ABSTRACT

Drawing extensively from real-life cases, Policy Analysis as Problem Solving helps students develop the analytic skills necessary to advise government officials and nonprofit executives on a wide range of policy issues. Unlike other texts, Policy Analysis as Problem Solving employs a pragmatic, heterodox approach to the field. Whereas most texts on policy analysis are anchored in microeconomics, emphasizing economic efficiency, this book takes a broader view, using realistic examples to illustrate the full scope of policy analysis. The book provides succinct but thorough discussions of the key elements of the policy-analytic process, including problem definition, objectives and criteria, development of alternative policy options, and analysis of these alternatives. The text’s practical approach and extensive downloadable resources—which include interviews, case studies, and further readings—will be of enormous benefit to both students and instructors of policy analysis.

chapter |14 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|22 pages

What Is Policy Analysis?

Mainstream and Alternative Perspectives

chapter 2|28 pages

Defining the Problem and Setting the Stage

chapter 3|40 pages

Devising Alternative Policy Options

chapter 4|36 pages

Objectives and Criteria

chapter 5|48 pages

Technical Aspects of Policy Analysis

Discounting, Cost-Benefit Analysis, and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

chapter 6|42 pages

Analysis and Making Recommendations

chapter 7|37 pages

Research and Policy Analysis

chapter 8|28 pages

Policy Analysis in Practice

chapter 9|4 pages

Epilogue