VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI

UNIVERSITY OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS

COURSE SYLLABUS
INE3023-E - Public Policy

1. Instructor information
1.1 Dr. Le Duy Anh
Lecturer
Office: Faculty of Development Economics, Office 712, E4 Block, VNU University of
Economics and Business, 144 Xuan Thuy, Cau Giay, Hanoi
Telephone: (84-24) 3754 7506 - ext 309 Email: leduyanh@vnu.edu.vn
1.2 Dr. Truong Thu Ha
Lecturer
Office: Faculty of Development Economics, Office 712, E4 Block, VNU University of
Economics and Business, 144 Xuan Thuy, Cau Giay, Hanoi
Telephone: (84-24) 3754 7506 - ext 309 Email: truongha@vnu.edu.vn
1.3 Dr. Nguyen Bich Diep
Lecturer
Office: Faculty of Development Economics, Office 712, E4 Block, VNU University of
Economics and Business, 144 Xuan Thuy, Cau Giay, Hanoi
Telephone: (84-24) 3754 7506 - ext 309 Email: nguyenbichdiep@vnu.edu.vn
2. Course information
- Course name: Public Policy
- Course code: INE 3023-E
- Level: Undergraduate
- Number of credits: 3
- Prerequisite courses: Public Economics
- Credit hours: 45
- Lecture: 27
- Discussion/tutorial: 18
- In charge of the course: Department of Public Policy, Faculty of Development Economics
3. Course objectives
3.1 Knowledge
- The course aims to provide students with knowledge of definition, typologies and role of
public policies as a tool for state management.

1
- Students will understand the process and instruments of public policy design; and gain an
insight into the process of problem identification and agenda setting, policy design, and
evaluation.
The
corresponding
Achievement Competency or achievement of students after the
level according
level course
to Bloom's
cognitive ladder
Level 1 Level 1 - Recall the concepts of policy and public policy.
(Be able to (Identify - - Understand the differences between public policy
know) Know) and other types of policy.
- Recall the contexts and the roles of public policy.
- Recall the policy process: problem identification
and agenda setting, policy formulation and
adoption, policy implementation and policy
evaluation.
- Recall the instruments of public policy design.
- Recall public policy evaluation using qualitative
and quantitative methods.
Level 2 Level 2 & 3 - Apply knowledge learned to identify a specific
(Be able to (Understand socio-economic policy problem.
recreate) and apply) - Apply knowledge learned to draft policies after
identification of a socio-economic policy issue.
- Apply public policy evaluation methods to
evaluate a particular economic or social policy.
Level 3 Level 4 & 5 - Analyze the public policy process: problem
(Be able to (Analyze - identification and agenda setting, policy
debate) Evaluate) formulation and adoption, implementation and
evaluation.
- Assess the rationality, feasibility and effectiveness
of a public policy.
- Analyze and evaluate a public policy using both
qualitative and quantitative methods.
- Analyze the current situation of policy formulation
in Vietnam and identify future policy development
trends.

2
 Level 4 Level 6 - Creatively apply knowledge and practices in other
(Be able to (Create) countries to analyze and handle issues related to
create) policy-making of the public sector in Vietnam in the
current conditions of market economy transition and
integration.
- Compare policy formulation and evaluation in
Vietnam and other countries.

3.2 Skills and personal, professional attitudes

3.2.1. Professional skills
- Develop critical thinking and a modern, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary
approach to public policy.
- Master the analytical tools for public policy design, analysis, and evaluation.
- Creatively apply the learned knowledge and skills to design, analyse, and evaluate
public policy in practice.
3.2.2 Supplementary skills
- Identify the appropriate self-study methods.
- Improve presentation and teamwork skills.
- Enhance research skills.
- Develop passion for exploring, discovering and forming new ideas in the learning
process.
3.3 Ethical attributes
- Take a scientific point of view towards real-life problems.
- Have civic responsibility and positive attitude through participation and
contribution to the resolution of common issues of groups, communities and the
whole society.
4. Course description
This course provides students with both theory and case studies of public policy.
The course is structured into 5 chapters. Chapter 1 introduces the basics of public policy,
including the definition, typologies, contexts of public policy as well as the rationale for
government intervention. Chapter 2 discusses public policy process and instruments.
Chapter 3 provides an overview of public policy assessment methods. Chapters 4 and 5
give students an opportunity to put their knowledge into practice through case studies of
policy design and evaluation.

