Böcker av Stuart Nagel

Contemporary Developmental Policy

Policy Studies courses are being increasingly offered in public policy schools, political science departments, public administration programs, and elsewhere. There seems to be a consensus that a basic core of policy courses should deal with policy methods, the policy process, and policy substance. Each can be a course in itself for a semester apiece or longer, or as parts of a larger course. This book is designed to clarify some aspects of the what and how of teaching public policy and public administration.

Public policy analysis can be defined as determining which of various alternative public or governmental policies will most achieve a given set of goals in light of the relations between the policies and the goals. The goal of this volume is to define public policy in depth as well as the five key elements of policy evaluation.

Whenever a question of public policy is addressed, heated arguments ensue. Liberals tout one solution, conservatives another, and still others appear who are neither liberal nor conservative but have their own desired solution. In such a heated political atmosphere, legislators and policy makers need to creatively balance competing factions and wants. This book looks at the practical application of creativity in a broad set of policy areas. The chapters take note of diverse topics like merit treatment, technology, vouchers, and budgeting, while also offering theoretical studies of the concept of creativity and its potential in the coming years. Concluding the book is a bibliography of books about creativity.

Public administration is the study of methods for improving and understanding how governmental programs are implemented, especially in terms of personnel, financing, and accountability. Through a win-win, or super-optimizing, set of solutions, all parties can find success in the policy process.