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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
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