This is the first book on public policy and policy analysis in the Third World. It shows the need to develop an interdisciplinary approach to policy-making, one that combines policy and management analysis with political and ethical appraisal. The book examines the 'rational choice' approach to policy analysis, then looks at case studies, and finally reviews the international experience in public policy-making.

The subject of Public Policy has assumed considerable importance in response to the complexity of economic downturns, social upheavals, political crises, institutional weaknesses and technology. It is concerned not only with the description but also with the developing scientific knowledge about the forces shaping public policy. The textbook, now in its second edition, continues to provide an in-depth study of the various approaches for policy formulation, implementation and evaluation. It addresses issues in policy analysis, and explains the forces that influence the functioning of executive, legislature, judiciary, civil society and administration. The book excellently reviews and evaluates the public policy literature, and exemplifies the author’s long teaching and research experience in Panjab University. The book is primarily intended for postgraduate students of Political Science and Public Administration for their courses in Public Policy and Policy Analysis, besides meeting the requirements of candidates offering public administration subject for the civil services examination. It will be equally useful for policymakers, planners and bureaucrats concerned with policy management. NEW TO THIS EDITION : Updation of the chapter Policy Approaches and Models with the inclusion of the topic ‘Public choice model of policy-making’ Addition of the two new chapters – Power Approaches to Policy Making and Strategic Planning Approach for Improving Public Policy – to study the subject in detail.

This title was forst published in 2000: An analysis of India’s development and public policy from the perspectives of five major fields of public policy. 1. Economic policy, including public policy toward industrial development. 2. Social policy, including religion, education and women’s rights. 3. Environmental policy, including possible conflict with economic development. 4. Science-technology policy, including agricultural development, information technology and administering the electronics industry. 5. Political reform, including local government and general elections.

Collection of articles presented at the Seminar on Public Policy Analysis and Design organized by Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration from 23 to 25 August, 1993; with special reference to India.

What is governance and how does it evolve? What are the steps involved in law-making and what often holds back its implementation? Do the legislature and the executive relate to the rapidly changing democratic politics? Can the globally hailed policy theories work in India? This short introduction addresses such debates and more through a variety of case studies. Tracing the evolution of the discipline in India, it provides a concise and lucid introduction of how policies develop, how they are implemented, as well as the techniques of evaluation and the challenges in governance facing the country.

The study of public policy and the methods of policy analysis are among the most rapidly developing areas in the social sciences. Policy analysis has emerged to provide a better understanding of the policymaking process and to supply decision makers with reliable policy-relevant knowledge about pressing economic and social problems. Presenting a broad, comprehensive perspective, the Handbook of Public Policy Analysis: Theory, Politics, and Methods covers the historical development of policy analysis, its role in the policy process, and empirical methods. The handbook considers the theory generated by these methods and the normative and ethical issues surrounding their practice. Written by leading experts in the field, this book- Deals with the basic origins and evolution of public policy Examines the stages of the policy-making process Identifies political advocacy and expertise in the policy process Focuses on rationality in policy decision-making and the role of policy networks and learning Details argumentation, rhetoric, and narratives Explores the comparative, cultural, and ethical aspects of public policy Explains primary quantitative-oriented analytical methods employed in policy research Addresses the qualitative sides of policy analysis Discusses tools used to refine policy choices Traces the development of policy analysis in selected national contexts The Handbook of Public Policy Analysis: Theory, Politics, and Methods describes the theoretical debates that have recently defined the field, including the work of postpositivist, interpretivist, and social constructionist scholars. This book also explores the interplay between empirical and normative analysis, a crucial issue running through contemporary debates.

Laying a strong conceptual foundation to understanding the rationales of and limitations to public policy, Weimer and Vining give practical advice about how to do policy analysis while demonstrating the application of advanced analytical techniques through case study examples. This is a comprehensive, accessible, and rich introduction to policy analysis for students in public policy, public administration, and business programs.