Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences and law, expertly written by the world's leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive and policy issues associated with discrete subject areas.

Renowned public policy scholar B. Guy Peters presents an introduction that untangles multidisciplinary approaches and condenses them into a sharp, functional overview of the field.

This book outlines three vital components of policy design: understanding the causes behind the problem being addressed; identifying means of intervention, including selection and implementation of policy instruments; and evaluation and development of a strong policy knowledge base. By considering policymaking as a problem of design analogous to architecture or engineering, it approaches the core issue of how decision-makers can make effective choices.

This clear and timely book captures the essence of an evolving field from both academic and practical perspectives. Students and established scholars alike will find the book to be a key resource for framing contemporary issues in public policy.


Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences, business and law, expertly written by the world’s leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive and policy issues associated with discrete subject areas.


 
Jon Pierre and Guy Peters expertly guide the reader through governance - one of the most widely used terms in political science - and its differing interpretations, with comprehensive discussion of the key issues covering global as well as local level governance. A detailed look into what constitutes 'good governance', whether produced by a government or by more informal means, is also explored.


 
Key features include:


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  • examination of what governance is, how it is created and the differing styles of governance

  • how governance is becoming more collaborative between governments and the private sector


  • an investigation into the governance process and outcomes, including topics such as bargaining, negotiation and the use of political power.


 
This insightful Advanced Introduction will be an excellent resource for both graduates and undergraduates studying governance and political science.  It will also be a useful guide for academics who are interested in governance and who need a concise introduction.