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Effective Implementation in Practice: Integrating Public Policy and Management presents an instrumental approach to implementation analysis. By spanningpolicy fields, organizations, and frontline conditions in implementation systems, this book provides a robust foundation for policy makers, public and nonprofit managers and leaders. Detailed case studies enable readers to identify key intervention points, become more strategic, and improve outcomes. The engaging style and specific examples provide a bridge to practice, while diagrams, worksheets, and other tools included in the appendix help managers apply these ideas to team meetings, operational planning, and program assessment and refinement.
Policy and program implementation is fraught with challenges as public and nonprofit leaders juggle organizational missions and stakeholder expectations while managing policy and program impact and effectiveness. Using their own experience in practice, teaching, and research, the authors empower policy and program implementers to recognize their essential roles within the workplace and help them cultivate the analytical and social skills necessary to change.
The integration of policy and management mindsets gives readers an insightful yet accessible understanding of implementation, allowing them to achieve the potent results desired by the public. For those in senior positions at federal agencies to local staff at nonprofit organizations, Effective Implementation in Practice: Integrating Public Policy and Management provides an invaluable one-stop resource.
Jodi Sandfort is Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota and Chair of the school's Leadership & Management program, providing oversight and strategic direction to the Public & Nonprofit Leadership Center and the Center for Integrative leadership. She is the author of numerous academic articles, book chapters, and reports for policymakers and practitioners about nonprofit management, social welfare system design, organizational effectiveness, early childhood education, welfare reform, and research methodology.
Stephanie Moulton is Associate Professor at The Ohio State University's John Glenn School of Public Affairs. Moulton's research, teaching, and service combine policy and management, with a focus on the implementation and evaluation of housing policies and programs, and cross-sector determinants of public outcomes.
Tables, Figures, and Boxes ix
The Authors xi
Preface xiii
PART ONE The Implementation Landscape 1
ONE Framing Implementation 5
Exploring Policy and Program Implementation 9
Defining Implementation Effectiveness 12
Unpacking Implementation Systems 16
Bringing the Analysis to Life 28
TWO Conventional Perspectives on Policy and Program Implementation 35
Political Processes and Authority 37
Governance and Management 43
Policy and Program Evaluation 52
Conclusion 64
THREE A New Perspective for Implementation: Strategic Action Fields 67
Introducing Strategic Action Fields 69
Core Programs 74
Unpacking Social Structures and Dynamics 82
Conclusion 96
PART TWO The Implementation System at Multiple Levels 99
FOUR Policy Fields 103
Policy Fields in Focus 107
Analyzing the Development of the Core Program 120
Applying Policy Field Analysis 131
Conclusion 136
FIVE Organizations 139
Organizations in Focus 141
Analyzing the Integration of the Core Program 148
Applying Organizational Analysis 155
Conclusion 162
SIX Front Lines 163
Front Lines in Focus 166
Analyzing the Application of the Core Program 174
Applying Frontline Analysis 181
Conclusion 188
PART THREE The Practice of Effective Implementation 191
SEVEN Exploring Implementation in Practice 195
Implementation Dynamics: The Hardest Hit Fund 196
Implementation Dynamics: The Quality Rating and Improvement System 211
Opportunities for Change 222
EIGHT Leading Learning in Implementation Systems 225
Investigating Technical Challenges 228
Engaging Others in Adaptive Challenges 246
Bringing It All Together 259
Appendix A Policy Field Audit 261
Appendix B Policy Field Visual Diagram 263
Appendix C Program Process Flow 265
Appendix D Organization Program Integration Audit 267
Appendix E Frontline Interactions Audit 271
Appendix F Target Experiences Analysis 275
Appendix G Implementation Dynamics and Outcomes Analysis 279
Appendix H Implementation Improvement Blueprint 283
Notes 287
Bibliography 339
Index 379
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