Developing Public Policy
A Practical Guide
By Bobby Siu
This manual for developing public policy in Canada explores the factors and dimensions involved in recognizing and resolving public problems. Siu puts forward six principles for developing good public policy and identifies the various approaches used to determine issues, conduct research, formulate policy options and recommendations, and derive intelligent decisions. Throughout the book, he provides a detailed outline of how an abstract policy idea is transformed into a public policy. With its presentation of vital strategies, tactics, guidelines, and checklists for public policy developers working in the Canadian federal or provincial government, Developing Public Policy will equip readers with the knowledge, tools, and skills needed to successfully work in the field of public policy development.
This book is divided into two major sections: the first part offers an overview of the framework for developing public policies, while the second provides hands-on exercises detailing how to prepare and format policy documents. A clear and informed handbook grounded in the concrete experience of a former civil servant, Developing Public Policy is a go-to guide for both students and newcomers to the field who are interested in advocating for change within a government bureaucracy.Features:
- includes thirty-nine tables and figures, critical thinking questions, concise lists, a comprehensive index, and an extensive glossary
- outlines six principles for effective public policy
- contains instructions on how to create concrete policy development tools, including cabinet submissions, briefing notes, public consultation papers, and management board submissions
Table of Contents
Part I: A Framework for Public Policy DevelopmentChapter 1 IntroductionChapter 2 Public Policy DevelopersChapter 3 Public Policy and the GovernmentChapter 4 Public Policy ProductsChapter 5 Principles of Good Public PolicyChapter 6 Identifying Public Policy IssuesChapter 7 Conducting Research and Analyzing InformationChapter 8 Formulating Policy Options and RecommendationsChapter 9 Determining Public Policies for ImplementationChapter 10 ConclusionPart II: Policy Product ExercisesExercise 1 Correspondence: EnergyExercise 2 Briefing Note: Employment and YouthExercise 3 House Book Note: EnvironmentExercise 4 Decision Note: Education and Aboriginal AffairsExercise 5 Research Plan: Training and Persons with DisabilitiesExercise 6 Research Paper: TourismExercise 7 Discussion Paper: Health CareExercise 8 Public Consultation Plan: Internet GamingExercise 9 Public Consultation Paper: ImmigrationExercise 10 Stakeholder Consultation Paper: International TradeExercise 11 Cabinet Submission: Equity and WomenExercise 12 Cabinet Presentation: TelecommunicationExercise 13 Management Board Submission: Education and MenExercise 14 Role-Playing the Decision-Making Process: Public HousingGlossary Bibliography Index
"Taking students from the inception of a policy idea to its implementation, with hands-on exercises and case study material, this book promises to be a valuable professional development experience and contribution to the field. With a focus on the Canadian experience, the research reflects the current state of public policy planning with an exciting and needed synthesis."— Lorne Foster, Professor, Department of Equity Studies and Graduate Program Director of the School of Public Policy and Administration, York University
When you adopt Bobby Siu’s Developing Public Policy we are pleased to provide you with a sample syllabus to aid in the organization and development of your upcoming course. The syllabus includes a description of course objectives, suggestions for student evaluation, a comprehensive lecture schedule, and assignment descriptions.
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