Public Policy: Perspectives, Issues and Strategies

Key information

Start date
End date
Duration
Term 1
Module code
15PFMC094
FHEQ Level
7
Credits
15
Department
School of Finance and Management

Module overview

The public sector plays a central role in any country. In developed countries, the government and other public sector entities account for a large share of the economy, sometimes up to about half of it. In developing countries, the public sector is called to play a greater and greater role in order to provide essential pubic services - from healthcare to education, from infrastructure development to welfare - that seem crucial for a sustainable and equitable growth. The organisation of the public sector and the processes through which the government makes policy decisions are extremely important in order to ensure that the society and the economy benefit from the unique resources and tools that public authories have at their disposal.

This module provides an understanding of perspectives, issues and strategies in the making and implementation of public policies. The module will tackle issues such as, for example: How are public policies made across different country contexts? Why are particular policy tools or instruments chosen to deal with contemporary policy issues like climate change, migration, and development? How are public policies converted into actual systems and practices for the delivery of public services and interventions? Students will learn about these and other issues through a combination of lectures, case studies and class activities.

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

On successful completion of this course a student will be able to:

  • Understand the policy process in its structure, component parts, and dynamics
  • Critically appraise policy issues
  • Formulate policy choices and strategies
  • Explain the differences between different models of public service delivery and interventions

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules