Public Policy Analysis
- Management Sciences
- 700 level
- 2 credit units
- 169 pages
- 20 units
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and techniques of public policy analysis. It explores the dynamics of public policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation. The course examines various theories, models, and approaches used in policy and decision-making. It also scrutinizes critical issues in public policy analysis, including the role of bureaucracy and the impact of the environment on policy outcomes. The course aims to equip students with the skills to analyze and improve policymaking processes.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 60 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor Marked Assignments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of PAD710, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
PAD710 · UNIT 1 BASIC CONCEPTS IN PUBLIC POLICY
Public policy analysis as a course of study that has its meaning entrenched in many concepts. This is why for the benefit of enhanced comprehensibility, four key concepts are explained. These concepts are public problem, public interest, public policy and public policy analysis.
What you should be able to do
- Explain the basic concepts and nature of public policy.
- Analyze the dynamics of the public policy process.
- Apply theories and models to understand policy and decision-making.
- Evaluate the role of bureaucracy in public policy.
- Assess the impact of the environment on policy outcomes.
What it prepares you for
- Policy Analyst
- Public Administrator
- Government Advisor
- Political Consultant
- Non-profit Manager
- Government
- Public Sector
- Non-profit Organizations
- Consulting
- Research
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Dynamics of Public Policy Process and Policy and Decision- Making Theories
Unit 4: Theories of Public Policy Making
The unit requires a deep understanding of various theoretical perspectives and their application to real-world policy scenarios, demanding critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Module 3: Public Policy Analysis
Unit 4: Techniques in Public Policy Analysis
This unit requires students to understand and apply complex analytical techniques, including cost-benefit analysis, which involves quantifying and comparing various costs and benefits.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 40 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: The Study of Public Policy
Unit 1: Basic Concepts in Public Policy · 2 hours
Read Unit 1: Basic Concepts in Public Policy. Understand the definitions of public problem, public interest, public policy, and public policy analysis.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise: Define public problem and explain its impact on policy choices..
Unit 2: Why Study Public Policy · 2 hours
Read Unit 2: Why Study Public Policy. Understand the features of public policy and the reasons for studying it.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise: Discuss the cardinal reasons for studying Public Policy..
Unit 3: Nature and Scope of Public Policy · 2 hours
Read Unit 3: Nature and Scope of Public Policy. Identify the nature and basic elements of public policy.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise: Explain the types of public policy..
- Week 2Module 1: The Study of Public Policy
Unit 4: Policy-Making Process · 2 hours
Read Unit 4: Policy-Making Process. Explain the stages in the policy-making process.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise: Describe policy formation and policy formulation..
Unit 5: Decision-Making Process · 2 hours
Read Unit 5: Decision-Making Process. Understand the characteristics and levels of decision-making.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise: Identify the factors that affect decision-making..
- Week 3Module 2: Dynamics of Public Policy Process and Policy and Decision- Making Theories
Unit 1: Policy Formation: Problems, Agenda and Formulation · 2 hours
Read Unit 1: Policy Formation, Problems, Agenda and Formulation. Understand the nature of policy problems and agenda setting.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise: Explain the relationship between problem identification, agenda setting and policy formation..
Unit 2: Approaches to Public Policy Making · 2 hours
Read Unit 2: Approaches to Public Policy Making. Explain the models through which we can approach policy making.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise: Discuss the various approaches to policy making..
- Week 4Module 2: Dynamics of Public Policy Process and Policy and Decision- Making Theories
Unit 3: Dynamics of Public Policy Formulation, Implementation and Evaluation · 2 hours
Read Unit 3: Dynamics of Public Policy Formulation, Implementation and Evaluation. Explain the dynamism of policy making process in Nigeria.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise: What makes public policy in Nigeria dynamic?.
Unit 4: Theories of Public Policy Making · 2 hours
Read Unit 4: Theories of Public Policy Making. Describe system model to the study of policy analysis.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise: Describe the role of institutional theory to the study of public policy analysis..
- Week 5Module 2: Dynamics of Public Policy Process and Policy and Decision- Making Theories
Unit 5: Theories of Decision-Making · 2 hours
Read Unit 5: Theories of Decision-Making. Explain Game Theory.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise: Describe the rational-comprehensive theory of decision making..
