Description
Policy-makers face day-to-day choices about how to achieve their objectives. They need to know about how to use the resources under their command to get the best results. This module is about how policy-makers can use these tools of government effectively, and what evidence is there about what works most effectively. Methods of evaluating public policy are covered, with a focus on the use of experiments, such as randomised controlled trials. Different tools of government, like regulation and finance, may be considered. There is a focus on practical examples, which may include policies on the use of illegal drugs, local economic development and performance management. The final part of the module examines behavioural economics or the ‘nudge’ policy agenda, which is currently often used by governments across the world to improve public policy. At the end of the course, there is usually a class visit to a policy-maker to examine how the tools can work in a practical context.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
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