5. Course contents

3
CHAPTER 1: Introduction to public policy
1.1 What is public policy?
1.1.1 Definition of public policy
1.1.2 Types of public policy
1.2 The contexts of public policy
1.2.1 Social context
1.2.2 Economic context
1.2.3 Political context
1.2.4 Governing context
1.2.5 Cultural context
1.3 The reasons for government involvement
1.3.1 Political reasons
1.3.2 Moral or ethical reasons
1.3.3 Economics and market failures
CHAPTER 2: Public policy process and instruments
2.1 Public policy process
2.1.1 Problem definition and agenda setting
2.1.2 Policy formulation
2.1.3 Policy legitimation
2.1.4 Policy implementation
2.1.5 Policy evaluation
2.2 Public policy instruments
2.2.1 Legal instruments
2.2.2 Economic instruments
2.2.3 Education, information, and persuasion
CHAPTER 3: Public policy evaluation
3.1 Objectives, criteria and challenge of public policy evaluation
3.1.1 Objectives of policy evaluation
3.1.2 Criteria for policy evaluation
3.1.3 The challenge of policy evaluation
3.2 Qualitative methods for public policy evaluation
3.2.1 Process evaluation
3.2.2 Outcome evaluation
3.3 Quantitative methods for public policy evaluation
3.3.1 Impact evaluation by regression
3.3.2 Impact evaluation using cost-benefit analysis
CHAPTER 4: Case studies of policy design

4
4.1 Problem definition and agenda setting
4.1.1 Problem definition
4.1.2 Preliminary assessment of the level of social concern
4.1.3 Agenda setting
4.2 Policy formulation
4.2.1 Context and causes
4.2.2 Proposal of solutions and implementation plan
4.2.3 Financial projections, human resources and implementers
CHAPTER 5: Case studies of policy evaluation
5.1 Policy evaluation (ex-ante)
5.1.1 Identification of channels of impact and affected parties
5.1.2 Choices of evaluation criteria and measurement methods
5.1.3 Choices of analysis methods, evaluation and presentation of results
5.2 Policy evaluation (ex-post)
5.2.1 Identification of channels of impact and affected parties
5.2.2 Choices of evaluation criteria and measurement methods
5.2.3 Choices of analysis methods, evaluation and presentation of results
6. Textbooks
6.1 Required textbooks
1. Michael E. Kraft & Scott R. Furlong (2018). Public Policy: Politics, Analysis, and
Alternatives, 6th Edition. CQ Press, SAGE Publications. [HL1]
2. Thomas A. Birkland (2016). An Introduction to the Policy Process: Theories, Concepts,
and Models of Public Policy Making, 4th Edition. Routledge. [HL2]
3. Jean-Michel Josselin & Benoît Le Maux (2017). Statistical Tools for Program
Evaluation: Methods and Applications to Economic Policy, Public Health, and
Education. Springer. [HL3]
6.2. References
4 John W. Kingdon (2013). Agendas, Alternatives, and Public Policies, Updated Edition.
Pearson. [HL4]
5 James E. Anderson (2006). Public Policymaking, 6th Edition. Texas A&M University.
[HL5]
6 Larry N. Gerston (2015). Public Policy Making: Process and Principles. Routledge.
[HL6]
7 TS. Nguyễn Thị Lệ Thúy, TS. Bùi Thị Hồng Việt (2019). Giáo trình: Chính sách công
(Chính sách kinh tế - xã hội). NXB Trường ĐH Kinh tế Quốc dân. [HL7]
8 PGS.TS. Nguyễn Hữu Hải, ThS Lê Văn Hòa (2013). Chính sách công - những vấn đề
cơ bản (Sách chuyên khảo). NXB Chính trị Quốc gia - Sự thật. [HL8]

5
 9 Lê Chi Mai (2001). Những vấn đề cơ bản về chính sách và qui trình chính sách, NXB
Đại học Quốc gia TP. HCM. [HL9]
10 Học viện Hành chính Quốc gia (2002). Hoạch định và phân tích chính sách công (dùng
cho đào tạo đại học hành chính). NXB Thống kê. [HL10]
7. Class schedule
7.1 General class schedule
Teaching and
learning activity Assessment
Week Content Total
Lecture Group and exams
Activities
1 Chapter 1: Introduction to public 2 1 3 Q&A
policy
2 Chapter 1: Introduction to public 2 1 3 Q&A
policy (cont.) Case study 1
3 Chapter 2: Public policy process and 2 1 3 Q&A
instruments
4 Chapter 2: Public policy process and 2 1 3 Q&A
instruments (cont.) Case study 2
5 Chapter 2: Public policy process and 2 1 3 Q&A
instruments (cont.)
6 Chapter 3: Public policy evaluation 2 1 3 Q&A
Case study 3
7 Chapter 3: Public policy evaluation 2 1 3 Q&A
(cont.)
8 Chapter 3: Public policy evaluation 2 1 3 Q&A
(cont.) Case study 4
9 Midterm exam 0 3 3 Exam
10 Chapter 4: Case studies of policy 2 1 3 Group
design presentations
& discussion
11 Chapter 4: Case studies of policy 2 1 3 Group
design (cont.) presentations
& discussion

