This course empowers participants to design and implement effective public policies, ensuring last-mile delivery to target populations. It bridges the gap between policy creation and real-world impact, emphasizing inclusivity, evidence-based strategies, and measurable outcomes. Through historical insights and institutional analysis, participants explore how policies evolve and shape societies. The course also highlights strategies for addressing marginalized communities' needs and provides comparative perspectives on policy approaches within different constitutional frameworks.
This course is designed for public policy professionals, development practitioners, government officials, researchers and individuals seeking to bridge the gap between policy design and on-ground impact. It is especially suited for those focused on inclusive development, evidence-based policymaking, and addressing the needs of the target population within diverse institutional and constitutional contexts.
Upon completing this course, you will:
1. Establish a strong foundation in public policy design, encompassing historical perspectives and contemporary best practices.
2. Develop the ability to critically assess policy implementation processes, with a particular emphasis on challenges and strategies for effective last-mile delivery.
3. Analyze the influence of constitutional principles and frameworks on policy development and implementation across diverse national contexts.
4. Gain comparative insights into how different countries address similar policy challenges, particularly in last-mile delivery, and apply these lessons to local settings.
5. Understand the significance of designing and implementing policies that are inclusive and responsive to the needs of marginalized and excluded populations.
6. Explore the principles of implementation science to ensure policies are effectively translated into practice, with a focus on evidence-based interventions that achieve measurable outcomes.
7. Equip participants with the skills to design, implement, and evaluate public policies, ensuring they are both practical and impactful in addressing societal needs.
8. Learn about how interest groups and local associations play a role in the policymaking process.
9. Gain insights into the power dynamics between interest groups and government bodies
10. Explore about how social welfare programs are designed and administered and understand the complexities of managing social welfare programs
11. Develop an understanding to critically evaluate social policies in terms of their effectiveness, inclusivity, and ability to address the needs of marginalized communities.
This course equips participants with the skills to design and implement effective public policies, focusing on last-mile delivery to ensure that policies reach to target population. It bridges the gap between policy creation and real-world outcomes, emphasizing inclusivity, evidence-based strategies, and measurable results. Participants explore public policy’s historical evolution and the institutions shaping its development.
Key takeaways include evaluating policies critically, understanding factors influencing policy design, and recognizing political, legal, and social processes' roles in shaping policies.
The course highlights the importance of creating policies that address the needs of marginalized groups and offers comparative insights into how different countries approach public policy within their constitutional frameworks.
What's included
2 videos3 readings1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
2 videos•Total 9 minutes
Introduction to the Faculty: Prof. Madhushree Sekher•4 minutes
Course Overview•5 minutes
3 readings•Total 30 minutes
Meet Your Faculty: Prof. Madhushree Sekher•10 minutes
Course Syllabus, Structure and Planning•10 minutes
Honor Code•10 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Introduce Yourself to Your Classmates•10 minutes
Public Policy: Foundation, Approaches and Constitutionalism
Module 2•3 hours to complete
Module details
Welcome to the module, "Public Policy." This module lays the groundwork for ensuring public policies are effectively implemented, especially at the final stages where they directly impact citizens.
You will explore the philosophical foundations of public policy, various study approaches, and the historical context of policymaking and examine the concept of constitutionalism across different regions, including the West, South Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and small-island nations.
By the end of this module, you will gain a clear understanding of the philosophical, methodological, historical, and constitutional aspects of public policy, laying the foundation for deeper exploration of policy implementation.
