A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis: The Eightfold Path to More Effective Problem Solving Fifth Edition by Eugene S. Bardach and Eric M. Patashnik (CQ Press)

A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis remains the most accessible and practical guide for those learning the craft of policy analysis. It offers convincing reasoning for and a clear roadmap of the required steps to conduct policy analysis, provides a terrific list of useful resources and helpful hints, and offers very practical illustrations and examples. The newly added section on design problems broadens discourse to include not only knowledge on how to improve analysis of discrete policy choices, but also on how to generate effective strategies to change the design parameters of policy problems. It should be required reading for all students in public affairs type undergraduate major and graduate level programs.

This book remains the gold standard for introducing students to key issues in policy analysis. I have used it many times in teaching Policy Analysis courses for both students and practicing policy analysts. The new edition adds a lot of helpful new material (e.g., discussions of choice architecture and an excellent new chapter on policy design) that will be helpful to students struggling to think systematically about how to assess policy alternatives. Despite its broad scope, it is still quite compact. It is too dense to have students read through for a single class session, but works very well when assigned in chunks--e.g., on selecting criteria and alternatives, assembling evidence, and learning from "smart practices" in other political jurisdictions and policy sectors. Applying the analytical framework of the Eightfold Path with empirical case materials provided by the instructor helps students develop skills in utilizing the framework. Other books like Stokey & Zeckhauser, Wheelan and Weimer & Vining concentrate on economic and technical analytical skills that are essential to policy analysis, but no other sources covers the process of policy analysis with the same depth and insight as Bardach and Patashnik.

n the Fifth Edition of A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis: The Eightfold Path to More Effective Problem Solving, Eugene Bardach and new co-author Eric Patashnik draw on more than 40 years of experience teaching students to be effective, accurate, and persuasive policy analysts. This bestselling handbook presents dozens of concrete tips, interesting case studies, and step-by-step strategies that are easily applicable for the budding analyst as well as the seasoned professional.

In this new edition, Bardach and Patashnik update many examples to reflect the shifting landscape of policy issues. A new section with advice on how to undertake policy design in addition to making policy choices makes the book even more engaging. Readers will also appreciate a sample document of real world policy analysis, suggestions for developing creative, "out-of-the-box" solutions, and tips for working with clients.