A Primer in Public Policy Analysis Techniques and Methods
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Date
2012
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
©IIUM Press, IIUM
Abstract
This is a concise introductory text for undergraduates at the advanced
level, produced for the main purpose of presenting a field of knowledge
that is judged as difficult and requiring much preparation in economics
and quantitative methods in a manner that is simple and conducive
to student learning. Textbooks in this field are generally considered
difficult by students at this level of instruction. Nonetheless, the present
text discusses the most central issues in policy analysis, in simple terms
and reviews the basic techniques employed to guide analysis.
However, the book may also prove useful in another dimension: the use
of local examples and cases in addition to the authors’ own examples which
would serve to ease students’ comprehension. Popular texts such as Dunn
(1994) or Weimer and Vining (1999) often address American readers and
use American examples throughout. Another book on welfare economics
is also required at the undergraduate level but one which we usually use in
postgraduate classes. The need for a primer on the subject thus appears timely.
The first chapter of this book defines, rationalizes and explains
public policy as well as the practice of public policy analysis. The
second chapter discusses relevant issues as a useful background to
policy analysis: the policymaking process and the place of policy
analysis in it; policy analysis as welfare economics; policy analysis as
rational choice; and finally, policy analysis in political decision making.
The authors are of the opinion that policy analysis is a combination of
all of these approaches.
Chapter three is the first chapter pertaining to the process of analysis;
it handles problem analysis, which includes problem identification,
problem definition, problem structuring and problem modeling. The
fourth chapter seeks to explain the techniques and methods of forecasting,
classified under quantitative or qualitative techniques. Forecasting is
central to policy analysis because the consequences of policies, aimed
at finding solutions to social problems, and since it involves the future,
it is important to speculate about the future.