Policy Analysis: Frameworks, Approaches and ValuesModule Details

Investigation of the role of values and assumptions in the policy creation process and application of the developing skills in policy analysis to various case studies enables students to engage with the context of the module. Understanding of the role and significance of policy analysis is vital for the student in order to gain knowledge and be able to reform contemporary public policy by examining the processes by which policy problems are identified, defined, represented and addressed, applying both positivist and post- positivist approaches to policy analysis.

Identify the role and importance of policy analysis.
Communicate the importance of problem identification, definition, and representation and demonstrate the way in which problems may be understood, defined and represented in different ways.
Critically evaluate the efficiency of positivist and post-positivist approaches to policy and analysis.
Identify the utility, limitations and implications of statistical/quantitative approaches to policy analysis.
Identify and highlight the underlying assumptions, presuppositions and values on which policy initiatives are based.
Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of stages in the policy formation process.
Apply their knowledge of, and skills in, policy analysis to a variety of public policy issues.
Conduct independent research, critically evaluate issues in public policy theory and practice and communicate their analyses and understanding clearly in their written work and other assignments.