Public Policy Praxis: A Case Approach for Understanding Policy and Analysis

by Clemons, Randy S.; McBeth, Mark K

• ISBN13: 9780136056522
• ISBN10: 0136056520
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-07-30
• Publisher: ROUTLEDGE

Summary

This updated readable and conceptual approach to public policy carefully balances theory and practiceunlike most other books, which either lack theory or lack practicality. The authors combine positivist and postpositivist perspectives on policy analysis, supported by interesting and useful cases.Explores the political basis of policy making and analysis, with a careful eye toward readers'practical needs. Provides models and tools, along with the analytical knowledge necessary for policy analysis. Discusses the limitations, practical political problems, and ethical implications of different techniques and methodologies. Discusses value conflict, power, political systems, democracy, subjectivity, and ambiguity.A comprehensive reference for professionals in public administration or anyone interested in learning about public policy formulation.

Author Biography

Randy S. Clemons is a Professor at Mercyhurst College, USA.
Mark K. McBeth is a Professor at Idaho State University, USA.

Table of Contents

Theory And Practice

Public Policy, Power, the People, Pluralism, and You

The Rational Public Policy Method

Critiques of the Rational Approach

The Nonrational (Political) Approach

Practice And Theory

A Pragmatic Public Policy Analysis Method

Postpositivist Problem Definition and Praxis

Doing Democracy: A New Fifth Step

The Positivist Toolbox

Praxis

The Conclusion: Praxis

Teaching Appendix

ldquo;Teaching Story Analysisrdquo;

ldquo;Bad Policy Analysisrdquo;

ldquo;This isnrsquo;t a Hilton Hotel, Marsquo;amrdquo;

ldquo;Dutch Donor Delusion Deepens Divide & Delineates Decision Difficulty Dilemmardquo;

ldquo;Music or Muzak at the Campus Radio Station: The Effects of Different Electoral Systems on Resultsrdquo;

ldquo;The Case of the School Fightrdquo;

Role Playing Simulation: ldquo;Big River and Siting an Airport: Case for Democracy and Policy Analysisrdquo;

Glossary

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.