What's included
14 videos7 readings2 assignments
Show info about module content
14 videos•Total 85 minutes
Introduction to the Module•4 minutes
Introduction to Public Policy•6 minutes
Philosophical Foundation to Public Policy Part - 1•5 minutes
Philosophical Foundation to Public Policy Part -2•4 minutes
Understanding Policy Type•7 minutes
Approaches in Policy Study Part - 1•8 minutes
Approaches in Policy Study Part - 2•9 minutes
Introduction to Modern State•6 minutes
Lessons from Public Administration•6 minutes
New Public Management(NPM)•7 minutes
Constitutionalism in the West•7 minutes
Perspective from South-Asia•8 minutes
Lessons from Small-Island Nations•9 minutes
Module Conclusion•2 minutes
7 readings•Total 70 minutes
Supplementary Reading on Study of Public Policy•10 minutes
Supplementary Reading on Types of Public Polic•10 minutes
Suplementary Reading on Approaches to Policy Study•10 minutes
Supplementary Reading on New Public Management•10 minutes
Supplementary Reading on Constitutionalism•10 minutes
Supplementary reading on Indian Constitution•10 minutes
Supplementary Reading on Small Island Nations•10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 50 minutes
Quiz - 1•20 minutes
Assessment -1•30 minutes
Social Inclusion and Exclusion: Public Policy Perspectives
Module 3•2 hours to complete
Module details
This module focuses on social inclusion and exclusion in public policy, exploring how policies can perpetuate or combat exclusion. You will learn about the role of institutions in shaping inclusive policies, understand the causes of social exclusion, and discover strategies for including marginalized groups. It highlights the principles of inclusive policies and development, showing how equitable progress benefits all members of society.
By the end of this module, you will understand how public policies and institutions impact social inclusion, explore strategies to address exclusion, and grasp the principles of inclusive policies for creating equitable societies, equipping you to design and advocate for socially just policies.
What's included
12 videos3 readings2 assignments
Show info about module content
12 videos•Total 69 minutes
Module Introduction•3 minutes
Understanding Institutions in Public Policy•6 minutes
Through what Mechanism Interest Groups Shape Public Policy?•8 minutes
What is Public in Public Policy?•8 minutes
The Need of Inclusive Public Policy•7 minutes
Understanding Inclusive Growth•5 minutes
Dimensions of Inclusive Growth Approach to Inequality•6 minutes
Understanding the Concept of Social Inclusion and Exclusion•6 minutes
Including the Excluded•5 minutes
The Nature of Social Exclusion Practices in Society•5 minutes
Contribution of Inclusive Policies t Welfare and Inclusive Development•7 minutes
Module Conclusion•3 minutes
3 readings•Total 30 minutes
Supplementary Reading on Understanding the Institutions in Public Policy•10 minutes
Supplementary Reading on Institutions and Public Policy•10 minutes
Supplementary Readings on Inclusion Versus Marginalization•10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 40 minutes
Quiz - 2•10 minutes
Assessment -2•30 minutes
Public Policy Design and Implementation Science
Module 4•4 hours to complete
Module details
This module focuses on the policymaking process with a specific emphasis on implementation science, exploring not just policy formulation but also effective execution. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of intervention practices, innovative approaches to policy implementation, evidence-based interventions, strategies for successful policy execution, evaluation methods, and long-term sustainability planning.
By the end of this module, you will be equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to design, implement, and sustain public policies using evidence-based practices and innovative strategies, ensuring that policies lead to lasting, positive societal outcomes and real-world impact.
