Public Policy in Action: Perspectives on the Policy Process

Authored by Victor Bekkers and published by Edward Elgar Publishing on September 1, 2017, Public Policy in Action: Perspectives on the Policy Process offers a comprehensive exploration of the intricate world of policy-making. This essential textbook delves into the policy process through a multitude of theoretical lenses, including rationalism, culturalism, institutionalism, and a political point of view. It is designed to empower students to grasp key concepts from policy science literature, fostering a deeper understanding of how public policy is academically discussed and empirically shaped in the real world.

The book provides a meticulously detailed breakdown of every stage of the policy process. Readers will journey from the emergence of policy problems and their impact on the agenda, through the formulation of policy alternatives and the complexities of decision-making, to the critical stages of policy implementation, evaluation, learning, and ultimately, policy change. Furthermore, the authors meticulously outline the internal and external factors that exert influence over each step of this dynamic process. Enriched with a wide array of relevant national and international case studies, the book ensures its insights resonate with a diverse, international audience.

Key features of this work include an up-to-date review of the existing literature on the policy process and comprehensive coverage of all essential elements within the policy cycle. This insightful volume, identified by ISBN-10: 1781004528 and ISBN-13: 978-1781004524, is written in English.