The ability to manage government departments and operations has become less important than the ability to navigate the complex world of interconnected policy implementation processes. Public sector reform policies and programmes, as a consequence, are a study in the complexities of the institutional and environmental context in which these reforms are pursued. Building on theory and practice, this book argues that advancing the theoretical frontlines of development management research and practice can benefit from developing models based on innovation, collaboration and governance.

Introduction Part I: Conceptual Overview 2. Public Management Reform in Developing Countries: Contradictions and the Inclusive State 2. An Appraisal of the New Public Governance as a "Paradigm" of Public Sector Reform in Africa Part II: Case Studies on Participation 3. Institutional Reforms in Irrigation Sector of Punjab of Pakistan: Moving towards Participatory Irrigation Management 4. Partnerships between Governments and Nongovernmental Organizations In Brazil: Progress and Setbacks Part III: Case Studies on Decentralization 5. Paradoxes of Decentralisation Reform at the Periphery: Evidence of Decentralised Drugs Policy in Thailand 6. The Political Context of Decentralization: Reflections on South Asia 7. Decentralization in Turkey (2002-2010): Achievements and Shortcomings Part IV: Public Sector Reform: Prospects and Challenges 8. The Elusive Goal of 'Perfect Administration': An Analysis of Public Sector Reform in Jamaica 9. The Internationalization of Public Performance Management and Budgeting: Limitations in the Gulf States 10. Where Private Sector Solutions are not Enough: The Case for a Developmental Public Sector in Africa Conclusion

Charles Conteh is Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science, Brock University, Canada

Ahmed Shafiqul Huque is Professor of Political Science at McMaster University, Canada