Tools for Decision Making: A Practical Guide for Local Government

Facing countless challenges -- both critical and common in nature - local government officials make a variety of decisions each and every day in order to maximize efficiency and equity. Whether utilizing performance standards, making adjustments for inflation, or choosing to contract out a service, these managers must be nimble. They operate in an environment, however, in which judgments are not always based on careful analysis. Ammons aims to make an assortment of analytical tools readily available to help these decision makers employ field-tested techniques when dealing with politically charged situations. An ideal supplement, students tackle case-based problems armed with new skills; later, as practitioners, this text will become a handy, one-stop reference source on their shelves, leading them back to tools proven to work in the local arena.

Instruction is straightforwardly presented, with the practical nature of these skills emphasized at every turn. Each chapter includes two boxed features: one highlights additional scenarios for which a tool could be utilized, while the other showcases tips on how to use computer software and the Internet for calculations and analysis. A wealth of tables, figures, and exhibits further enhance readability. Suggested reading lists point students to additional resources.

David N. Ammons is Albert Coates Professor of Public Administration and Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Among his other books on local government management are Municipal Benchmarks: Assessing Local Performance and Establishing Community Standards and Leading Performance Management in Local Government. Early in his career he served in various administrative capacities in four municipalities-- Fort Worth, Texas; Hurst, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona; and Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He consults with local governments on organizational and management concerns, including performance measurement and productivity improvement.