A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis - 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