6
 Teaching and
learning activity Assessment
Week Content Total
Lecture Group and exams
Activities
12 Chapter 4: Case studies of policy 2 1 3 Group
design (cont.) presentations
& discussion
13 Chapter 5: Case studies of policy 2 1 3 Group
evaluation presentations
& discussion
14 Chapter 5: Case studies of policy 2 1 3 Group
evaluation (cont.) presentations
& discussion
15 Review 1 2 3
Total 27 18 45

7
7.2 Detailed class schedule
• Week 1: CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC POLICY
Teaching and Location Content Preparation Knowledge and Remark
learning activity requirements skills to achieve
Lecture Class- 1.1 What is public policy? Read before Understand, recreate
(2 credit hours) room 1.2 The contexts of public policy class: and apply learned
- Course syllabus knowledge
- Study materials:
HL1 (ch.1)
Discussion/ tutorial Class- Discussion: Read before
(1 credit hour) room - Comparison of the contexts in class: HL2 (ch.2)
Vietnam and the US
Assessment and Class- Students who participate in
exams room discussion will earn scores for
participation.
Consultation Email

• Week 2: CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC POLICY (cont.)

Teaching and Location Content Preparation Knowledge and Remark
learning activity requirements skills to achieve
Lecture Class- 1.3 The reasons for government Read before Understand, recreate
(2 credit hours) room involvement class: HL1 (ch.1) and apply learned
Discussion/ tutorial Class- Discussion: knowledge Case
(1 credit hour) room - Government intervention in the study 1
market
Assessment and Class- Students who participate in
exams room discussion will earn scores for
participation.
Consultation Email

8
 • Week 3: CHAPTER 2: PUBLIC POLICY PROCESS AND INSTRUMENTS
Teaching and Location Content Preparation Knowledge and Remark
learning activity requirements skills to achieve
Lecture Class- 2.1 Public policy process Read before Understand, recreate
(2 credit hours) room class: HL1 (ch.3) and apply learned
Discussion/ tutorial Class- Discussion: Read before knowledge
(1 credit hour) room - Actors in policy making class: HL2
- Models of policy making (ch.4,5)
Assessment and Class- Students who participate in
exams room discussion will earn scores for
participation.
Consultation Email

• Week 4: CHAPTER 2: PUBLIC POLICY PROCESS AND INSTRUMENTS (cont.)

Teaching and Location Content Preparation Knowledge and Remark
learning activity requirements skills to achieve
Lecture Class- 2.1 Public policy process (cont.) Read before Understand, recreate
(2 credit hours) room class: HL1 (ch.3) and apply learned
Discussion/ tutorial Class- Discussion: knowledge Case
(1 credit hour) room - Policy change study 2
Assessment and Class- Students who participate in
exams room discussion will earn scores for
participation.
Consultation Email

9
 • Week 5: CHAPTER 2: PUBLIC POLICY PROCESS AND INSTRUMENTS (cont.)
Teaching and Location Content Preparation Knowledge and Remark
learning activity requirements skills to achieve
Lecture Class- 2.2 Public policy instruments Read before Understand, recreate
(2 credit hours) room class: HL1 (ch.3) and apply learned
Discussion/ tutorial Class- Discussion: knowledge
(1 credit hour) room - Budgeting and public policy
Assessment and Class- Students who participate in
exams room discussion will earn scores for
participation.
Consultation Email

• Week 6: CHAPTER 3: PUBLIC POLICY EVALUATION

Teaching and Location Content Preparation Knowledge and Remark
learning activity requirements skills to achieve
Lecture Class- 3.1. Objectives, criteria and Read before Understand, recreate Case
(2 credit hours) room challenge of public policy class: HL10 and apply learned study 3
evaluation knowledge
3.2. Qualitative methods for
public policy evaluation
Discussion/ tutorial Class- Discussion:
(1 credit hour) room - Ex-ante and ex-post evaluation
Assessment and Class- Students who participate in
exams room discussion will earn scores for
participation.
Consultation Email

10
 • Week 7: CHAPTER 3: PUBLIC POLICY EVALUATION (cont.)
Teaching and Location Content Preparation Knowledge and Remark
learning activity requirements skills to achieve
Lecture Class- 3.3 Quantitative methods for Read before Understand, recreate
(2 credit hours) room public policy evaluation class: HL10 and apply learned
knowledge
Discussion/ tutorial Class- Discussion:
(1 credit hour) room - Spurious regressions
Assessment and Class- Students who participate in
exams room discussion will earn scores for
participation.
Consultation Email

• Week 8: CHAPTER 3: PUBLIC POLICY EVALUATION (cont.)

