A comparative analysis of two streams of implementation research

Stephen Roll, Stephanie Moulton, Jodi R Sandfort

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Increased pressure for evidence-based practices in policymaking and administration has led to the growth of a new research stream of implementation science. Little is known about how this new stream of research compares with scholarship on policy implementation within public administration. This paper provides a comparative review of more than 1,500 journal articles on policy and program implementation published between 2004-2013. Using bibliometric analysis and a content analysis of abstracts, implementation articles within public affairs journals and in the emerging implementation science stream are analyzed in terms of their content, methods, and focus. Following a multi-level implementation framework, this analysis considers the level at which research is taking place within the different venues of implementation research. Through this systematic review, this paper provides new insights about the current state of research, opening up new avenues for scholars to substantively engage with and contribute to this important area of study.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3-22
Number of pages20
JournalJournal of Public and Nonprofit Affairs
Volume3
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2017

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Stephanie Moulton is an associate professor at the John College of Public Affairs, The Ohio State University. Moulton’s research focuses on public policy implementation, evaluation, and management. Moulton specializes in housing and consumer finance policy. Her research has been funded by the MacArthur Foundation, The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, Fannie Mae, and The Social Security Administration.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 Midwest Public Affairs Conference. All Rights Reserved.

Keywords

  • Comparative Analysis
  • Implementation Science
  • Policy Implementation

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