Eightfold path (policy analysis)
The eightfold path is a method of policy analysis assembled by Eugene Bardach, a professor at the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley.[1] It is outlined in his book A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis: The Eightfold Path to More Effective Problem Solving, which is now in its fourth edition.[2] The book is commonly referenced in public policy and public administration scholarship.[3]
Bardach's procedure is as follows:
- Define the problem
- Assemble the evidence
- Construct the alternatives
- Select the criteria
- Project the outcomes
- Confront the trade-offs
- Decide
- Tell your story
A possible ninth step, based on Bardach's own writing, might be "repeat steps 1 - 8 as necessary."
The New York taxi driver test
The New York taxi driver test is a technique for evaluating the effectiveness of communication between policy makers and analysts. Bardach contends that policy explanations must be clear and down-to-earth enough for a taxi driver to be able to understand the premise during a trip through city streets. The New York taxi driver is presumed to be both a non-specialist and a tough customer.[4][5]
See also
References
- ^ "Eugene Bardach | Emeritus Professor of Public Policy". University of California at Berkeley.
- ^ "CQ Press: Book: A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis: The Eightfold Path to More Effective Problem Solving, 4th Edition, Eugene Bardach". CQ Press. Archived from the original on 10 October 2011. Retrieved 29 October 2011.
- ^ "List of scholarly works referencing A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis". Google Scholar. Retrieved 6 August 2011.
- ^ Bardach, Eugene (2000). A practical guide for policy analysis: the eightfold path to more effective problem solving. Chatham House Publishers, Seven Bridges Press. ISBN 978-1-889119-29-8.
- ^ "Digital Fishers – The Taxi Driver Pitch". Archived from the original on 12 July 2011. Retrieved 13 May 2012.