Teaching and Location Content Preparation Knowledge and Remark
learning activity requirements skills to achieve
Lecture Class- 3.3 Quantitative methods for Read before Understand, recreate Case
(2 credit hours) room public policy evaluation (cont.) class: HL3 and apply learned study 4
(ch.5,9) knowledge
Discussion/ tutorial Class- Discussion:
(1 credit hour) room - Measuring non-monetized
costs and benefits
Assessment and Class- Students who participate in
exams room discussion will earn scores for
participation.
Consultation Email

11
 • Week 9: MIDTERM EXAM
Teaching and Location Content Preparation Knowledge and Remark
learning activity requirements skills to achieve
Assessment and Class- Midterm exam Review chapters Understand, recreate
exams (2 credit room 1-3 and apply learned
hours) knowledge

Discussion/ tutorial Class- Review of midterm exam

(1 credit hour) room
Consultation Email

• Week 10: CHAPTER 4: CASE STUDIES OF POLICY DESIGN

Teaching and Location Content Preparation Knowledge and Remark
learning activity requirements skills to achieve
Lecture Class- 4.1. Problem definition and - Form teams Understand, recreate
(2 credit hours) room agenda setting according to and apply learned
instructions knowledge
- Inform
instructor of the
teams.
Discussion/ tutorial Class- Group presentations
(1 credit hour) room
Assessment and Class- Students who participate in
exams room discussion will earn scores for
participation.
Consultation Email

12
 • Week 11: CHAPTER 4: CASE STUDIES OF POLICY DESIGN (cont.)
Teaching and Location Content Preparation Knowledge and Remark
learning activity requirements skills to achieve
Lecture Class- 4.2. Policy formulation Summarize group Understand, recreate
(2 credit hours) room opinions and apply learned
(including knowledge
reserved personal
opinions)
Discussion/ tutorial Class- Group presentations
(1 credit hour) room
Assessment and Class- Students who participate in
exams room discussion will earn scores for
participation.
Consultation Email

• Week 12: CHAPTER 4: CASE STUDIES OF POLICY DESIGN (cont.)

Teaching and Location Content Preparation Knowledge and Remark
learning activity requirements skills to achieve
Lecture Class- 4.2. Policy formulation (cont.) Summarize group Understand, recreate
(2 credit hours) room opinions and apply learned
(including knowledge
reserved personal
opinions)
Discussion/ tutorial Class- Group presentations
(1 credit hour) room
Assessment and Class- Students who participate in
exams room discussion will earn scores for
participation.
Consultation Email

13
 • Week 13: CHAPTER 5: CASE STUDIES OF POLICY EVALUATION
Teaching and Location Content Preparation Knowledge and Remark
learning activity requirements skills to achieve
Lecture Class- 5.1. Policy evaluation (ex-ante) Summarize group Understand, recreate
(2 credit hours) room opinions and apply learned
(including knowledge
reserved personal
opinions)
Discussion/ tutorial Class- Group presentations Further readings:
(1 credit hour) room HL10
Assessment and Class- Students who participate in
exams room discussion will earn scores for
participation.
Consultation Email

• Week 14: CHAPTER 5: CASE STUDIES OF POLICY EVALUATION (cont.)

Teaching and Location Content Preparation Knowledge and Remark
learning activity requirements skills to achieve
Lecture Class- 5.2. Policy evaluation (ex-post) Summarize group Understand, recreate
(2 credit hours) room opinions and apply learned
(including knowledge
reserved personal
opinions)
Discussion/ tutorial Class- Group presentations
(1 credit hour) room
Assessment and Class- Students who participate in
exams room discussion will earn scores for
participation.
Consultation Email

14
 • Week 15: REVIEW
Teaching and Location Content Preparation Knowledge and Remark
learning activity requirements skills to achieve
Lecture Class- Final revision Review chapters Understand, recreate
(1 credit hours) room 1-5 and apply learned
Discussion/ tutorial Class- Q&A Prepare questions knowledge
(2 credit hours) room
Assessment and Class- Students who participate in
exams room discussion will earn scores for
participation.
Consultation Email

15
8. Course policy and other requirements
- Students are required to attend all classes, read the textbooks and reference materials
in advance, do all the exercises assigned to them at home, and regularly review the previous
lessons.
- The instructor checks attendance regularly. For each unexcused absence, students will
be deducted 1 point for attendance. For each excused absence, students will be deducted 0.5
points for attendance. Attendance grade is the average of class attendance and homework
scores.
- Students are encouraged to ask questions at any time during the lecture or by email.
9. Assessment
9.1 Assessment format

Format Description Objective Proportion

Attendance
Assess student’s level of
& Regular attendance check 10%
participation and understanding
Participation
Midterm Written exam in classroom Assess the extent (at levels 1, 2, 3
Exam (chapters 1,2,3) and 4) the course objectives 15%
(knowledge and skills) are achieved
Group Each group makes a Assess student’s ability to apply
presentation presentation, answers knowledge to analyze real situations
questions from other Assess student’s presentation skills, 15%
groups and discuss other team work skills, ability to ask and
presentations. handle questions
Final Exam The final exam covers all Assess the extent (at levels 1, 2, and
of the content taught in the 3) the course objectives (knowledge
course, including concepts, and skills) are achieved 60%
situations, exercises, and
discussions.
100%
9.2. Assessment criteria
9.2.1 Attendance and participation: 10%
Attendance in all classes is required.
Evaluation criteria for assignments:
- The student demonstrates good understanding of the basic content of each chapter.
- A brief outline for each chapter and the whole course is presented.
- The materials provided by the instructor and other materials are used.
- The assignments have suitable layout and clear, cohesive writing.
16
9.2.2 Report and group presentation: 15%
The report and presentation are prepared in advance under the guidance of the
instructor. Each group appoints one or more representative(s) to present in class (or as
designated by the instructor).
Group exercises are assessed through the quality of the group report on research results,
the presentation of the group's representatives, and the opinions of the participants in the
discussion.
The group report must follow the following form:
Group report
Topic: …………………………………….
1. Team members and assigned tasks:
No. Full name Assigned tasks Remark
1. Nguyen Van A Leader
2. ... ...
2. Working process of the group (description of meetings, minutes may be attached).
3. Summary of group work results.
4. Recommendations (if any).
Team leader
(Signed)

9.2.3 Midterm exam: 15%

Students will take a constructed response test. Evaluation criteria for constructed
response test:
9 – 10 - Complete understanding of the concepts and issues covered in the chapters.
- Able to apply the learned knowledge and skills to identify, explain and propose
solutions to real-life problems.
- Arguments are accurate, persuasive and backed up with evidence.
- Materials and research methods provided by the instructor are used appropriately.
- Clear and cohesive writing.
7–8 - Good understanding of the concepts and issues covered in the chapters.
- Able to apply the learned knowledge and skills to identify, explain and propose
solutions to real-life problems.
- Arguments are accurate and persuasive.
- Materials and research methods provided by the instructor are used appropriately.
- Clear and cohesive writing, some small errors may exist.
5–6 - Reasonable understanding of the concepts and issues covered in the chapters.
- Able to apply the learned knowledge and skills to identify, explain and propose
solutions to real-life problems, some small errors may exist.

17
 - Materials and research methods provided by the instructor are used but sometimes
not appropriately.
- Arguments are reasoned.
- Clear and cohesive writing, some small errors may exist.
Below 5 - Poor understanding of the concepts and issues covered in the chapters.
- Not able to apply the learned knowledge and skills to identify, explain and
propose solutions to real-life problems.
- Materials and research methods provided by the instructor are not used or not
used appropriately.
- Arguments are not reasoned.
- Unclear writing.

9.2.4 Final exam: 60%

The final exam is designed in accordance with the content weighting and exam
structure regulations. The exam consist of multiple choice questions, true-false questions, and
constructed response questions.
The final exam will assess the student’s abilities according to the objectives of the
course and cover most of the materials discussed in the course. In the exam, recall/repeating
accounts for 30%; recreating accounts for 40% and reasoning, analysis and evaluation accounts
for 30% of the total grade.
The student’s final exam score is calculated based on the number of correct answers,
which are for testing students’ ability in three levels from 1 to 3.
Score chart:
9 – 10 - Complete understanding of the concepts and issues covered in the course.
- Able to apply the learned knowledge and skills to identify, explain and propose
solutions to real-life problems.
- Arguments are accurate, persuasive and backed up with evidence.
- Clear and cohesive writing.
7–8 - Good understanding of the concepts and issues covered in the course.
- Able to apply the learned knowledge and skills to identify, explain and propose
solutions to real-life problems.
- Arguments are accurate and persuasive.
- Clear and cohesive writing, some small errors may exist.
5–6 - Reasonable understanding of the concepts and issues covered in the course.
- Able to apply the learned knowledge and skills to identify, explain and propose
solutions to real-life problems, some small errors may exist.
- Arguments are reasoned.
- Clear and cohesive writing, some small errors may exist.

18
 Below 5 - Poor understanding of the concepts and issues covered in the course.
- Not able to apply the learned knowledge and skills to identify, explain and
propose solutions to real-life problems.
- Arguments are not reasoned.
- Unclear writing.

9.3 Assessment schedule

- Discussions, presentations and midterm exam date will be given according to the
course outline.
- Final exam will be held according to the schedule of the Office of Academic Affairs.

Approved by university Dean of faculty Head of department Prepared by lecturer

19
 Case study 1
Vietnamese airlines rowing over floor, ceiling rates for domestic services
(Source: Tuoi Tre News, 4th January 2017)

The transport ministry, through the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, is soliciting
feedback on a plan to lift the ceiling prices for domestic routes by 7-16 percent to deal with
the rising jet fuel costs. According to the proposed pricing scheme, the maximum price for the
Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City route will be VND3.65 million (US$163) instead of the current
VND3.2 million ($143). Flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and two budget airlines, Vietjet and
Jetstar Pacific Airlines, have all provided feedback to the plan, with one suggesting scrapping
the ceiling price, whereas the other two said a floor rate for airfares should also be stipulated
to ensure fair competition.
Ceiling vs. floor rates
Low-cost carrier Vietjet said the ceiling rate for airfare should be removed as it is no
longer necessary and appropriate for the current rapid growing and highly competitive aviation
market in Vietnam. “The government should only manage and oversee the service quality of
airlines, rather than capping their domestic airfares,” Vietjet said in a statement. “The state
should respect the healthy competition principles as per the market-based mechanism all
airlines are following.” According to Vietjet, once the ceiling airfare is scrapped, carriers will
be able to upgrade and improve their service quality to better serve passengers.
In the meantime, Jetstar Pacific Airlines supported the idea of raising the ceiling price
and at the same time suggested that a floor price for domestic airfares should also be put in
place to “stop carriers from competing by cheap tickets.” Jetstar said local carriers have had
to repeatedly cut airfares to stay competitive in the last few years, and at some points “offered
tickets that were even lower than their cost prices and cheaper than tickets of trains or
passenger buses.” The carrier underlined that this has put pressure on the aviation
infrastructure and “affected the business effectiveness and sustainable development of
airlines.” The floor price should be 29-34 percent of the ceiling price, Jetstar suggested.
If the floor price is applied, the minimum ticket for the Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City
service will be around VND1.5 million ($67) per turn for Vietnam Airlines passengers, and
VND1.1 million ($49) for those flying with Jestar, according to Vietnamnet. The Hanoi-based
newswire said Vietjet only supported raising or scrapping the airfare cap and strongly opposed
to the floor price idea. The no-frills carrier said applying a floor price for air tickets goes
against both the Vietnamese law on competition and international practice, as no country is
currently imposing such a price control, according to Vietnamnet. Vietjet said some 90 percent
of Vietnamese population have yet to fly, mostly because they cannot afford a ticket. The floor

20
price for airfares, once imposed, will prevent the chance to access air travel for these people
even harder.
Do what’s good for flyers
While the airlines have opposite opinions on the floor and ceiling for airfares, most
experts interviewed by Tuoi Tre newspaper said scrapping the cap and imposing the floor rates
are both unnecessary. Nguyen Tien Thoa, general secretary of the Vietnam Valuation
Association, said local airlines are in fact selling tickets at only 85 percent of the allowed rates,
so it is not necessary to remove the price cap. “When there is no price cap, airlines can freely
increase airfares, causing disadvantages for consumers,” Thoa said. Ngo Tri Long, a pricing
expert, also said flyers will suffer the biggest toll should the ceiling airfares are removed. “The
airline with the biggest market share may hike its airfares, and other carriers have no choice
but to follow suit, and ultimately it is passengers who have to pay more,” he elaborated.
Thoa added that without the price floor airlines have to try to cut costs to be able to
offer more affordable airfares, which is good for passengers. “If a minimum airfare is
stipulated, carriers will lose the motivation to compete and cut costs,” he said. Thoa turned
down concerns that the lack of an airfare price floor will lead to unhealthy competition, where
as an airline may sell below cost price to manipulate the market. “Don’t forget that we have
the law on competition to oversee the market,” he said. “You may cut your airfares but if you
violate the law, you will be immediately sanctioned.”

