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MPA810Management Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Public Policy Analysis

This course, MPA 810: Public Policy Analysis, is a 3-credit unit course designed for Master in Public Administration students. It consists of 20 units, covering concepts, methods, and theories of public policy analysis. Students will explore policy conception, characteristics, and implementation processes. The course examines various approaches, models, and techniques used in policy analysis, including case studies to enhance understanding of policy-making and implementation challenges in Nigeria. Emphasis is placed on equipping students with the knowledge to analyze and evaluate public policies effectively.

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50h
Study Time
13
Weeks
4h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Public PolicyPolicy AnalysisPolicy MakingImplementationPolicy Evaluation

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
➕
Math Level
Basic Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Policy Conception

2

Policy Analysis

3

Policy Implementation

4

Policy Evaluation

5

Policy Models

6

Policy Theories

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Public Administrator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Government Official

Apply your skills in this growing field

Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Researcher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentPublic SectorNon-profitConsultingResearch

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

2h

Unit 1: Concept of Policy and Public Policy

2 study hours
  • •Define policy and public policy.
  • •Discuss the relationship between policy and public policy.
  • •Identify the characteristics of public policy.
Week
2

Module 1:

2h

Unit 2: Public Policy in the Decision-Making Process

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the role of public policy in the decision-making process.
  • •Explain the rational comprehensive approach.
  • •Discuss the incremental approach.
Week
3

Module 1:

2h

Unit 3: Models of Public Policy Analysis I

2 study hours
  • •Explain Eastonian's model of policy-making process.
  • •Discuss the limitations of Eastonian's model.
  • •Explain the application of Eastonian's model.
Week
4

Module 1:

2h

Unit 4: Models of Public Policy-Making II

2 study hours
  • •Explain the Institutional Model.
  • •Discuss the Group Model.
  • •Analyze the Systems Model.
  • •Explain the Streams and Windows Model
Week
5

Module 1:

2h

Unit 5: Rational Model

2 study hours
  • •Explain the concept of Rationalism.
  • •Discuss the concept of Rational Model.
  • •Outline the barriers to rational decision making.
  • •Explain the Deficiencies of Rationalism.
Week
6

Module 2:

2h

Unit 1: Theories of Public Policy: Structural-Functional Theory

2 study hours
  • •Explain the Structural-Functional Theory.
  • •Discuss the assumption of the Structural functionalism theory.
  • •Evaluate the critique of the structural functionalist perspective theory.
Week
7

Module 2:

2h

Unit 2: Theories of Public Policy: Institutional Theory

2 study hours
  • •Explain the Content of the Institutional Theory.
  • •Discuss the Framework of the Institutional theory.
  • •Assess the formation of public policy as an institutional product.
  • •Explain the Theoretical and Model-Based Criticism of Institutionalism.
Week
8

Module 2:

2h

Unit 3: Theories of Public Policy: Process Theory

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the Process Theory.
  • •Explain the Functional analysis of Process Theory.
  • •Evaluate the Public policy as a Process Output.
  • •Outline the Policy Process.
Week
9

Module 2:

2h

Unit 4: Theories of Public Policy: Political Systems Theory

2 study hours
  • •Explain the Political Theory.
  • •Outline the Proponent of Political Systems Theory.
  • •State the assumption of Political Systems Theory.
  • •Itemize the types of Political Theory.
Week
10

Module 2:

2h

Unit 5: Theories of Public Policy: Group Theory

2 study hours
  • •Explain the Concept of Group Theory.
  • •Discuss the Component of Group Theory.
  • •State the Limitations of Group theory.
  • •Explain the Application of Group theory.
Week
11

Module 4:

2h

Unit 1: Elite Theory of Public Policy

2 study hours
  • •Briefly explain the Origin of Elite Theory.
  • •Highlight the basic assumption of Elite Theory.
  • •Discuss the Elite-Mass Model.
  • •Explain the implications of elite theory for policy analysis.
Week
12

Module 4:

2h

Unit 2: Public Choice Theory

2 study hours
  • •Explain the Origin of Public Choice Theory.
  • •Discuss the School of Public Choice Theory.
  • •Explain the Critics Public Choice Theory.
  • •Briefly explain the Public Choice Theory and Collective Decision-Making.
Week
13

Module 4:

2h

Unit 3: Agenda Setting

2 study hours
  • •Explain the Agenda Setting.
  • •Discuss the AGENDA Setting.
  • •Evaluate the Agenda, Starting From the Top Down.
  • •Explain the Interest Groups and Policymaking.
  • •Define the concept Lobbying.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create concept maps linking policy theories and models.

2

Focus on real-world examples of policy implementation challenges.

3

Practice applying different policy analysis techniques to case studies.

4

Review key terms and definitions from each unit weekly.

5

Allocate time to understand the Nigerian context of policy-making and implementation.

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