TY  - BOOK
AU  - Bardach,Eugene
AU  - Patashnik,Eric M.
TI  - A practical guide for policy analysis: the eightfold path to more effective problem solving 
SN  - 9781506368887 (pbk. ; alk. paper)
AV  - H 97 B245p 2020
U1  - 320.6 
PY  - 2020///
CY  - Washington, D.C.
PB  - CQ Press, an imprint of SAGE
KW  - Policy sciences
KW  - Ciencias políticas
KW  - Decision making
KW  - Toma de decisiones
KW  - Problem solving
KW  - Resolución de problemas
N1  - Includes bibliographical references (pages 181-184) and index; 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
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
Handling a design problem. It's a production system ; Crosswalks from the eightfold path to "systems of action" ; 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
"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
Appendix B. Understanding public and non profit institutions: asking the right questions
Appendix C. Strategic advice on the dynamics of gathering political support
Appendix D. Tips for working with clients
Appendix E. Suggestions for incorporating 'big data" and rigorous scientific evidence into policy analysis
N2  - Drawing on more than 40 years of experience with policy analysis, authors Eugene Bardach and Eric M. Patashnik use real-world examples to teach students how to be effective, accurate, and persuasive policy analysts
ER  -