21
 Case study 2
Vietnam’s economy sailing through COVID-19 storm
(Source: Vietnam News Agency, 27th December 2021)

Vietnam has fulfilled a number of economic targets this year despite impacts of the
COVID-19 pandemic, becoming one of the top 20 economies in the world in terms of
international trade. The country’s GDP grew 2 percent, while its foreign trade value surpassed
660 billion USD, up 21 percent, with a trade surplus of about 2.1 billion USD. Notably, foreign
direct investment (FDI) poured into the country hit over 29 billion USD, up nearly 500 million
USD from last year.
These achievements are attributable to efforts by the entire political system, the
business community and people, along with the Government’s flexible decisions and policies.
Vietnam has shifted its strategy from “zero COVID-19” to safely and flexibly adapting to and
effectively controlling the pandemic, helping to maintain economic activities. Such policies
and strategies have consolidated public confidence in the Government, and encouraged them
to join hands in pandemic containment and economic development.
The fourth wave of pandemic outbreaks, which began late April, has prompted
prolonged social distancing in a number of cities and provinces which are industrial hubs and
top contributors to the State budget like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Can Tho, Bac
Ninh, Bac Giang, Binh Duong and Dong Nai, resulting in sluggish production, disrupted
supply chains and a decrease in the purchasing power. Up to 1.8 million labourers lost their
jobs or part of their incomes in the third quarter of this year, up 700,000 from the previous
quarter, and the country’s economy contracted 6.17 percent – the sharpest drop since Vietnam
began calculating and announcing its quarterly GDP. As a result, in the first nine months of
this year, the national GDP was up only 1.42 percent.
However, the country’s socio-economic development has bounced back since October,
as informed by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the Country Strategy Dialogue on
Vietnam 2021 held at the end of the month. During the January-October period, newly-
registered FDI into Vietnam rose 11.6 percent and export went up 16.6 percent year-on-year.
The country’s consumer price index (CPI) in the 10 months inched up only 1.81 percent. PM
Chinh said difficulties facing Vietnam are temporary, stressing the country’s potential,
advantages and new driving forces for long-term development and macro foundation, with
stable, solid major economic balances.
For a firm macro foundation, the country has issued unprecedented incentives for
people and businesses affected by COVID-19, and made timely adjustments to policies. Each
locality has also adopted their own ways in implementing policies and guidelines of the
Government to achieve the dual goals of pandemic combat and economic development. The
22
northern province of Quang Ninh is an example, which has fought the pandemic early and
from afar in line with resolutions of the National Assembly, and instructions of the
Government. As a result, Quang Ninh is among very few localities that have posted the highest
growth rate nationwide, reaching double-digit growth.
With the timely, flexible policies, Vietnam is expected to see a GDP growth of over 2
percent this year, and the agricultural sector would expand 2.8 percent, continuing to be a
pillar of the national economy. Given the emergence of the Omicron variant that would greatly
threaten the economy of Vietnam and the world, experts suggested that Vietnam should kick
off its economic recovery programme early, and deal with limitations of the previous support
packages in order to reach the economic growth target of 6-6.5 percent in 2022 as set by the
legislature. The National Assembly is scheduled to convene an extraordinary meeting late
December to discuss major matters, including those regarding fiscal and monetary policies
mentioned in the economic recovery and development submitted by the Government.

23
 Case study 3
Negative spillovers due to general equilibrium effects:
job placement assistance and labor market outcomes in France
(From P.J. Gertler et al. (2016) Impact evaluation in practice, 2nd edition)

Job placement assistance programs are popular in many industrialized countries.

Governments contract with a third-party entity to assist unemployed workers in their job
search. Many studies find that these counseling programs have a significant and positive
impact on job seekers.
Crépon and others (2013) investigated whether giving job assistance to young,
educated job seekers in France might have negative effects on other job seekers who were not
supported by the program. They hypothesized that a spillover mechanism might be at work:
when the labor market is not growing much, helping one job seeker to find a job might come
at the detriment of another job seeker who might otherwise have gotten the job that the
counseled job seeker obtained.
To investigate this hypothesis, they carried out a randomized experiment that included
235 labor markets (such as cities) in France. These labor markets were randomly allocated to
one of five groups, which varied in terms of the proportion of job seekers to be assigned to
counseling treatment (0 percent, 25 percent, 50 percent, 75 percent, and 100 percent). Within
each labor market, eligible job seekers were randomly assigned to the treatment following this
proportion. After eight months, the researchers found that unemployed youths who were
assigned to the program were significantly more likely to have found a stable job than those
who were not. But these gains appear to have come partly at the expense of eligible workers
who did not benefit from the program.

24
 Case study 4
Decision criteria for benefit-cost analysis
(From W.K. Bellinger (2015) The economic analysis of public policy)

In 2005, a proposal was made to replace a Pennsylvania railroad crossing with a bridge.
This offered several benefits to commuters and area residents, including the elimination of
traffic delays, less noise from train horns, and improved safety. Another policy option would
be to impose a “quiet zone” at this intersection, which would ban trains from sounding their
horns. The signals and barriers for those crossing the tracks would have to be enhanced, and
the benefits would not include any reduction in traffic delays. All of the dollar benefits of
these policies are estimated, since none of benefits are goods that can be bought and sold in
the market.
Different net benefit measures produce very different policy recommendations. The net
benefit measure favors the bridge, while the benefit-cost ratio and rate of return are far higher
for the quiet zone. The main reason for the difference is that the largest estimated benefit from
the bridge, the elimination of traffic delays due to train crossings, is not part of the benefits of
the quiet zone. Neither of these policy options was ever passed.

Table: Railroad crossing policy options

Unit: $ millions
Policy Bridge Quiet zone
Less delay 10.0 None
Less noise 4.0 4.0
Less risk 0.5 0.3
Cost of project 9.5 0.5
Net benefits 5.0 3.8
Benefit-cost ration 1.53 8.6
Rate of return 52.6% 760%

