O.P. Jindal Global University
Theories of Public Policy

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O.P. Jindal Global University

Theories of Public Policy

Tarun Arora

Instructor: Tarun Arora

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

21 hours to complete
3 weeks at 7 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Build toward a degree
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

21 hours to complete
3 weeks at 7 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Build toward a degree

What you'll learn

  • You will understand the public policy-making process, identify issues and assess alternatives using evidence-based approaches and analytical skills.

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Recently updated!

June 2025

Assessments

14 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 8 modules in this course

This course will introduce students to public policy and its processes. Why do we need public policy? How is it made? What are its types, etc. In doing so, we will learn about the context and the environment in which the policies are designed, adopted, implemented, and evaluated. We will examine various theories and frameworks that govern the policy process and learn about the factors that challenge the policy process and outcomes. Students will acquaint themselves with strategies required to influence various stages of the policymaking process. We will integrate relevant policy topics throughout the course to drive home these points. Students will learn about how to communicate to influence policymaking processes.Students will be equipped to identify the characteristics of effective and ineffective policies by examining how government actions may stifle intergenerational mobility, equal opportunity, and better social and economic outcomes. The course will also investigate contexts in which poorly designed public policies may create unexpected consequences such as exclusion or political capture.This course will explore some paradoxes in public policy by focusing on topics that animate many public debates about poverty, unemployment, education, health care, and the environment, among others.

What's included

2 videos2 readings

In this module, we'll briefly cover a basic introduction to the concept of public policy, aiming to provide a clear definition and understanding of the term. We'll explore the importance of studying public policy, highlighting how it plays a crucial role in shaping society and addressing the needs of the public. Following that, we'll discuss the scope and context in which public policies are formulated and executed, providing insight into the wider framework that influences policy development. Furthermore, we will clarify how public policy stands apart from similar concepts, such as public administration and public management, illustrating the distinctive contributions of public policy. In addition, we'll cover the development of public policy as an individual academic field, exploring its evolution and significance in the realm of contemporary governance along with the methodological challenges. These video lectures give a thorough overview of fundamental concepts, setting a solid foundation for deeper investigation into this vital area.

What's included

9 videos2 assignments

In this module, we will touch upon the classifications of public policy, which are split into several types that dictate the manner in which governments meet the needs of the public. Initially, we will delve into substantive and procedural policies, examining their functions in the processes of decision-making and execution. Following this, we'll look into both regulatory and self-regulatory public policies, underscoring their significance in governance and adherence. We'll also contrast material and symbolic policies, analyzing their direct outcomes or the values they communicate. Moreover, you will discover the distinctions between policies focused on collective goods versus those tailored for private goods, identifying which are designed for the benefit of the general populace and which cater to particular segments. To conclude, we will discuss distributive and redistributive public policies, focusing on how they distribute resources and modify wealth distribution across the community. Through these video segments, you'll obtain a deeper understanding of the various shapes public policies take and their effects on society.

What's included

7 videos2 assignments

In this module, we will explore the diverse elements that constitute the policy environment and the roles played by various stakeholders in shaping public policy. The module begins with an introduction to the policy environment, providing an overview of the complex interplay between governmental and non-governmental actors. Learners will examine the roles of official policymakers, including the legislature, executive, administrative agencies, and the courts, and how these institutions influence policy development and implementation. The module will also cover the contributions of non-governmental participants such as interest groups, political parties, research organizations, communication and media, and citizens in the policy process. By the end of this module, learners will have a deeper understanding of the policy environment and the key actors involved in the policymaking process.

What's included

10 videos2 assignments

In this module, we will briefly look at the seven stages of the policy cycle, guiding the development and implementation of public policies. We will start with identifying and prioritizing issues during agenda setting. The discussion then shifts to the selection of alternatives, the enactment, and the implementation process, shedding light on the methodologies for choosing and applying policy options. We then move on to concepts such as Micropolitics, Macropolitics, and Subsystem politics. We then focus on evaluation and understanding the policy process as a system that offers insights into the assessment of policy outcomes and the complex interrelations within the policy cycle. Towards the conclusion, we cover the actor-oriented approach to policy development and also issues with policy evaluation.

What's included

12 videos2 assignments

In this module, we'll examine public policy theories and approaches that elucidate policy formulation and implementation. Starting with the institutional approach, which emphasizes the role of governmental structures, we move to group and elite theories highlighting the impact of influential groups and elites in policy-making. We then compare rational policy-making and bounded rationality, showing the difference between ideal and actual decision-making. Additionally, we discuss incremental and normative optimal models, underscoring gradual versus ideal changes, and introduce game theory and the systems approach for strategic and holistic policy perspectives. Finally, public choice theory, applying economic principles to policy decisions, is covered. Through these videos, you'll acquire a deep understanding of the frameworks analyzing public policy.

What's included

9 videos2 assignments

In this module we will cover the key frameworks and approaches in public policy that help understand policy formulation and implementation. Learners will explore major frameworks such as the Stages Heuristic Model, Multiple Streams Framework, and Institutional Analysis and Development Framework by Ostrom, which focus on policy stages, a convergence of policy components, and institutional roles. The lesson also covers the Advocacy Coalition and Punctuated Equilibrium Framework, explaining policy change through interest groups and stability periods. The second lesson covers policy implementation approaches, including top-down and bottom-up models. Learners will examine the effectiveness of hierarchical control and the role of local actors in policy execution. The role of street-level bureaucrats and their discretion in shaping policy outcomes will also be discussed. By the end of this module, learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of policy frameworks and implementation approaches, enabling them to analyze and engage with policy processes critically.

What's included

8 videos2 assignments

This module will cover key concepts and methodologies that shape public policy processes, focusing on behavioral science, policy transfer, ethical considerations, and decision-making styles. Learners will examine how behavioral science influences policy design through behavioral issues and nudge theory to encourage better decision-making. The module also covers path dependency and policy transfer and diffusion, emphasizing how past decisions impact present choices and how policies spread across jurisdictions. Ethical considerations and budgeting processes will be analyzed, highlighting their significance in policy planning and implementation. Finally, learners will explore policy-making patterns such as rulemaking, adjudication, and program operations, alongside decision-making styles like bargaining and persuasion. By the end of this module, learners will develop a comprehensive understanding of these aspects, enhancing their ability to engage effectively with public policy challenges.

What's included

11 videos2 assignments

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Build toward a degree

This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by O.P. Jindal Global University. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹

 

Instructor

Tarun Arora
O.P. Jindal Global University
1 Course1 learner

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