This paper presents a conceptual framework for the strategic management of government agencies in developing and transition economies. It delineates a working model of an efficient government agency for which core strategy, internal organizational design, and external environment are aligned. It then demonstrates how the objectives of public sector management are ideally based on assessments of "areas of misalignment" in government agencies.

Strategic management is widely seen as essential to the public services, leading to better performance and better outcomes for the public. In fact, the private sector idea of strategic management has become so powerful in the public sector that politicians and policy makers have begun to talk about the importance of the modern state being strategic – and we may be witnessing the emergence of the Strategic State. Strategic Management for the Public Sector draws on experience and research from a range of countries and provides a theoretical understanding of strategic management that is grounded in the public sector. Drawing on the latest theory and research this text provides a fresh look at foresight, analysis, strategic choice, implementation and evaluation. This book also offers original and detailed case studies based on up to date evidence from different public sector settings, helping the reader to build on their understanding of theories and concepts presented earlier in the book. Strategic Management for the Public Sector has been written specially for managers and students taking postgraduate courses such as MBAs and MPAs. It will also appeal to individual managers and civil servants in the public sector looking for an accessible book to read as part of their own independent personal development.

This is an accessible introduction to the theory and practice of strategic management in the public sector.

This book is an investigation into the evolving nature and consequences of strategic management in public governance. It is prompted by the practical as well as the academic interest in the application of strategic management to public governance and to the public sector. The main features of this book are its management focus, its use of published statistics and expert ratings to develop empirical insights into the capabilities and processes of strategic management in government, and its concern for practical relevance. Although this book deals with governments, it is a management book and not a political book. It is, in fact, a management book that "frames" strategic management in government as a tool of (or enabler of) the public governance process. This is relatively novel. The book’s management focus has several themes, which can be summed up as comprising: the use by government of long-term strategic visions and strategies, effective management of the delivery of strategic visions and strategies, the performance of national governments, and the implications of strategic state capabilities for the quality of public services, for sustainability, and for managing strategic crises. This book will be relevant reading to researchers, scholars, advanced students, policy makers and public administrators in the fields of strategy, strategic management, and public governance.

Strategic Management in Public Organizations: European Practices and Perspectives offers the first wide-ranging survey and assessment of strategic management practices at various levels of government and public service in European countries. It shows that strategic management is much more than a management tool imported from the private sector - it has become a key element of public management reforms, and European governments at all levels are developing ‘strategic state’ characteristics. Written by leading European experts on strategic management in the public sector and in government, this book presents evaluations and analysis based on empirical investigations. The book covers strategic management at different levels of government, explore the roles of different players, and incorporate theory and practice, with opening and concluding chapters by the editors that provide an overview of strategic management in the public services and a cross-societal discussion of practices, reforms, and lessons. It reflects not only developments in strategic management practices in the European public sector, but also the increasing importance of strategic capabilities for the modernization of public governance. This book is ideal for students in postgraduate management courses (MPA, MSc, or MBA) in Europe and elsewhere.

A productive society is dependent upon high-performing government. This third edition of The Public Performance and Productivity Handbook includes chapters from leading scholars, consultants, and practitioners to explore all of the core elements of improvement. Completely revised and focused on best practice, the handbook comprehensively explores managing for high performance, measurement and analysis, costs and finances, human resources, and cutting-edge organizational tools. Its coverage of new and systematic management approaches and well-defined measurement systems provides guidance for organizations of all sizes to improve productivity and performance. The contributors discuss such topics as accountability, organizational effectiveness after budget cuts, the complementary roles of human capital and “big data,” and how to teach performance management in the classroom and in public organizations. The handbook is accompanied by an online companion volume providing examples of performance measurement and improvement manuals across a wide variety of public organizations. The Public Performance and Productivity Handbook, Third Edition, is required reading for all public administration practitioners, as well as for students and scholars interested in the state of the public performance and productivity field.

This student-focused text provides an emphasis on skills development. Packed with real-life examples of what can go wrong with even the most well-conceived strategies, there is a focus on realism throughout. With a highly accessible writing style, this text it is an invaluable learning tool for all students in this area.

This report proposes a practical, country-based framework for developing good governance indicators for programmes funded by the European Union.