25
 COURSE DESCRIPTION

1. Course code: INE 3023-E

2. Course name: Public Policy
3. Instruction language: English
4. Level: Undergraduate
5. Number of credits: 3
6. Instructors:
Dr. Le Duy Anh, Faculty of Development Economics, VNU University of Economics
and Business.
Dr. Truong Thu Ha, Faculty of Development Economics, VNU University of
Economics and Business.
Dr. Nguyen Bich Diep, Faculty of Development Economics, VNU University of
Economics and Business.
7. Course objectives:
* Knowledge
- The course aims to provide students with knowledge of definition, typologies and role of
public policies as a tool for state management.
- Students will understand the process and instruments of public policy design; and gain an
insight into the process of problem identification and agenda setting, policy design, and
evaluation.
The
corresponding
Achievement Competency or achievement of students after the
level according
level course
to Bloom's
cognitive ladder
Level 1 Level 1 - Recall the concepts of policy and public policy.
(Be able to (Identify - - Understand the differences between public policy
know) Know) and other types of policy.
- Recall the contexts and the roles of public policy.
- Recall the policy process: problem identification
and agenda setting, policy formulation and
adoption, policy implementation and policy
evaluation.
- Recall the instruments of public policy design.
- Recall public policy evaluation using qualitative
and quantitative methods.
Level 2 Level 2 & 3 - Apply knowledge learned to identify a specific
socio-economic policy problem.
26
 (Be able to (Understand - Apply knowledge learned to draft policies after
recreate) and apply) identification of a socio-economic policy issue.
- Apply public policy evaluation methods to
evaluate a particular economic or social policy.
Level 3 Level 4 & 5 - Analyze the public policy process: problem
(Be able to (Analyze - identification and agenda setting, policy
debate) Evaluate) formulation and adoption, implementation and
evaluation.
- Assess the rationality, feasibility and effectiveness
of a public policy.
- Analyze and evaluate a public policy using both
qualitative and quantitative methods.
- Analyze the current situation of policy formulation
in Vietnam and identify future policy development
trends.
Level 4 Level 6 - Creatively apply knowledge and practices in other
(Be able to (Create) countries to analyze and handle issues related to
create) policy-making of the public sector in Vietnam in the
current conditions of market economy transition and
integration.
- Compare policy formulation and evaluation in
Vietnam and other countries.
* Professional skills
- Develop critical thinking and a modern, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary
approach to public policy.
- Master the analytical tools for public policy design, analysis, and evaluation.
- Creatively apply the learned knowledge and skills to design, analyse, and evaluate
public policy in practice.
* Supplementary skills
- Identify the appropriate self-study methods.
- Improve presentation and teamwork skills.
- Enhance research skills.
- Develop passion for exploring, discovering and forming new ideas in the learning
process.
* Ethical attributes
- Take a scientific point of view towards real-life problems.
- Have civic responsibility and positive attitude through participation and contribution
to the resolution of common issues of groups, communities and the whole society.

27
8. Course description
This course provides students with both theory and case studies of public policy. The
course is structured into 5 chapters. Chapter 1 introduces the basics of public policy, including
the definition, typologies, contexts of public policy as well as the rationale for government
intervention. Chapter 2 discusses public policy process and instruments. Chapter 3 provides
an overview of public policy assessment methods. Chapters 4 and 5 give students an
opportunity to put their knowledge into practice through case studies of policy design and
evaluation.
9. Teaching hours/week: 3 credit hours
10. Teaching method: In-class lectures and other learning activities, including discussions
and group presentations.
11. Student assessment:
- Attendance & Participation: 10%
- Group Presentation: 15%
- Midterm Exam: 15%
- Final Exam: 60%
12. Required textbooks:
- Michael E. Kraft & Scott R. Furlong (2018). Public Policy: Politics, Analysis, and
Alternatives, 6th Edition. CQ Press, SAGE Publications. [HL1]
- Thomas A. Birkland (2016). An Introduction to the Policy Process: Theories, Concepts, and
Models of Public Policy Making, 4th Edition. Routledge. [HL2]
- Jean-Michel Josselin & Benoît Le Maux (2017). Statistical Tools for Program Evaluation:
Methods and Applications to Economic Policy, Public Health, and Education. Springer.
[HL3]
13. Prerequisite courses: Public Economics
14. Contact:
14.1 Dr. Le Duy Anh
Lecturer
Office: Faculty of Development Economics, Office 712, E4 Block, VNU University of
Economics and Business, 144 Xuan Thuy, Cau Giay, Hanoi
Telephone: (84-24) 3754 7506 - ext 309 Email: leduyanh@vnu.edu.vn
14.2 Dr. Truong Thu Ha
Lecturer
Office: Faculty of Development Economics, Office 712, E4 Block, VNU University of
Economics and Business, 144 Xuan Thuy, Cau Giay, Hanoi
Telephone: (84-24) 3754 7506 - ext 309 Email: truongha@vnu.edu.vn
14.3 Dr. Nguyen Bich Diep
Lecturer

28
Office: Faculty of Development Economics, Office 712, E4 Block, VNU University of
Economics and Business, 144 Xuan Thuy, Cau Giay, Hanoi
Telephone: (84-24) 3754 7506 - ext 309 Email: nguyenbichdiep@vnu.edu.vn

Dean of faculty Head of department

29