Public Administration Books - Page 3

State and Local Government

Ann O'M. Bowman, Richard C. Kearney

By: Houghton Mifflin (Academic) Amazon Marketplace: 10 new & used starting at $1.35

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Editorial Review:

The Fifth Edition provides comprehensive and current coverage of institutions, political behavior, and policy making at the state and local level. Updated to reflect recent policy changes and challenges, the text strives to foster student interest and involvement in local politics, stressing that state government continues to have more legislative responsibility.

With an up-to-date focus on policy, the text covers important issues facing institutions in this milieu such as education, economic development, social welfare, and health care.

• Revised web resources in every chapter offer the latest information on using the Internet to research state and local government.
• Expanded box features, Debating Politics and Breaking New Ground, reflect the text's focus on devolution, new challenges facing state and local governments, and the differing policies among states.

The Environmental Case: Translating Values into Policy

Judith A. Layzer

Amazon Price: $34.36 List Price: $44.95 Usually ships in 7 to 12 days By: CQ Press Amazon Marketplace: 30 new & used starting at $30.00

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Editorial Review:

The Environmental Case gives readers a unique, first-hand feel for some of the most interesting and illuminating controversies in U.S. environmental policymaking--including the disaster at Love Canal, the dispute over snowmobiles in Yellowstone National Park, and the global warming debate. Through 16 carefully constructed cases, Layzer covers the spectrum of environmental issues, from habitat conservation, air and water pollution, and overfishing to environmental justice and urban growth management. Each case elucidates various aspects of the U.S. political system but is also linked to the others by two main themes: environmental conflicts are, at heart, conflicts between advocates with fundamentally different values, and the way problems are framed in politics plays a central role in shaping how those values get translated into policies.

This second edition showcases all 12 of the original cases, thoroughly revised and updated. In addition, Layzer has added four new cases:

• Community activism propels the Dudley Street Neighborhood Association to fight for environmental justice and equitable redevelopment of a once-distressed area in the heart of Boston.
• The use of snowmobiles in Yellowstone National Park divides environmentalists into bitterly opposing camps: those who regard parks as playgrounds and support unlimited motorized access, and those who advocate more conservative management that emphasizes protection of the park's flora, fauna, and quiet serenity.
• In the tuna/dolphin and shrimp/turtle disputes, competing advocates debate whether U.S. environmental protection measures constitute non-tariff barriers to trade and, more broadly, whether trade liberalization is good for the environment.
• Opponents of growth management campaign to undermine the city of Portland's strict policies curbing urban sprawl, the most stringent in the nation.

Layzer provides maps, tables, figures, questions to consider, recommended readings, and useful websites to help readers think critically and actively about the issues raised in each case and facilitate further research.

Presidential Leadership: Politics and Policy Making

III, George C. Edwards, Stephen J. Wayne

List Price: $60.95 By: Wadsworth Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 28 new & used starting at $0.78

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Best Presidential Text Around 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 6 people found this review helpful.

This is an excellent text for anyone interested in political leadership. Both the beginner and anyone who wants a top notch reference text. I have owned dozens of books on the American presidency, I only buy one from the list to give as a gift to others: Edwards & Wayne's "Presidential Leadership." Buy it you will enjoy it. I am buying a new copy to replace my old copy, which is falling apart!

Editorial Review:

From routine operations to the workings of a White House in crisis, this comprehensive, best-selling text examines all facets of the presidency in rich detail. George C. Edwards and Stephen J. Wayne use an engaging combination of analytical prose and timely, fascinating examples to examine the presidency from two theoretical standpoints--the President as "facilitator," and the President as "director of change." Their theoretical (versus chronological) approach, combined with the currency and relevance of the material covered in the text, have made PRESIDENTIAL LEADERSHIP: POLITICS AND POLICY MAKING the most comprehensive and best-selling text available today for your presidential studies course.

Handbook of Practical Program Evaluation (Jossey Bass Nonprofit & Public Management Series)

Amazon Price: $55.25 List Price: $70.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Jossey-Bass Amazon Marketplace: 36 new & used starting at $49.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Great resource 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.

I used the 1994 edition of this book in graduate school and it was an invaluable resource in subsequent research. Although the current edition is much revised, the previous edition still stands the test of time. Reasonably priced for what one receives.

Class textbook 2 out of 5 stars.
0 of 7 people found this review helpful.

It's a typical textbook, somewhat dry but a necessity for a class I'm taking. I loved the fact that Amazon was cheaper and faster than going with a textbook provider.

Editorial Review:

This is the second edition of this best-selling handbook on program evaluation, (1-555-42657-3). Experts in the field of program evaluation outline efficient and economical methods of assessing program results and identifying ways to improve program performance. Written for managers, administrators, and educators in government, nonprofit, and private institutions, the classic Handbook of Practical Program Evaluation demystifies the process of assessing program results.

The Presidency and the Political System

List Price: $50.95 By: CQ Press Amazon Marketplace: 39 new & used starting at $0.47

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Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

This thoroughly revised edition features thought-provoking original essays, written by some of the field's most prominent scholars, and reflects the best in presidential scholarship. The eighth edition combines new and time-tested essays to revisit the themes of presidential power and perceptions. With four new readings and significant updating by returning contributors, students learn how recent political developments influence the executive branch, and how these developments in turn shape the media, interest groups, political parties, bureaucrats, and others who move in the presidential orbit.

Michael Nelson has put together another winning combination of classic pieces--including chapters by Tulis, Skowronek, Quirk, Miroff, Burke, and Milkis--and new essays, from David Lewis on bureaucracy to Andrew Polsky on war powers to Andrew Rudalevige on the cabinet. Ever conscious that the office has been powerfully shaped by history, each author offers context and insight while ensuring that theoretical ideas and perspectives are explored, developed, and clearly explained. The eighth edition of this widely anticipated collection once again proves to be the most balanced and compelling look at our nation's highest office.

