The eightfold path -- Overview of the book -- pt. 1. The eightfold path -- Step One : Define the problem -- Step two : Assemble some evidence -- Step three : Construct the alternatives -- Step four : Select the criteria -- Step five : Project the outcomes -- Step six : Confront the trade-offs -- Step seven : Decide! -- Step eight : Tell your story -- pt. 2. Assembling evidence -- Getting started -- Locating relevant sources -- Gaining access and engaging assistance -- Conducting a policy research interview -- Using language to characterize and calibrate -- Protecting credibility -- Strategic dilemmas of policy research -- pt. 3. "Smart (best) practices" research : understanding and making use of what look like good ideas from somewhere else -- Develop realistic expectations -- Analyze smart practices -- Observe the practice -- Describe generic vulnerabilities -- But will it work here? -- Back to the eightfold path --

Appendix A : Specimen of a real-world policy analysis -- Preface -- Summary -- Appendix B : Things governments do -- Taxes -- Regulation -- Subsidies and grants -- Service provision -- Agency budgets -- Information -- The structure of private rights -- The framework of economic activity -- Education and consultation -- Financing and contracting -- Bureaucratic and political reforms -- Appendix C : Understanding public and nonprofit institutions : asking the right questions -- Mission -- Environment -- Performance measurement -- Technology -- Production/delivery processes -- Front-line workers and co-producers -- Partners and other outsiders -- Centralization/decentralization -- Culture and communications -- Politics -- Leadership -- Change -- Appendix D : Strategic advice on the dynamics of political support -- References -- Index.