A Practical Guide For Policy Analysis: The Eightfold Path To More Effective Problem Solving

What do the Twenty-Dollar Bill Test and the Grandma Bessie Test have in common? Both are excellent, easily implemented strategies for producing high quality policy analysis. In his gem of a reference book, Eugene Bardach presents dozens of concrete tips, interesting case studies, and step-by-step strategies for the budding analyst as well as the seasoned professional. Readers learn how to:

• Define policy problems with clarity and accuracy.


• Economize on data collection.


• Gain access to and credibility in the field.


• Think creatively about policy alternatives.


• Apply and weigh evaluative criteria.


• Realistically estimate outcomes.


• Make cogent and persuasive recommendations to clients.

This edition s appendices include 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. Used in the Berkeley policy program for more than twenty years, A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis has also become part of many a practitioner s permanent library.