Product Description

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.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10698 in Books
• Published on: 2004-11-15
• Released on: 2004-11-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 149 pages

Review
This new edition of A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis is a gift to both professors and students. -- Renee Johnson, University of Florida

US and international students consistently give this perspicacious presentation of policy analysis fundamentals high marks for its clarity and insight. -- Robert P. Goss, Brigham Young University

About the Author
Professor 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 400 projects. This book is based on his experience teaching students the principles of policy analysis and then helping them to execute their project work. 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.

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Customer Reviews

Strange Book
I wanted a basic book on policy and this is a book on the general problem solving method. The sub-title should become the book title:"The Eightfold Path to More Problem Solving." This book expands on the the very basic 3-step general problem solving method: (1) define the problem, (2) think of all the alternatives, (3) choose the best alternative.

When I get a book I take the key word in the title and look for the author's definition of that term so that I can understand their perspective. Amazingly, the author does not define "policy" in the book. Is policy different than a problem, a strategy, a plan, rules and regulations......?

I'll sell you my copy cheap!

Bad Purchase
I do not want to say much about this book other than it is overly obvious in what it states. Also, I did not use this book much in my class, which adds to my negative impression of it.

Great service, excellent product
Thank you. Interesting concepts in this book. I am finishing undergraduate work with a problem-solving project at work. The book is assigned reading. Very helpful.