POGO8085 Social Policy Implementation and Service Delivery

Offered By	Policy & Governance
Academic Career	Graduate Coursework
Course Subject	Policy and Governance
Offered in	Winter Session, 2010 and Winter Session, 2011
Unit Value	6 units
Course Description	This course aims to provide an introduction to the various issues and problems relating to the efficient and effective implementation of social policy. It covers the respective roles of central and front-line agencies in implementing social policy programs and the institutional separation of purchasers and providers. It examines the increasing role played by private sector organisations, both commercial and non-profit, and the advantages and disadvantages of federal systems in delivering social policy. Appeal procedures and accountability regimes are discussed as well as the relative merits of legal and administrative mechanisms of appeal. Practical examples of particular programs are examined, with the help of experienced practitioners. Students have the opportunity to design their own delivery mechanism for a social program. Topics to be covered include: designing social programs whole of government approaches and cross-portfolio issues purchaser/provider splits outsourcing and the role of non-governmental policy agencies measuring performance coordinating federal-state responsibilities government interface with the public (?one-stop-shops?) accountability and appeal procedures social work and other personal social services service delivery to Indigenous and Migrant communities
Learning Outcomes	On the successful completion of this unit you will have: demonstrated a working knowledge of key terms, concepts and ideas in the study of social policy implementation and service delivery developed an appreciation of the policy development, program design and policy implementation process. considered alternative organisational designs, models and structures that facilitate effective program delivery reviewed the nature of key players and their role in the service delivery process, both government and non-government examined a number of case studies of program implementation acquired an understanding of how to develop a successful implementation plan, an appreciation of the range of issues to be addressed and have gained experience in the design of such plans developed an understanding of how to assess social program efficiency and effectiveness, together with an appreciation of the key factors that result in success or failure an understanding of the particular service delivery issues faced in Indigenous and Migrant communities
Indicative Assessment	Assessment is through two individual essays. The Initial Essay should not exceed 2,000 words and will comprise 40% of the assessment. The Final Essay should not exceed 4,000 words and will comprise 60% of the assessment. Initial readings for both Essays will be as for the Class Reading list, with self-directed follow-up for further reading.
Workload	30 hours of lectures and seminars
Course Classification(s)	SpecialistSpecialist courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide for the acquisition of specialist skills; or 'second degree' and higher level of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs; or knowledge associated with professional accreditation.
Areas of Interest	Policy Studies
Preliminary Reading	The range of subject matter covered in the course does not accord with the content of any particular textbook. Two useful recent references that cover part of the course are: Wanna J, Butcher J. and Freyens B. 2010, Policy in Action. The Challenge of Service Delivery, UNSW Press, Sydney. Hill M. and Hupe P. 2009, Implementing Public Policy: An Introduction to the Study of Operational Governance,, Second Edition,Sage Publications, London.
Indicative Reading List	A Reading Brick will be made available to students in advance of the Course. Students will also be provided with a Guide to Source Materials (including the Internet) and a comprehensive Bibliography.
Programs	Master of Public Policy, Master of Public Administration, and Master of Management
Other Information	Delivery Mode: The Course is delivered in an intensive format. The course comprises three blocks, each of two days. Full details are available from the POGO timetable on the Crawford School website.
Academic Contact	Mr David Stanton

The information published on the Study at ANU 2010 website applies to the 2010 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2009 website.