What's included
14 videos11 readings2 assignments
Show info about module content
14 videos•Total 80 minutes
Module Introduction•3 minutes
Policy Making Process•6 minutes
Stakeholder Involvement and Consensus Building•6 minutes
Global Policy Network and Transnational Policy Making•6 minutes
Policy Design•6 minutes
Designing Policies for a Better Future: Principles and Practice•7 minutes
Policy Instruments: Tools for Implementation and Impact•6 minutes
Contextuality and Diversity in Policy•3 minutes
Foundations of Implementation Science: Key Concepts and Frameworks•7 minutes
Designing Evidence-Based Policies•7 minutes
Barriers and Facilitators in Evidence-Based Policy Implementation•7 minutes
Sustainability of Evidence-Based Policies•7 minutes
Evaluating Evidence-Based Policies•7 minutes
Module Conclusion•3 minutes
11 readings•Total 110 minutes
Supplementary Reading on Policy Making Process•10 minutes
Supplementary Readings on Policy Formation Problems, Agendas, and Formulation•10 minutes
Supplementary Reading on Foundation of Policy Process•10 minutes
Supplementary Reading on Policy Design and Formulation•10 minutes
Supplementary Reading on Policy Implementation•10 minutes
Supplementary Reading on Theories, Models and Frameworks•10 minutes
Supplementary Reading on Using Evidence•10 minutes
Supplementary Reading on Developing Evidence Based Policy•10 minutes
Supplementary Reading on Overcome Governance Challenges in Implementation Policy•10 minutes
Supplementary Reading on Evidence -Based Policymaking•10 minutes
Supplementary Reading on What is Good Evidence for Policy•10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 50 minutes
Quiz - 3•20 minutes
Assessment -3•30 minutes
Interest Articulation, Interest Representation and Welfare Administration in Policy Design
Module 5•4 hours to complete
Module details
This module explores interest articulation and representation in public policy, focusing on how different groups express their needs and influence policymaking. It examines the role of interest groups and local associations in shaping policy agendas, along with a critical analysis of social welfare administration and policy design for public welfare.
You will understand how groups express and represent their interests in policymaking, influence outcomes, navigate power dynamics, and evaluate social welfare programs for effectiveness, inclusivity, and impact on marginalized communities.
By the end of this module, you will have a solid understanding of interest representation in policy design and the complexities of social welfare administration, which is essential for crafting inclusive and equitable policies.
What's included
17 videos11 readings2 assignments
Show info about module content
17 videos•Total 84 minutes
Module Introduction•2 minutes
Interest Articulation and Mechanisms of Interest Representation•6 minutes
The Role of Policy Design in Interest Representation•6 minutes
Stakeholders in Interest Representation•5 minutes
Interest Representation in Policy Design•5 minutes
Role of Institutions in Interest Representation•5 minutes
Legislative Bodies as Platforms for Interest Representation•5 minutes
Judiciary’s Role in Upholding Represented Interests•6 minutes
Power Dynamics in Interest Representation•6 minutes
Philosophical and Ethical Foundations of Welfare•5 minutes
Financing Welfare Systems•5 minutes
Policy Failures and Unintended Consequences•5 minutes
Balancing Universalism and Targeting in Welfare•5 minutes
The Role of Technology in Welfare Administration•5 minutes
Global Perspectives on Welfare Systems•5 minutes
Climate-Responsive Social Policies•6 minutes
Module Conclusion•3 minutes
11 readings•Total 110 minutes
Supplementary Reading on Interest Articulation•10 minutes
Supplementary Reading of Interest Groups Influence on Public Policy•10 minutes
Supplementary Reading on Representation•10 minutes
Supplementary Reading on Advancing Inclusive Decision-Making•10 minutes
Supplementary Reading on Human Rights and Welfare Rights•10 minutes
Supplementary Reading Taxation and Economic Growth of OECD countries•10 minutes
Supplementary Reading on Universalism in Welfare Policies•10 minutes
Supplementary Reading on Social Welfare Delivery in Digital Age•10 minutes
Supplementary Reading on Global Welfare System•10 minutes
Supplementary Reading on Social Protection for Climate Justice•10 minutes
Supplementary Reading on Social Policy and Social Welfare System•10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 50 minutes
Quiz - 4•20 minutes
Assessment - 4•30 minutes
From Capability to Capacity Building: Pathways for Welfare and Social Justice
Module 6•3 hours to complete
Module details
This final module focuses on capacity building as a key driver for welfare and social justice, emphasizing the need to strengthen the capabilities of stakeholders for effective policy implementation and equity. It covers tailored capacity-building approaches for government agencies, civil society, and local communities while exploring governance and its role in shaping public policy design.
This module will help understand how capacity building empowers institutions and individuals, explore strategies for key stakeholders, and examine governance roles and challenges to improve policy design, implementation, and outcomes.
By the end of this module, you will understand how capacity building and effective governance contribute to stronger, more impactful public policies that promote social justice.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.