Updated in its 3rd edition, Basic Methods of Policy Analysis and Planning presents quickly applied methods for analyzing and resolving planning and policy issues at state, regional, and urban levels. Divided into two parts, Methods which presents quick methods in nine chapters and is organized around the steps in the policy analysis process, and Cases which presents seven policy cases, ranging in degree of complexity, the text provides readers with the resources they need for effective policy planning and analysis. Quantitative and qualitative methods are systematically combined to address policy dilemmas and urban planning problems. Readers and analysts utilizing this text gain comprehensive skills and background needed to impact public policy.

Policy analysts currently have available to them a cafeteria menu of analytical approaches, from welfare economics to political philosophy. Davis B. Bobrow and John S. Dryzek believe that now more than ever a clear understanding of the approaches available - the assumptions consciously or unconsciously adopted by their practitioners - is crucial to the practice of intellectually defensible and socially responsible analysis of public policy.Policy Analysis by Design examines the approaches to public policy taken by those who try to teach it, write about it, and influence it through major analysis. Bobrow and Dryzek systematically compare the five major contending analytical frames of reference: welfare economics, public choice, social structure, information processing, and political philosophy. The workings of each frame are illustrated by means of a common, if imaginary, policy case - air pollution in the hypothetical Smoke Valley.Bobrow and Dryzek discover that many important distinctions emerge among the major frames of reference, differences which should help to determine when to choose what approach. The authors conclude by suggesting how policy analysis should be conducted, and how policy analysts should be trained, in the face of such diversity.The concerns of Policy Analysis by Design are deeper and broader than most books in the field, breaking new ground. Bobrow and Dryzek make the case that policy analysts should balance their attention to technique with an understanding of the rationales underlying their interventions in policy processes. Policy Analysis by Design, based on this fundamental principle, should stimulate debate about basic choices that policy analysts must make.

This book provides a framework for explaining why governments adopt the policies they do. In addition, it establishes a basis for comparing political systems in terms of their public policies rather than their institutions or political processes. The book begins by placing in a historical perspective the worldwide role of the state as a major provider of goods and services. Following this general background is an 'accounting scheme' that brings some semblance of order to the seemingly infinite variety of policy-relevant variables and makes the comparative study of public policy more manageable. It is suggested that any nation's public policies can be explained in terms of situational, structural, environmental and cultural factors. The second part of the book applies the accounting scheme to an increasingly specific and narrow range of public policies. The author examines one crucial area of public policy - health care - and the evolution of that policy in four diverse nations: Germany, Great Britain, the Soviet Union and Japan. The book concludes with an assessment of the prospects for an American national health care programme in the light of the experiences of these other nations.

This readable and conceptual approach to public policy carefully balances theory and practice to provide students at all levels with a solid grounding in policy analysis. Authors Randy S. Clemons and Mark K. McBeth explore the impact of mixed methodologies on policy analysis, supported by interesting and useful teaching cases. Offering a balanced view of public policy, the text addresses the political basis of policy making and analysis and covers the limitations, practical problems, and ethical implications of different techniques and methodologies.Models and tools are provided to help students develop the analytical skills necessary for policy analysis, while engaging boxes and anecdotes relate concepts to specific examples. In addition to new coverage, this edition has been revised to make the book even more accessible to undergraduates without weakening its usefulness to graduate students.

Methodological in focus and educational in context, Policy Analysis for Educational Leaders: A Step-by-Step Approach presents a guide to the study of educational policy analysis. This text not only discusses and evaluates existing educational policy and relevant literature, but offers a walkthrough that leads readers through the stages of successful policy analysis while providing the background and foundational knowledge that educational administrators need to understand and implement. This text offers instruction for aspiring school leaders on not only how to understand and study educational policy, but how to do it themselves. Educational, practical, and student-focused, Policy Analysis for Educational Leaders: A Step-by-Step Approach meets the needs of aspiring and practicing educational administrators and policy leaders. The reliance on a step-by-step method to policy analysis is accompanied by relevant educational vignettes, case studies, and current news stories that inspire critical analysis of existing educational policies. Each chapter also includes additional helpful organizers such as Chapter Objectives, Focus Questions, Suggested Resources and chapter-by-chapter Annotated Bibliographies that synthesize applicable print and web resources to help to inspire further research and continued education. A foundational resource for students of policy analysis and acting educational leaders, this book find a unique place within the libraries of policymakers and administrators for years to come.