Public Policy: A Contemporary Perspective

The book presents an extensive treatment of the nature, scope and significance of public policies, their implementation and policy analysis. This refreshing new textbook covers the basic and introductory aspects of public policy along with the new realities in public policy formulation and analysis. It also provides a critical insight into the works of leading scholars in the field. Through examples and real-life incidents from different countries, the author effectively discusses theoretical, structural and practical aspects of formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of public policies. With chapters on the role of think tanks, decision-making process and policy sciences, this book would meet the growing needs of the students as well as civil services aspirants. Key Features • Analytical approach in examining the fundamental themes and key issues in public policy-making • Special focus on policy advocacy, significance of intergovernmental relations and institutionalism and policy monitoring • Major theories of agenda analysis, decision-making process and policy implementation explained in an easy-to-understand manner • Each chapter aided by examples, case studies and review questions • Ideal and must-have companion for students of political science and public administration, as well as UGC NET and civil services aspirants  

Table of Contents:
Preface Public Policy: Introduction to the Concept and Process of Policy Policy Advocacy: Power and Influence of Non-officials Constitutional Rules and Power of State Organs in Policymaking Policy Analysis and Think Tanks Approaches to Agenda Analysis and Policy Formation Policy Design and Tools: Approaches and Framework Public Policy and Intergovernmental Relations Institutionalism: Its Impact on Policy Process Policy Analysis: Processes and Tools Eastonian, Vickerian, Elitist, Groupthink and Marxist Models for Policy Process Critical Policy Rationalists: Simon, Lindblom, Dror, Etzioni and Cohen, March, Olsen Rationalist Paradigm and Public Choice Theory Decision-Making: Styles, Process and Non-decision-making Policy Decision-making: Tools and Techniques Policy Implementation: Theory and Models Policy Implementation: Modes of Policy Delivery Policy Monitoring: Role, Approaches and Techniques Policy Failure, Learning and Conditions for Implementation Policy Evaluation: Approaches, Techniques and Impact Policy Evaluation: Purpose, Criteria and Evaluators Policy Sciences: Crises and Perspectives Index

About the Author :
Radhakrishan Sapru studied at Panjab University, Chandigarh, which awarded him master’s degrees in Political Science (1970), Public Administration (1972) and English (1976) and subsequently a doctorate in Public Administration in 1983 and an LLB degree in 1992. Initially appointed as teaching-cum-research assistant at the Department of Public Administration, Panjab University, Chandigarh, in February 1976, Dr Sapru rose to the position of Professor. He headed the Department of Public Administration at Panjab University from 1 April 1990 to 31 March 1993 and again from 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2005. Dr Sapru retired as Professor in August 2005, after serving nearly three decades at the Panjab University. During his academic career and after superannuation, Dr Sapru published more than 50 articles in national and international journals besides 10 books in the field of public administration.

Review :
"Public Policy: A Contemporary Perspective is a text which can take…through a wide gamut of public policy. The writer has also comprehensively incorporated the academic aspects…will serve both student reader and general reader well…will encourage them to go deeper into policies."