Public Policy PG (6268.5)

Topics covered include: policy design; the role of values in policy making; the management of policy development and the implications for evaluation of managerial change. Extended case studies are used to develop and exemplify concepts, techniques and approaches.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students will have:
1. An enhanced capacity to understand policy processes and undertake policy analysis;

2. Knowledge and understanding of the challenges of policy development and a capacity to apply these insights to real world policy challenges; and
3. Relevant knowledge and research skills for practical application in the public, private and non-profit sectors, and for further academic study.

Skills development

This unit provides an introduction to the specialist sub-field of public policy and policy analysis. It covers traditional concepts and contemporary issues, and aims to deepen participants’ knowledge of the theory and practice of public policy. The unit has three key aims: (1) to introduce students to the concepts, techniques and methods employed in policy design and policy analysis; (2) to evaluate the credibility of policy analysis approaches as an understanding of policy-making in the real world; and, (3) to apply this knowledge to specific policy issues.

Policy analysis has been described as “knowledge of” and “knowledge in” the policy process. It includes knowledge of the broad macro-level forces which constrain policy processes such as the political or economic contexts or processes of globalisation (e.g. geopolitics, political integration, global communications, internationalisation of capital); understanding the institutional processes which shape policy agendas and the solutions we apply to them (e.g. network governance, policy learning from overseas exemplars); the application of knowledge at the decision-making (e.g. problem definition, agenda-setting; policy formulation) and the field levels (implementation, evaluation); and technical tools of analysis (e.g. cost-benefit analysis and programme evaluation). Topics covered include: wicked problems and the role of values in policy making; evidence-based policy making and policy transfer, communications and policy, and methods for policy analysis. Case studies from Australian public policy are used to develop and exemplify concepts, techniques and approaches.

The unit provides students with a broad view of the nature of the policy process and seeks to provide an opportunity for participants to enhance their personal growth by stimulating new ideas and developing new skills in public policy. It achieves this by: exploring current developments in public policy and policy analysis; evaluating the actions and processes that shape policy continuity and change; and, assesses how policies are formulated, implemented, monitored and evaluated.

On successful completion of this subject participants will have achieved the following learning outcomes:

1. an enhanced capacity to generate appropriate policy advice;
2. an improved understanding of the realities of real-world policy making;
3. an understanding of the broad forces and institutional structures influencing the policy process; and,
4. the ability to present knowledge, ideas and opinions effectively and communicate them within a work environment.

These learning outcomes will facilitate related graduate qualities and generic skills as demonstrated in the box below.

Objectives	Related Graduate Qualities/Generic Skills
Knowledge
Appreciation of the different kinds of value created by public sector organisations.	Analysis and inquiry Problem-solving Working independently and with others
Understanding of the broad forces and institutional structures influencing the policy process.	Analysis and inquiry Problem-solving Working independently and with others
Understanding of the different modes of governance and public management available to deliver different public goods and services.	Analysis and inquiry Problem-solving Working independently and with others
To be able to accurately use, interpret and draw inference from information gathered as evidence to support routine and strategic decision-making.	Analysis and inquiry Problem-solving Working independently and with others
Knowledge of key governance and public policy debates in the academic and grey literatures.	Analysis and inquiry Problem-solving Working independently
Skills
A critical understanding of the central concepts relating to governance and public policy.	Analysis and inquiry Problem-solving
Written and verbal communication skills to engage in informed debates of public sector issues.	Communication Analysis and inquiry Problem-solving
The ability to bring a strategic perspective to management work.	Analysis and inquiry Problem-solving Working independently and with others
An understanding of how good communication skills can improve all aspects of public management.	Communication Analysis and inquiry Problem-solving
The ability to recognise problems from symptoms, identify opportunities for action and manage risks in delivering value to the community.	Analysis and inquiry Problem-solving
The capacity to link theory to practice.	Analysis and inquiry Problem-solving Working independently
Application of knowledge and skills
Enhance capacity to generate appropriate policy advice.	Analysis and inquiry Problem-solving Working independently and with others Professionalism and social responsibility
Enhance service delivery across the public sector.	Analysis and inquiry Problem-solving Working independently and with others Professionalism and social responsibility
Undertake primary research both within a collaborative team based framework and independently.	Analysis and inquiry Problem-solving Working independently and with others Professionalism and social responsibility

 

2b        Teaching and Learning Methods

The Public Policy unit will include a combination of short lectures and question and answer sessions, interactive case studies and problem-solving exercises. Sessions will be delivered by the unit convenor in conjunction with guest lecturers from the Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis, Adjunct Fellows, the Department and other thought leaders.

Course participants are encouraged to engage in “critical” reflection. This involves thinking beneath the surface: to seek out, query, and suggest new avenues to interesting or challenging questions, assumptions and controversies, and to link different ideas together in insightful ways. The reflective practitioner draws on personal experiences, ideas, intuitions and ideals.

Opportunity for discussion will be provided in every session to build on material contained in this Unit Guide, and draw on the expertise and experiences of participating students, academic staff and practitioners. To enable a critical and well-considered discussion it is essential that all participants engage and complete the required preparation for the sessions. Further details of the nature of these exercises and the preparation required from participants can be found in Section 3.

 

2c        Generic skills

The learning outcomes listed above were formulated within the framework of the University of Canberra’s aims to develop the generic skills and attributes of graduate students.

 

2d        Prerequisites and/or co-requisites

For enrolment in this Unit, students need to be accepted into the appropriate graduate program. It is expected, therefore, that students will hold a Bachelor’s degree.

Prerequisites

Course entry requirements.

Corequisites

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.