
Practical Guide for Policy Analysis
The Eightfold Path to More Effective Problem Solving
Eugene S. Bardach(Author)
CQ Press
4th Edition
Published on 6. December 2011
Book
Paperback/Softback
200 pages
978-1-60871-842-9 (ISBN)
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Description
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.
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.
More details
Edition
4th Revised edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Washington
United States
Publishing group
SAGE Publications Inc
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Edition type
Revised edition
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Weight
274 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-60871-842-9 (9781608718429)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
New editions

Eugene S. Bardach | Eric M. Patashnik
A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis
The Eightfold Path to More Effective Problem Solving
Book
11/2015
5th Edition
SAGE Publications Inc
€59.60
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Previous edition

Eugene S. Bardach
A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis
The Eightfold Path to More Effective Problem Solving
Book
10/2008
3rd Edition
CQ Press
€43.51
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Person
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.
Content
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
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