A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis (6th, International Student Edition)

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