Policy Analysis

Paper Summary:

The paper reviews "A Practical Guide For Policy Analysis," where Eugene Bardach discusses a holistic approach to understanding and analyzing public policy. The paper presents an outline of Bardach's argument and his eight steps to policy analysis. The paper is of the opinion that Bardach's book presents an accessible and useful tool for understanding the policy analysis and design process.

Outline:
Bardach's Eightfold Path
Assessment and Conclusion

From the Paper:

"In A Practical Guide For Policy Analysis, Eugene Bardach discusses a holistic approach to understanding and analyzing public policy that is designed to challenge the profession of public administration so that policy is made through compromise and consensus-building with the public interest at the center. Bardach claims that it is necessary to maintain an "eightfold path" to policy analysis and design that is defined by the following steps: (1) Define problem, (2) Assemble evidence, (3) Construct alternatives, (4) Select criteria, (5) Project outcomes, (6) Confront tradeoffs, (7) Decide, (8) Tell story. After outlining the process he believes necessary, Bardach turns his attention to the proactive implementation, discussing data collection means and methods and best practices for administration."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bardach, E. (2005) A practical guide for policy analysis: The eightfold path to more effective problem solving, 2nd ed. CQ Press: Washington D.C.

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