INTRODUCTION The Eightfold Path Overview of the Book PART I 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 PART II 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 PART III ¿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.