A practical guide for policy analysis : the eightfold path to more effective problem solving / Eugene Bardach.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

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: 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. "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: 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: Strategic advice on the dynamics of gathering political support

With his original eightfold approach, Bardach encapsulates more than 35 years of teaching students effective, accurate, and persuasive policy analysis. 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. In this new edition, Bardach clarifies some of the book's exposition, paying particular attention to "design problems" and the choice of a "base case." Up-to-date examples, including a new set of environmental problems, make the book even more engaging. Readers will also appreciate a sample document of real world policy analysis, a primer in how to "talk the talk" of policy analysis, and a cheat sheet of strategies for solving a host of policy problems.--Publisher description

eng.