Public Personnel Management: Contexts and Strategies (5th Edition)

Donald E. Klingner, John Nalbandian

Amazon Price: $101.76 List Price: $127.20 Usually ships in 1 to 3 weeks By: Prentice Hall Amazon Marketplace: 11 new & used starting at $101.76

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 2.0 of 5

Way too expensive 2 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This book is OK, but considering how many books are out there on this subject, I'm amazed at its high cost. Unfortunately, my professor chose this book for our class, so I need to get it. On the positive side, the book is available at our library so I will just photocopy the needed articles without having to actually purchase the book. Professors, please think about the cost of the books you require your students to buy. This kind of price gouging in the textbook market has to stop.

Editorial Review:

Reflecting contemporary political and managerial realities, this book provides a comprehensive exploration of the values, conflicts, political processes, and management techniques which provide the context for personnel administration in the public sector. A five-part organization covers an introduction to the world of public personnel management, planning, acquisition, development, and sanctions. For human resources personnel—especially managers.

Public Administration in America

George J. Gordon, Michael E. Milakovich

List Price: $60.95 By: Bedford/St Martins Amazon Marketplace: 35 new & used starting at $0.50

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great survey book; ideal for intro undergraduate courses 4 out of 5 stars.
13 of 13 people found this review helpful.

I have used several editions of this book in my introduction to public administration courses; I have been very pleased by the breadth of coverage as well as the clarity of the exposition. In particular, the book adopts a strongly political view of administration in the public sector that is easily translatable to the classroom.

In particular, the authors adopt Yates' framework of administrative efficiency vs. pluralistic democracy early in the work and this framework serves to inform the discussion of policy, personnel, budgeting, decision making, et cetera. This provides the book with a strong thematic component that I have found lacking in other books of this type.

A couple of criticisms: The sections on ensuring democratic processes in public administration is a bit confusing and lacks a unifying theme. However, the elements of the discussion are there and can be easily clarified in a classroom discussion.

Secondly, and this is a quibble is that the treatment of alternative decision making models is a bit sketchy, but then again this is an introductory tome.

All in all a good, useful and CLEAR book for undergrad courses.

Editorial Review:

The seventh edition of PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IN AMERICA offers a streamlined, accessible, and up-to-date design of the most comprehensive and widely used introduction to contemporary public administration.

Rulemaking: How Government Agencies Write Law and Make Policy (Rulemaking: How Government Agencies Write Law & Make Policy)

Cornelius M. Kerwin

Amazon Price: $45.95 List Price: $45.95 Usually ships in 1 to 3 weeks By: CQ Press Amazon Marketplace: 13 new & used starting at $41.89

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Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Rulemaking is the single most important function performed by agencies of the government. Cornelius Kerwin shows us why this is the case with the third edition of his important and highly regarded text.

Calls for smarter, cheaper, yet more accountable government increasingly affect the definition and implementation of public policy in the United States. Kerwin argues that while Congress and the president provide the general framework for the government's mission, rulemaking fills in the myriad details that define the law and delineate how each agency carries out its specific responsibilities. It is no wonder that so much intense political activity surrounds rulemaking. The third edition--comprehensively revised with new research, incorporation of recent scholarship, and fresh analysis of the George W. Bush administration's impact--is an invaluable guide to navigating the ins and outs of this important process. This unique and accessible book contains the most current and accurate information available on a crucial yet under-studied subject.

What's new?

• Survey research - further examination of public participation, including an update of the interest groups' involvement survey, shedding new light on the tactics used to influence rulemaking
• Data - up-to-the-minute figures on the volume of rulemaking and related actions
• Recent developments - alterations of rulemaking procedures in response to actions by Congress, the president, and the courts, as well as treatment of efforts by the Bush White House to direct and manage aspects of the process
• Expanded treatment - new information on the systems that agencies devote to management of the rules, along with additional insight on "electronic rulemaking"

Managing the Public Sector

Grover Starling

Amazon Price: $123.03 List Price: $133.95 By: Wadsworth Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 40 new & used starting at $75.00

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Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

excellent 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

The seller's description of the condition of the book was accurate. It was delivered reallly fast, great service.

Managing the Public Sector 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book arrived in excellent condition. Delivery was speedy, and I highly reccommend this seller!

Editorial Review:

Combining the most current public management thinking and research with examples of how public executives and organizations apply these ideas, MANAGING THE PUBLIC SECTOR is a comprehensive introduction to the field. The Eighth Edition continues to engage the student's intellect by providing more than just the basic foundation of management. The text places the application of management in the context of the public sector and tries to capture some of the excitement and challenge of the field.

Cases in Public Human Resource Management

T. Zane Reeves

List Price: $44.95 By: Wadsworth Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 18 new & used starting at $5.97

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Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Made HR Class Much More Engaging 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I used this casebook for the first time in a graduate-level public sector human resource management course in the Spring of 2007. I essentially structured the course around the case studies, using a basic survey text as a supplement. The student response was strongly positive. I had them do weekly writing assignments based on the cases, and we started each class meeting by discussing the cases. This approach made the subject matter much more real and practical to the students, and as a result they all excelled. If I have any criticisms of the book, they are: 1) many of the cases that are labeled as something other than a disciplinary matter are actually disciplinary matters. So there is less variety to the cases than a look at the table of contents indicates. 2) For such a slim book, the price tag is quite high!

Editorial Review:

This collection of relevant case studies is appropriate for both graduates and undergraduates taking courses in public personnel management, human resources management, or employment relations. The book's 30 cases can be used as teaching tools in the classroom; by trainers with employees, supervisors, or managers; and for individual analysis and self-assessment.