hands on this book.’

Frank Fischer

‘Guy Peters should be praised for placing design at the centre of the study of public policy. His clearly written book tells students and scholars exactly what they need to know and why it is so relevant.’

Peter John

‘”Less is oftentimes more!” This new book by Guy Peters proves the point: it is a small but beautifully crafted book, which provides an excellent introduction to and survey of public policy. It should be required reading for students and practitioners alike.'

Wayne Parsons