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PAD405Management Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Public Policy Making And Analysis

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles and practices of public policy analysis. It explores the dynamics of public policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation, covering key theories, models, and techniques. The course examines the roles of various actors in the policy process and the impact of the environment on policy outcomes. It also addresses the challenges of planning and budgeting in the context of public policy.

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156h

Study Time

13

Weeks

12h

Per Week

basic

Math Level

Course Keywords

Public Policy AnalysisPolicy FormulationPolicy ImplementationPolicy EvaluationDecision-Making

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

Public Policy Concepts

2

Policy Formulation Process

3

Policy Implementation

4

Policy Evaluation

5

Decision-Making Theories

6

Budgeting and Public Policy

7

Planning in Public Policy

8

Policy Analysis Techniques

Total Topics8 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 Advisor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Program Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentNon-profit OrganizationsConsulting FirmsResearch InstitutesInternational Organizations

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: Fundamentals of Public Policy Analysis

2h

Unit 1: Basic Concepts in Public Policy

2 study hours

•Define public policy and its key components.
•Differentiate between policy, public interest, and public policy analysis.
•Explore the historical development of public policy analysis.

Week

2

Module 1: Fundamentals of Public Policy Analysis

2h

Unit 2: Nature and Scope of Public Policy

2 study hours

•Examine the nature and scope of public policy.
•Discuss the importance of public policy in addressing societal problems.
•Analyze the characteristics of effective public policies.

Week

3

Module 1: Fundamentals of Public Policy Analysis

2h

Unit 3: Typologies of Public Policy

2 study hours

•Identify and classify different types of public policies.
•Distinguish between distributive, regulatory, and redistributive policies.
•Understand the terminologies used in policy analysis.

Week

4

Module 1: Fundamentals of Public Policy Analysis

2h

Unit 4: Public Policy and Social Sciences: The Nexus

2 study hours

•Explore the relationship between social sciences and public policy analysis.
•Analyze the connections between politics, public administration, and policy analysis.
•Evaluate the terminologies used in policy analysis.

Week

5

Module 1: Fundamentals of Public Policy Analysis

2h

Unit 5: Uses and process of public policy

2 study hours

•Understand the uses of public policy analysis in problem-solving.
•Explain the stages in the policy-making process.
•Discuss the challenges of policy making process.

Week

6

Module 2: Public Policy Environments

2h

Unit 1: Actors in Public Policy Process

2 study hours

•Identify the official and unofficial actors in the policy-making process.
•Analyze the roles of different actors in policy formulation and implementation.
•Differentiate between primary and supplementary policymakers.

Week

7

Module 2: Public Policy Environments

2h

Unit 2: Decision making process

2 study hours

•Explain the meaning and characteristics of decision-making.
•Describe the levels of decision-making process.
•Enumerate the factors affecting decision-making.

Week

8

Module 2: Public Policy Environments

2h

Unit 3: Policy making cycle

2 study hours

•Discuss the meaning of public policy cycle.
•Analyze the stages in the public policy process.
•Demonstrate approaches to agenda setting.

Week

9

Module 2: Public Policy Environments

2h

Unit 4: Bureaucracy and Public Policy Making

2 study hours

•Discuss the concept of bureaucracy.
•Analyze the role of bureaucracy in public policy making process.
•Evaluate the power of bureaucracy and its control measures.

Week

10

Module 2: Public Policy Environments

2h

Unit 5: Impact of the Environment on Policy Making and Implementation

2 study hours

•Discuss how political, economic, and social environments affect policy making.
•Analyze the significance of policy making in different environments.

Week

11

Module 3: Key Elements, Policy and Decision-Making theories

4h

Unit 1: Tools of Policy-Making Analysis

2 study hours

•Discuss operational tools for policy analysis.
•Analyze the techniques of policy analysis.
•Evaluate Special Interest and Policy Making.

Unit 2: Ecology of Public Policy Analysis and Approaches to Policy Analysis

2 study hours

•Understand the concept of ecology.
•Discuss Political Factors.
•Demonstrate descriptive approach to the study of policy analysis.

Week

12

Module 3: Key Elements, Policy and Decision-Making theories

4h

Unit 3 Public Policy Models

2 study hours

•Discuss bureaucratic institutional model of decision-making
•Analyse the rational comprehensive model of decision-making
•Evaluate the belief system model of decision-making

Unit 4 Public Policy and Social Sciences Nexus and Key Elements in Public Policy

2 study hours

•Analyse various theories of public policy
•Discuss Rational Comprehensive Theory
•Evaluate Attribution Theory

Week

13

Module 4: Planning and Public Policy Analysis

4h

Unit 5: Theories of Decision-Making

2 study hours

•Understand the concept planning in a develop countries
•Analyse socio-economic development
•Evaluate models of policy-making

Unit 4 Budget and public policy

2 study hours

•Understand the Concept of Budget
•Demonstrate the Government Budget and Public Policy Link
•Evaluate the Factors Responsible for Budget Failure in Nigeria

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

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all module summaries and learning outcomes to reinforce key concepts.

2

Create concept maps linking policy theories (Units 7-10) to real-world examples.

3

Practice applying policy analysis techniques (Units 11-13) to case studies.

4

Focus on understanding the stages of the policy process (Units 1-6) and their interdependencies.

5

Allocate study time proportionally to the weight of each module in the final examination.

6

Form study groups to discuss complex topics and share insights.

7

Practice answering past exam questions to familiarize yourself with the exam format and style.

8

Prioritize studying challenging units (identified in peak difficulty periods) and seek clarification on difficult concepts.

9

Develop a time management strategy for the exam to ensure all questions are attempted.

10

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and feedback to identify areas for improvement.

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