Postgraduate Module Descriptor

POLM009M: Regulation and Reform: Analysis and Policy

This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.

Module Aims

The aims of this module are to provide advanced postgraduate level introductions to and analyses of different types of regulatory reform, suitable for policymakers and public managers. Empirically, the focus will be on the recent wave of 'better regulation' reforms in developing and developed countries. A student completing this module will have firm grasp of the costs and benefits of regulation, and will be familiar with the various policymaking tools used to evaluate and redesign regulations.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here - you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Critically examine the theoretical foundations of different approaches to regulatory reform and the diffusion of the better regulation movement using political science and administrative law;
2. Identify the theoretical and empirical manifestations of better regulation, by using theory and comparative evidence across the OECD countries and beyond;
3. Identify examples of success and failures in better regulation experiments across nations;
4. Explain the political dynamics of adoption and implementation of better regulation packages;
5. Explain how the tools of better regulation work and appraise them empirically and normatively;
Discipline-Specific Skills6. Appraise and critically evaluate government reports, public policy, and OECD-EU-World Bank documents;
7. Synthesise and comment critically on a corpus of academic literature;
8. Link public administration concepts and theories to real world examples;
Personal and Key Skills9. Undertake independent/self-directed learning (including time management) to achieve consistent, proficient and sustained attainment;
10. Work as a participant or leader of a group and contribute effectively to the achievement of objectives; and
11. Reflect on the process of learning and evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses.

Indicative Reading List

This reading list is indicative - i.e. it provides an idea of texts that may be useful to you on this module, but it is not considered to be a confirmed or compulsory reading list for this module.

Black, J. (2007) Tensions in the Regulatory State. Public Law, 58-73.

Froud, J., Boden, R., Ogus, A., & Stubbs, P. (1998) Controlling the Regulators. Basingstoke, Hampshire: Macmillan.

McCubbins, M. D., Noll, R. G., & Weingast, B. R. (1987) Administrative procedures as instruments of political control. Journal of Law, Economics, and Organization, 3(2), 243-277.

Meuwese, A. C. M. (2008) Impact assessment in EU law-making. KluwerLaw International.

OECD. (2002). Regulatory policies in OECD countries : from interventionism to regulatory governance. Paris: OECD.

Radaelli, C.M. and F. De Francesco. (2007) Regulatory Quality in Europe: Concepts, Measures, and Policy Processes. Manchester: Manchester University Press.

Renda, A. (2006) Impact Assessment in the EU. The State of the Art and the Art of the State. Brussels: Centre for European Policy Studies.

Weatherill, S. (2007) Better Regulation. Oxford: Hart Publishing.

The module will be supported by ELE materials, including links to core texts and audio-visual streams

 

ELE – vle.exeter.ac.uk