A unique approach to policy implementation with essential guidance and useful tools Effective Implementation in Practice: Integrating Public Policy and Management presents an instrumental approach to implementation analysis. By spanningpolicy fields, organizations, and frontline conditions in implementation systems, this book provides a robust foundation for policy makers, public and nonprofit managers and leaders. Detailed case studies enable readers to identify key intervention points, become more strategic, and improve outcomes. The engaging style and specific examples provide a bridge to practice, while diagrams, worksheets, and other tools included in the appendix help managers apply these ideas to team meetings, operational planning, and program assessment and refinement. Policy and program implementation is fraught with challenges as public and nonprofit leaders juggle organizational missions and stakeholder expectations while managing policy and program impact and effectiveness. Using their own experience in practice, teaching, and research, the authors empower policy and program implementers to recognize their essential roles within the workplace and help them cultivate the analytical and social skills necessary to change. Understand how program or policy technology constitutes the core of implementation Study a conceptual framework encompassing power dynamics, culture, relationships in the field and the rules that are operating during program and policy implementation Discover a multilevel approach that identifies key points of strategic action at various levels and settings of the implementation system and assesses implementation success The integration of policy and management mindsets gives readers an insightful yet accessible understanding of implementation, allowing them to achieve the potent results desired by the public. For those in senior positions at federal agencies to local staff at nonprofit organizations, Effective Implementation in Practice: Integrating Public Policy and Management provides an invaluable one-stop resource.

Table of Contents:
Tables, Figures, and Boxes ix The Authors xi Preface xiii Part One The Implementation Landscape 1 One Framing Implementation 5 Exploring Policy and Program Implementation 9 Defining Implementation Effectiveness 12 Unpacking Implementation Systems 16 Bringing the Analysis to Life 28 Two Conventional Perspectives on Policy and Program Implementation 35 Political Processes and Authority 37 Governance and Management 43 Policy and Program Evaluation 52 Conclusion 64 Three A New Perspective for Implementation: Strategic Action Fields 67 Introducing Strategic Action Fields 69 Core Programs 74 Unpacking Social Structures and Dynamics 82 Conclusion 96 Part Two The Implementation System at Multiple Levels 99 Four Policy Fields 103 Policy Fields in Focus 107 Analyzing the Development of the Core Program 120 Applying Policy Field Analysis 131 Conclusion 136 Five Organizations 139 Organizations in Focus 141 Analyzing the Integration of the Core Program 148 Applying Organizational Analysis 155 Conclusion 162 Six Front Lines 163 Front Lines in Focus 166 Analyzing the Application of the Core Program 174 Applying Frontline Analysis 181 Conclusion 188 Part Three The Practice of Effective Implementation 191 Seven Exploring Implementation in Practice 195 Implementation Dynamics: The Hardest Hit Fund 196 Implementation Dynamics: The Quality Rating and Improvement System 211 Opportunities for Change 222 Eight Leading Learning in Implementation Systems 225 Investigating Technical Challenges 228 Engaging Others in Adaptive Challenges 246 Bringing It All Together 259 Appendix A Policy Field Audit 261 Appendix B Policy Field Visual Diagram 263 Appendix C Program Process Flow 265 Appendix D Organization Program Integration Audit 267 Appendix E Frontline Interactions Audit 271 Appendix F Target Experiences Analysis 275 Appendix G Implementation Dynamics and Outcomes Analysis 279 Appendix H Implementation Improvement Blueprint 283 Notes 287 Bibliography 339 Index 379