Introduction
The Public Policy, Governance, and Administration program is designed for public service employees who are keen to understand the creation and implementation of public policies. This course helps participants learn what governments do, why they do it, and how they should implement policies effectively. There are no formal prerequisites for this course, which is intended to provide participants with the knowledge, analytical skills, and tools necessary to think critically about public policy making and its implementation. This course will benefit those who have chosen a career in the public service, as well as those who wish to increase their awareness of public policy making and administration.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the characteristics of public bureaucracy and understand its role in the public policy process.
- Compare classic Weberian bureaucracy with the modern public bureaucracy promoted by New Public Management (NPM).
- Explain the role of bureaucratic, political, and non-state actors in the policy-making process.
- Contrast different policy instruments and service delivery mechanisms used in policy implementation and analyze factors influencing successful implementation.
- Understand the concept of accountability and discuss approaches to ensuring ethics in public administration.
- Comprehend the impact of social diversity on public policy making and its effects on the “differential impact” of policies.
Course Outlines
Day 1: Introduction to Public Policy and Administrative Governance
- What is public policy?
- Concepts of public policy and administrative governance.
- The purpose of public policy and how governments use it.
- Public policy theories, ideologies, and their relevance today.
- Positioning of public policy within governance frameworks.
Day 2: Public Bureaucracy in Theory and Practice
- Problem identification and definition.
- Policy formulation processes.
- Conducting research and analysis to support policy decisions.
- Designing policies and making policy recommendations.
Day 3: Government, Bureaucracy, and Accountability
- Government governance and its impact on policy making.
- Do policies determine politics? Analyzing the relationship between politics and policy.
- Classification of types of public policies.
- Distinguishing the dimensions of policy-politics relations.
- Understanding the role of policy institutions.
Day 4: Administrative Governance & the Challenge of Policy Implementation Today
- The impact of social diversity on public policy and governance.
- Keeping up with the ever-changing landscape of governance.
- Aligning governance frameworks with public administration structures.
- Interaction between public policy, governance, and administration.
- Performance delivery agreements in the context of public policy.
- Accountability and compliance in public governance.
Day 5: Code of Practice for the Governance of Public Bodies
- Oversight arrangements with parent departments.
- Aligning strategic statements and business obligations.
- Audit and risk committees in public bodies.
- The role and composition of boards and the role of the Chairperson.
- Enhancing the effectiveness of boards and committees.
Why Attend This Course: Wins & Losses!
- Gain a deep understanding of public policy: This course will help you understand how public policies are formulated, implemented, and how they influence governance.
- Learn how different government structures work: By exploring the transition from traditional Weberian bureaucracy to New Public Management (NPM), you’ll gain insights into modern public administration.
- Understand the dynamics of policy actors: Learn the roles of bureaucratic, political, and non-state actors in the policy-making process and how to balance their interests.
- Develop an appreciation for accountability in public administration: Learn the principles of accountability and its importance in maintaining effective governance.
- Enhance your understanding of the impact of social diversity: Recognize the importance of social diversity in shaping public policies and their implementation.
Conclusion
The Public Policy, Governance, and Administration course is an excellent opportunity to enhance your understanding of public policy making and its challenges. Through this course, you will learn critical skills in managing public policies, governance structures, and public administration processes. The course will also help you understand the intricate relationship between government policies, bureaucratic structures, and social diversity, equipping you with the tools to analyze and implement policies effectively.
Whether you are seeking to improve your career in public administration or enhance your understanding of the public policy process, this course will provide the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field.
