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A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis - International Student Edition
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A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis - International Student Edition
The Eightfold Path to More Effective Problem Solving

Sixth Edition


September 2019 | 216 pages | CQ Press
Eugene Bardach and co-author Eric Patashnik draw on more than 40 years of experience teaching students to be effective, accurate, and persuasive policy analysts. This bestselling handbook presents dozens of concrete tips, interesting case studies, and step-by-step strategies for the budding analyst as well as the seasoned professional.
 
Preface
 
Acknowledgements
 
Introduction
 
PART I: THE EIGHTFOLD PATH
Step One: Define the Problem

 
Step Two: Assemble Some Evidence

 
Step Three: Construct the Alternatives

 
Step Four: Select the Criteria

 
Step Five: Project the Outcomes

 
Step Six: Confront the Trade-Offs

 
Step Seven: Stop, Focus, Narrow, Deepen, Decide!

 
Step Eight: Tell Your Story

 
 
PART II: ASSEMBLING EVIDENCE
Getting Started

 
Locating Relevant Sources

 
Gaining Access and Engaging Assistance

 
Conducting a Policy Research Interview

 
Using Language to Characterize and Calibrate

 
Protecting Credibility

 
Strategic Dilemmas of Policy Research

 
 
PART III: HANDLING A DESIGN PROBLEM
It’s a Production System

 
Crosswalks to the Eightfold Path

 
Define the Problem-- Focus on a Primary Outcome

 
Construct the Alternatives-- Configure the System’s Organizational Structure and Its Operating Processes

 
Select the Criteria-- Define the Objectives to Be Achieved

 
Project the Outcomes-- Test Whether It Will Work

 
Confront the Trade-Offs-- Examine the System from Multiple Perspectives

 
Design a Transition Strategy

 
 
PART V: “SMART (BEST) PRACTICES” RESEARCH: UNDERSTANDING AND MAKING USE OF WHAT LOOK LIKE GOOD IDEAS FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE
Develop Realistic Expectations

 
Analyze Smart Practices

 
Observe the Practice

 
Describe Generic Vulnerabilities

 
But Will It Work Here?

 
Back to the Eightfold Path

 
 
APPENDIX A: THINGS GOVERNMENTS DO
I. Taxes

 
II. Regulation

 
III. Subsidies and Grants

 
IV. Service Provision

 
V. Agency Budgets

 
VI. Information

 
VII. The Structure of Private Rights

 
VIII. The Framework of Economic Activity

 
IX. Education and Consultation

 
X. Financing and Contracting

 
XI. Bureaucratic and Political Reforms

 
 
APPENDIX B: UNDERSTANDING PUBLIC AND NONPROFIT INSTITUTIONS: ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
Mission

 
Environment

 
Performance Measurement

 
Technology

 
Production/Delivery Processes

 
Frontline Workers and Co-Producers

 
Partners and Other Outsiders

 
Centralization/Decentralization

 
Culture and Communications

 
Politics

 
Leadership

 
Leadership

 
 
APPENDIX C: STRATEGIC ADVICE ON THE DYNAMICS OF GATHERING POLITICAL SUPPORT
Sequencing

 
Timing

 
 
APPENDIX D: SUGGESTIONS FOR INCORPORATING “BIG DATA” AND RIGOROUS SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE INTO POLICY ANALYSIS
 
References
 
Index

For instructors

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ISBN: 9781544372204
£29.99