UPP

Understanding Public Policy: Theories and Issues

I will use this page to keep you updated on Understanding Public Policy 3. Edition 1 has become a niche collector’s item (I am the sole collector). Luckily, edition 2 is still in the shops, because 3 is going to take ages. It might look like each edition involves a few tweaks, but – for me – it is more like writing a new book. The third edition could take me a working year to complete (likely spread across two years).  In the meantime, please feel free to enjoy a Preface that will change, an introduction that is too long to be an introduction, a chapter on policy analysis and design that does not say enough about design, and the 500, 750, and 1000 word series.

Preface. It makes the case for this kind of book, describes the exciting new changes, tries to make a joke about ‘actors, and introduces the word ‘outwith’.

Chapter 0 Preface UPP 3rd ed 17.2.23Download

Chapter 1 Introduction: What is policy and policymaking? It introduces the classic ‘what is policy?’ question, assures readers that it is OK to not have a comprehensive definition, explores how to conceptualise and measure policy change, and extols the benefits of policy concepts and theories.

chapter-1-upp-3rd-ed-22.9.23Download

Chapter 2 What is policy for? It relates policy analysis and design to studies of policy processes, then introduces an important critical policy analysis function (to use research to identify and challenge injustice).

chapter-2-upp-3rd-ed-11.3.24Download