Contemporary Policy Analysis [Paperback]

A groundbreaking interpretation of the field,Contemporary Policy Analysisoffers a state-of-the art look at what policy analysts do and how they can make the world a better place. The book is an indispensable resource for experienced policy analysts and an ideal core text for upper-level undergraduate and first-year graduate courses in policy analysis.

Contemporary Policy Analysisworks from a project orientation, providing a thorough and nontechnical overview of the key concepts and analytical strategies employed by policy analysts. Opening with coverage of what policy analysts do, what governments do, and government policy objectives, the first section of the book then discusses how to manage policy projects, present policy advice, and perform ethical policy analysis. The second section presents a set of core analytical strategies, featuring chapters on the analysis of markets, market failure, government failure, comparative institutional analysis, cost-benefit analysis, implementation analysis, and--unique to this survey--gender analysis and race analysis. Each of these strategy chapters includes a step-by-step guide to performing the analysis, incorporating an example from the policy literature that follows the steps and shows how the strategy can illuminate current policy issues. In addition, the chapters are enhanced by exercises and suggestions for class projects and policy research seminars.

Preface
1. Introduction
The Nature of Policy Analysis
The Rise of Policy Analysis
The Purpose and Organization of this Book
Conclusion
Exercises
Further Reading
OVERVIEW OF POLICY ANALYSIS
2. What Policy Analysts Do
The Social Function of Policy Analysis
Where Policy Analysts Are Employed
How Policy Analysts Contribute to Public Decision Making
Common Competencies and Attributes of Successful Policy Analysts
Why Being a Policy Analyst Is an ló,