<P>Public administration is the set of instruments ¿ the rules, incentives, organizations, information, systems and people ¿ to implement public policy. <I>Public Administration: The Basics</I> is a reader-friendly and up-to-date synthesis of the subject, complete with relatable examples, analogies, and real-world illustrations.</P><P>The book offers practical insight without jargon and covers all major topics. The first three chapters describe the functions and organizational structure of government; the next three focus on the core issues of the management of public finances, government personnel, and public procurement; the final three chapters address government regulation, the provision of public services, and the interaction between government and the private sector. <I>Public Administration: The Basics</I> is an ideal first book for introductory public administration courses, as well as complementary reading for courses in political science, public economics, and internatio