Policy analysis for practice: applying social policy

Abstract

People who work in planning, management and service delivery in the public sector need to know how policy is translated into practice, what is happening, and whether a policy works. [This book] introduces students and practitioners to the concepts, methods and techniques required to undertake the analysis and review of policy and its implementation. Focusing on developing understanding and skills for a growing area of practice, it combines material from public and social administration with examples and application to social policy and the social services. The book looks at ways to understand and analyze the main stages of the policy process: developing strategies, identifying aims, examining the situation, choosing methods, implementation and service delivery, and evaluating outcomes. It stresses throughout the role of policy analysis as a political, and not just a technical, activity."--Page 4 of cover