PrefaceAcknowledgmentsIntroductionPart I THE EIGHTFOLD PATHStep One: Define the ProblemStep Two: Assemble Some EvidenceStep Three: Construct the AlternativesStep Four: Select the CriteriaStep Five: Project the OutcomesStep Six: Confront the Trade-OffsStep Seven: Stop, Focus, Narrow, Deepen, Decide!Step Eight: Tell Your StoryPART II ASSEMBLING EVIDENCEGetting StartedLocating Relevant SourcesGaining Access and Engaging AssistanceConducting a Policy Research InterviewUsing Language to Characterize and CalibrateProtecting CredibilityStrategic Dilemmas of Policy ResearchPART III HANDLING A DESIGN PROBLEMIts a Production SystemCrosswalks to the Eightfold PathDefine the Problem--Focus on a Primary OutcomeConstruct the Alternatives--Configure the System's Organizational Structure and Its Operating ProcessesSelect the Criteria--Define the Objectives to Be AchievedProject the Outcomes--Test Whether It Will WorkConfront the Trade-Offs--Examine the System from Multiple PerspectivesDesign a Transition StrategyPART IV "SMART (BEST) PRACTICES" RESEARCH: UNDERSTANDING AND MAKING USE OF WHAT LOOK LIKE GOOD IDEAS FROM SOMEWHERE ELSEDevelop Realistic ExpectationsAnalyze Smart PracticesObserve the PracticeDescribe Generic VulnerabilitiesBut Will It Work Here?Back to the Eightfold PathAPPENDIX A SPECIMEN OF A REAL-WORLD POLICY ANALYSISPrefaceSummaryReducing Consumption: More Enforcement against Typical DealersReducing Consumption: More Enforcement against Higher-Level DealersReducing Cocaine-Related CrimeConclusionAppendix B THINGS GOVERNMENTS DOTaxesRegulationSubsidies and GrantsService ProvisionAgency BudgetsInformationThe Structure of Private RightsThe Framework of Economic ActivityEducation and ConsultationFinancing and ContractingBureaucratic and Political ReformsAPPENDIX C UNDERSTANDING PUBLIC AND NONPROFIT INSTITUTIONS: ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONSMissionEnvironmentPerformance MeasurementTechnologyProduction/Delivery ProcessesFrontline Workers and Co-ProducersPartners and Other OutsidersCentralization/DecentralizationCulture and CommunicationsPoliticsLeadershipChangeAPPENDIX D STRATEGIC ADVICE ON THE DYNAMICS OF GATHERING POLITICAL SUPPORTSequencingTimingAPPENDIX E TIPS FOR WORKING WITH CLIENTSReferencesIndex.