Public Policy
Description
Should governments themselves evaluate public policies?
Examine policy evaluation formative and summative and the evaluation of public policies, focusing on ‘pilots’, ‘randomised control trials’, and ‘nudge’ behavioural psychology theory.
Discuss and identify two case studies to reinforce your argument.
Define the key terms at the outset. In the introduction summarise main argument(s), succinctly. Explain why this argument is important.
Reference a minimum of 15 sources including wider literature, Utilise a broad array of sources, including government and NGO policy reports, think-tank papers, and articles. (3000 words excl refs)
Some References
Bamberger, M. (2000) ‘The Evaluation of International Development Programmes’, American Journal of Evaluation, Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 95-102
Boaz, A., Nutley, S. (2003) ‘Chapter 27: Evidence Based Policy and Practice’, in Bovaird, A. G., Löffler, E. (eds.) Public Management and Governance, New York: Routledge, pp. 376-392.
Davies, H. T. O., Nutley, S. M., Smith, P. C. (2000) What Works? Evidence-based Policy and Practice in Public Services, Cambridge: Polity Press.
Dorey, P. (2005) Policy-Making in Britain: An Introduction, London: Sage
Duflo, E. (2000) ‘Child Health and Household Resources in South Africa: Evidence from Old Age Pension’, American Economic Review, Vol. 90, No. 2, pp.393-398.
Bonell, C., Fletcher, A., Morton, M., Lorenc, T. and Moore, L. (2012) ‘Realist Randomised Controlled Trials: A New Approach to Evaluating Complex Public Health Interventions’, Social Science & Medicine, Vol. 75, Issue 12, pp. 2299-2306.
Davies, H. T. O., Nutley, S. M. and Smith, P. C. (eds) (2000) What Works? Evidence-based Policy and Practice in Public Services, Cambridge: Polity Press.
Halpern, D. (2008) The Hidden Wealth of Nations, Cambridge: Polity Press
