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Policy Analysis

Course developer

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to acquaint master students with in-depth theoretical knowledge in policy analysis, to develop the ability to apply the acquired theoretical knowledge in the evaluation of current public policies. The lectures analyse the policy-making process and its participants, examine approaches to the decision-making process, and provide insight into the systematic analysis of sectoral policy issues. The study course develops students' skills to analyse the political process and provide conceptual solutions.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge. Knows the nature of policy analysis, the policy planning process, policy analysis approaches and understands the importance of policy evaluation in policy making (test, practical work).
Skills. Apply the acquired theoretical knowledge to evaluate current public policies, describe how certain circumstances become problems, how they enter the political agenda, distinguish between different approaches to policy analysis, independently analyse the actual developments of the political process (practical work).
Competence. Ability to independently identify and analyse policy decisions made in one sector, pass an exam (exam).

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Policy analysis framework, characteristics. - 1 hour
2. Policy content and policy process. Policy object and subject. Public policy process. - 1 hour
3. Policy analysis approaches. Policy impact assessment models. Structure and operation of the policy system. - 1 hour
4. Policy instruments. Types of policy instruments and their characteristics. Choice, suitability and selection of policy instruments. The relationship of a policy instrument between policy formulation and policy implementation. - 1 hour
5. The role of the state and power. Legitimacy of power. The role of power in the public policy process. - 1 hour
6. Decision-making. Basic principles of decision-making. 1 hour
7. Participants in the policy-making process and their interaction. Basic principles of policy-making. - 1 hour
8. Policy formulation. Policy development. - 1 hour
9. Agenda setting. Agenda setting and determination. - 1 hour
10. Policy implementation and civil service. Policy implementation opportunities and limitations. Bureaucracy: concept and importance in the policy process. - 1 hour
11. Policy analysis and policy evaluation. Approaches to solving policy evaluation. - 1 hour
12. Political process and policy challenges in Latvia. - 1 hour

Topics and content of practical work and seminars (12 hours)
1. Institutional framework of public policy. - 1 hour
2. The essence of policy analysis, the policy planning process and the importance of policy evaluation in policy making. - 2 hours
3. Analysis, evaluation of sectoral policy decisions. - 1 hour
4. Political programs and their importance in the policy process. - 1 hour
5. The role of policy process participants in policy making and implementation. - 1 hour
6. Analysis of policy processes and policy decisions. - 2 hours
7. Bureaucracy and civil service in the policy process - 1 hour.
8. Formal regulation of the political process in Latvia. - 1 hour
9. Recent trends in policy analysis - 2 hours


Part-time distance learning:
All topics specified for full-time studies are covered, but the number of contact hours is reduced to half of the number specified for full-time studies.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Exam. The final assessment is cumulative on the following topics and tasks: 1) The essence of policy analysis, the policy planning process and the importance of policy evaluation in policy making (test paper – 30%), 2) Developed and submitted analysis of one sector policy decision (practical work – 30%), 3) Exam: independently identify and analyse policy decisions made in one sector, pass an exam (exam– 40%).

Study process in part-time distance learning is organised in accordance with the Order of the Vice-Rector of Studies No. 2.4.-5/59 On distance learning procedures at LBTU. Study courses are scheduled for each semester according to the study plan. The students learn the topics included in the study course independently, using the materials created and placed by the lecturer in the e-studies (Moodle). Feedback on the learning of lecture and seminar topics in distance learning is organised in the form of self-assessment tests, discussion forums and independent work, as well as in face-to-face or online consultations, lectures and final examinations according to the timetable.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Literature studies, preparation for the tests, preparation of the report on previous research.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Students must prepare for the test (30%), successfully complete the independent work (30%), and independently identify and analyse policy decisions made in one sector, pass an exam (exam– 40%). 10% corresponds to one point on the 10-point assessment scale.

Compulsory reading

1. Dunn W.N. (2018) Public Policy Analysis: An Integrated Approach, 6th Edition, New York: Routledge, p. 498.
2. Dye T.R. (2017) Understanding Public Policy, 15th Edition, Florida: Pearson, p.365
3. Easton D. (1957) An Approach to the Analysis of Political Systems. World Politics. Cambridge University Press, p. 383-400
4. Hogwood W.B, Gunn L.A. (1984) Policy analysis for the real world. Oxford University Press, p. 298
5. Weible C.M., Sabatier P.A. (2018) Theories of the Policy Process. 4th Edition. New York: Routledge, p.416
6. O’Brian V.G. (2019) Metaphor Analysis in Public Policy and Private Practice: A Social Work Perspective. Washington, DC: NASW Press, p.100. Pieejams LBTU EBSCOhost datubāzē: https://research-ebsco-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/linkprocessor/plink?id=3f4e5dd4-dfc9-342b-9016-20e8d5edb141
7. Clavier C. Leeuw E. (2013) Health Promotion and the Policy Process. New York: Oxford University Press, p.230. Pieejams LBTU EBSCOhost datubāzē: https://research-ebsco-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/linkprocessor/plink?id=115a1e97-2156-3057-9be6-48adee1f8fc9

Further reading

1. Anderson J.E. Public Policymaking. Eight edition, USA: Cengage Learning, 2014.-p.384 Pieejams: http://cpps.dyndns.info/cpps-docs-web/secgen/2015/pol-oceanica-regional/Doc%2012.The%20study%20of%20the%20public%20policy.pdf
2. Bandelow N.C., Hornung J. Policy programme cycles through old and new programmatic groups. Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 August 2020. Pieejams: https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/24067B8CEB26D24823CF8046361D6EFF/S0143814X20000185a.pdf/div-class-title-policy-programme-cycles-through-old-and-new-programmatic-groups-div.pdf
3. Kļaviņa S., Klapkalne U., Pētersone B. Politikas ietekmes vērtēšana politikas veidošanas sistēmā. Valsts kanceleja. Rīga: 2005. Pieejams: http://petijumi.mk.gov.lv/sites/default/files/file/pol_ietekmes_vert.pdf
4. Valtenbergs V. Interneta politiskās komunikācijas nozīme atklātības un elektroniskās demokrātijas attīstībā. Rīga: 2010. Pieejams: https://dspace.lu.lv/dspace/bitstream/handle/7/5210/37719-Visvaldis_Valtenbergs_2010.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
5. Vaidere I u.c. (2008) Reģionālā politika un pašvaldību attīstība Eiropas Savienībā. Rīga: LU Akadēmiskais apgāds, 296 lpp.
6. Vanags E., Vilka I. (2009) Valsts pārvaldes un pašvaldību organizācija. Rīga: LU Akadēmiskais apgāds , 225 lpp.
7. Vorlander H. (2017) Īsi par demokrātiju. Rīga: Latvijas Nacionālā bibliotēka, 191 lpp.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Policy Analysis and Implementation. Module 2 - Policy Formulation Process: The Process, Structure and Context of Policy-making. Canada, Vancouver: 2012. Pieejams: https://ebookbou.edu.bd/Books/Text/SOB/CEMBA-CEMPA/elec_3620/Module-2.pdf
2. LR Pārresoru koordinācijas centrs. Politikas veidošanas rokasgrāmata. Rīga: 2016. Pieejams: https://www.pkc.gov.lv/sites/default/files/inline-files/pkc_rokasgramata_090316_web.pdf
3. Ž.Ozoliņa zin. red. Latvijas Politologu biedrība. Periodika: Latvijas intereses Eiropas Savienībā. Rīga. Pieejams: https://politologubiedriba.lv/politologu-biedribas-publikacijas/

Notes

Compulsory study course in ESAF academic master's study program "Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration".