Public Policy Analysis: An Introduction

This book is a problem-oriented, integrated, multidisciplinary synthesis of concepts and methods of public policy analysis. The multidisciplinary synthesis is achieved by means of an information processing approach that views policy analysis as a process of problem solving through the effective production, transformation, and critique of policy-relevant information. The book draws from political science, public administration, economics, decision analysis, and social and political theory to achieve the only integrated, multidisciplinary book on policy analysis currently available. Public Policy Analysis bridges the gap between “academics” and “policy makers” by using theories, concepts, and methods that bridge theory and practice. What Is Policy Analysis?; What Is Policy Making?; Policy Analysis in the Policy-Making Process; Policy Analysis as Science; The Logic of Integrated Policy Analysis; Policy Argumentation and Public Debate; Structuring Policy Problems; Forecasting Policy Futures; Recommending Policy Actions; Monitoring Policy Outcomes; Evaluating Policy Performance; Writing Policy Memos and Issue Papers; Planning Oral Briefings; SPSS Routines for Statistical Analysis; DPL Routines for Decision Analysis; Net Present Value and Compound Interest.