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

Sixth Edition

Eugene Bardach - University of California, Berkeley, USA
Eric M. Patashnik - Brown University, USA

Other Titles in:
Policy Analysis | Policy Analysis & Evaluation | Public Policy

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

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

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The Eightfold Path to More Effective Problem Solving

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