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A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis
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A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis
The Eightfold Path to More Effective Problem Solving

Seventh Edition
September 2023 | 232 pages | CQ Press
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Drawing on more than 40 years of experience with policy analysis, best-selling authors Eugene Bardach and Eric M. Patashnik use practical tips and real-world examples to equip effective, accurate, and persuasive policy analysts. The Seventh Edition of A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis offers new case studies, expanded discussion, new guidance for policy analysis in a polarized age, and step-by-step strategies for the budding analyst as well as the seasoned professional.

 
PART I THE EIGHTFOLD PATH
 
PART II ASSEMBLING EVIDENCE
 
PART III HANDLING A DESIGN PROBLEM
 
PART IV “SMART (BEST) PRACTICES” RESEARCH: UNDERSTANDING AND MAKING USE OF WHAT LOOK LIKE GOOD IDEAS FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE
 
APPENDIX A SPECIMEN OF A REAL-WORLD POLICY ANALYSIS
 
APPENDIX B THINGS GOVERNMENTS DO
 
APPENDIX C UNDERSTANDING PUBLIC AND NONPROFIT INSTITUTIONS: ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
 
APPENDIX D TIPS FOR DOING POLICY ANALYSIS IN A POLARIZED AGE
 
APPENDIX E TIPS FOR WORKING WITH CLIENTS
 
APPENDIX F SUGGESTIONS FOR INCORPORATING “BIG DATA” AND RIGOROUS SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE INTO POLICY ANALYSIS
Key features

NEW TO THIS EDITION:  

  • A new appendix that features timely "Tips for Doing Policy Analysis in a Polarized Age."
  • A new appendix with an example of a real-world policy analysis from the Congressional Budget Office, annotated with key insights.
  • Expanded discussion of the steps of the policy process, including "last mile problems" around making policies work after their enactment.
  • New case studies in Part I.


KEY FEATURES:  

  • The Eightfold Path guides readers through the problem-solving process by reminding them to:    
    • Define the Problem   
    • Assemble Some Evidence     
    • Construct the Alternatives    
    • Select the Criteria     
    • Project the Outcomes    
    • Confront the Trade-Offs     
    • Stop, Focus, Narrow, Deepen, Decide! 
    • Tell Your Story
  • Dozens of tips for assembling evidence provide readers with insights on how he/she can save time by gathering and interpreting data more efficiently.
  • Strategies for analyzing design problems guide readers through specific steps that can be taken to design “systems of action” that will generate desired outcomes when multiple elements are interdependent and need to work together.“
  • Multiple appendices offer tips for policy analysts on important developments.

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