Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE PPL3103

 
TITLE Policy Analysis

 
UM LEVEL 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 6

 
ECTS CREDITS 4

 
DEPARTMENT Public Policy

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit rests on Wildavsky's view that policy analysis and evaluation comprises political interaction as well as scientific rigour in collecting and analysing data for purposes of policy-making. It is designed to develop perceptual and analytical skills required to undertake policy analysis and evaluation. Students will investigate techniques of analysis and evaluation, as well as writing appraisal reports. This study-unit also examines the ex-ante analysis undertaken in determining and selecting EU co-financed projects and ex-post evaluation.

Study-Unit Aims:

This study-unit is intended to:

- Provide students with an understanding of what policy analysis and policy evaluation entail;
- Provide students with an understanding of the role of the policy analyst and the relationship with the client;
- Help students develop an appreciation of techniques of analysis and evaluation;
- Assist students develop writing skills for appraisal reports;
- Provide students with an understanding of the policy analysis processes adopted by the EU;
- Provide students with an understanding of the ex-ante and ex-post analysis conducted by the EU on projects.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Appreciate what policy analysis and evaluation entail;
- Identify what the role of the policy analyst is, being aware of the political and scientific considerations;
- Outline the process of policy analysis;
- Identify the more appropriate methods of analysis;
- Assess reports presenting cost-benefit analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, impact assessments and other methods of analysis and evaluation;
- Understand and formulate appraisal reports;
- Appreciate the processes adopted by the EU in analysing policy options;
- Understand reports presenting ex-ante and ex-post analysis of EU co-financed projects.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Bring together his/her knowledge on policy analysis to an applied context against a pre-specified and articulated objective;
- Conduct an analysis and evaluation of policy in line with process and stages of policy analysis;
- Comment critically on methods and technique of policy analysis;
- Draw up policy appraisal reports;
- Critically appraise reports relating to EU co-financed projects.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main Texts:

- HILL, M. (2005). The Policy Process in the Modern State. Harlow, Essex: Prentice Hall.
- Hogwood, B. W. & GUNN, L.A. (1984). Policy Analysis for the Real World. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Parsons, W. (1995). Public Policy: An Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Policy Analysis. Aldershot: Edward Elgar.
- Bardach, E. (2012). A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis: The Eightfold Path to More Effective Problem Solving. 4th edition. London: Sage.
- Thissen, W.A.H & Walker, W.E. eds. (2013). Public Policy Analysis - New Development. New York: Springer.

Supplementary Readings:

- Gauci, V J. (2005). The Genesis of Malta's Foreign Policy. Malta: Agenda.
- Mizzi, E. (1995). Malta in the Making, 1962-1987: An Eyewitness Account. Malta: Author's copyright.

Other sources:

- www.nao.gov.mt
- www.nso.gov.mt

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture and Tutorial

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Logbook SEM1 Yes 50%
Presentation SEM1 Yes 50%

 
LECTURER/S Marie Louise Mangion

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

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