This textbook offers a distinctive introduction to the study of the British political economy and public policy, using three models of coordination central to the analysis of the public and private sectors: markets, hierarchies and networks.

These models are used to explore key areas of the British political economy. Cases examined include core industries of strategic importance to the economy and the major elements of the public sector.

This original and wide-ranging text will be an invaluable supplement to a wide range of courses on contemporary Britain.

Foreword - Gillian Peele
Introduction - Grahame Thompson and Richard Maidment
Coordination by Hierarchy - Jeremy Mitchell
Markets as Coordinative Devices - Rosalind Levacic
Networks Coordination - Grahame Thompson
The Communications Industries - Richard Maidment
Running the Motor Industry - Peter Hamilton
High Technology Industries - Alan Cawson
Running Housing Policy and the British Housing System - Chris Hamnett
Education - Rosalind Levacic
Hospitals - Christopher Pollitt
Local Government - Allan Cochrane
Civil Service - Keith Dowding
Overview and Conclusion - Tom Ling