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At head of title: The University of North Carolina. ; Mode of access: Internet. ; Vol. 1-17 published under the direction of the North Carolina Historical Society; vol. 18-22 under the direction of the Department of History and Government of the University of North Carolina; vol. 23- under the direction of the Departments of History and Political Science of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

There is increasing debate about the role that public policy research can play in identifying solutions to complex policy challenges. Most studies focus on describing and explaining how governance systems operate. However, some scholars argue that because current institutions are often not up to the task, researchers need to rethink this 'bystander' approach and engage in experimentation and interventions that can help to change and improve governance systems. This paper contributes to this discourse by developing a design science framework that integrates retrospective research (scientific validation) and prospective research (creative design). It illustrates the merits and challenges of doing this through two case studies in the Netherlands and concludes that a design science framework provides a way of integrating traditional validation-oriented research with intervention-oriented design approaches. We argue that working at the interface between them will create new opportunities for these complementary modes of public policy research to achieve impact.

Review of:Launching Global Health: The Caribbean Odyssey of the Rockefeller Foundation. Steven Palmer. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 2010. xi + 301 pp. (Cloth US$ 70.00)Partner to the Poor: A Paul Farmer Reader. Paul Farmer, edited by Haun Saussy. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2010. xii + 660 pp. (Paper US$ 27.50)

"This book offers an introduction to public administration by a veteran practitioner, written for planners, as well as students seeking a public administration career and individuals simply wanting to learn more about responsible government. The narrative provides an overview of public administration theory and the importance of leadership in today's contentious political environment. The book contains five broad sections including an introduction, sections on management, the public sector, government programs, and some impressions on why this subject is so critically important in our society today. Typical administrative responsibilities are addressed as well as issues not typically covered in books on public administration, along with observations about sound public administration. Each section also contains practical exercises, discussion questions, and references to other texts and academic resources. Because public administration is fundamentally about relationships with people and communities, the book provides lessons that can be applied easily to one's personal life and experiences. It is a timely narrative on public administration today that will be valuable reading for planners and planning students looking to better understand public administration and policy"--