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

With his original eightfold approach, Eugene 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.

Table of Contents:
Introduction The Eightfold Path Overview of the Book PART ONE: 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 TWO: 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 THREE: “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

About the Author :
Eugene Bardach has been teaching graduate-level policy analysis workshop classes since 1973 at the Goldman School of Public Policy, University of California, Berkeley, in which time he has coached some five hundred projects. He is a broadly based political scientist with wide-ranging teaching and research interests. His focus is primarily on policy implementation and public management, and most recently on problems of facilitating better interorganizational collaboration in service delivery (e.g., in human services, environmental enforcement, fire prevention, and habitat preservation). He also maintains an interest in problems of homeland defense, as well as regulatory program design and execution, particularly in areas of health, safety, consumer protection, and equal opportunity. Bardach has developed novel teaching methods and materials at Berkeley, has directed and taught in residentially based training programs for higher-level public managers, and has worked for the Office of Policy Analysis at the US Department of the Interior. He is the recipient of the 1998 Donald T. Campbell Award of the Policy Studies Organization for creative contribution to the methodology of policy analysis, and is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. This book is based on his experience teaching students the principles of policy analysis and then helping them to execute their project work.