- Week 6Module 3: Public Policy Analysis
Unit 1: Public Policy Analysis · 2 hours
Read Unit 1: Public Policy Analysis. Understand the basic elements of good public policy analysis.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise: What are the benefits of public policy analysis?.
Unit 2: Planning and Public Policy Analysis · 2 hours
Read Unit 2: Planning and Public Policy Analysis. Explain the relationships between planning and public policy analysis.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise: Explain the relationship between planning and policy analysis..
- Week 7Module 3: Public Policy Analysis
Unit 3: Budget and Public Policy · 2 hours
Read Unit 3: Budget and Public Policy. State the Relationship between Budget and Public Policy.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise: Establish the link between effective implementation of public policy and effective budgetary process..
- Week 8Module 3: Public Policy Analysis
Unit 4: Techniques in Public Policy Analysis · 2 hours
Read Unit 4: Techniques in Public Policy Analysis. Describe tools and techniques of policy analysis.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise: Describe how cost-benefit analysis tool can be used to analyse policy..
- Week 9Module 3: Public Policy Analysis
Unit 5: Approaches in Policy Analysis · 2 hours
Read Unit 5: Approaches in Policy Analysis. Explain the Qualitative Approach.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise: Differentiate between Micro and Macro Approaches..
- Week 10Module 4: Public Policy Process and the Environment
Unit 1: Bureaucracy and Public Policy Making · 2 hours
Read Unit 1: Bureaucracy and Public Policy Making. Explain what bureaucracy is all about.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise: What is the role of the bureaucracy in the public policy making process?.
- Week 11Module 4: Public Policy Process and the Environment
Unit 2: Determinants of Policy Success or Failure · 2 hours
Read Unit 2: Determinants of Policy Success or Failure. Identify the reason behind public policy failures in Nigeria.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise: What are the determinants of public policy success and failure in Nigeria?.
- Week 12Module 4: Public Policy Process and the Environment
Unit 3: Actors in Public Policy Process · 2 hours
Read Unit 3: Actors in Public Policy Process. Differentiate the official and unofficial actors in public policy process.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise: Who are the official and unofficial actors in Public policy process?.
- Week 13Module 4: Public Policy Process and the Environment
Unit 4: The Public Policy Makers and Their Environment · 2 hours
Read Unit 4: The Public Policy Makers and Their Environment. Identify how the environment affects public policies vis-à-vis the public policy makers.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise: What is the importance of ecology in public policy process?.
Unit 5: Impact of the Environment on Policy Making and Implementation · 2 hours
Read Unit 5: Impact of the Environment on Policy Making and Implementation. Explain how the Political environment affect the formulation and implementation of public policies.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise: How does the environment affect policy making and implementation?.
Preparing for the exam
- Review all module objectives and ensure you can explain each concept.
- Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 decision-making theories.
- Practice applying policy analysis techniques from Units 7-9 to case studies.
- Focus on understanding the roles and responsibilities of different actors in the policy process (Units 10-13).
- Allocate study time evenly across all modules, but prioritize areas where you feel less confident.
- Form study groups to discuss and clarify complex topics.
- Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and understand the feedback provided.
- Practice answering essay questions under timed conditions to improve speed and clarity.
Questions students ask about this course
What is PAD710 about?
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and techniques of public policy analysis. It explores the dynamics of public policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation. The course examines various theories, models, and approaches used in policy and decision-making. It also scrutinizes critical issues in public policy analysis, including the role of bureaucracy and the impact of the environment on policy outcomes. The course aims to equip students with the skills to analyze and improve policymaking processes.
How many units does PAD710 have?
PAD710, Public Policy Analysis, has 20 units across 4 modules, over 169 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is PAD710?
PAD710 carries 2 credit units, at 700 level in Management Sciences.
Is PAD710 hard?
PAD710 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does PAD710 take to study?
About 60 hours of study, spread across its 20 units.
How is PAD710 assessed?
PAD710 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.
What can I do with PAD710?
Policy Analyst, Public Administrator, Government Advisor, Political Consultant and Non profit Manager.