Policy Analysis: Concepts and Practice

Often described as a public policy ＂bible,＂ Weimer and Vining remains the essential primer it ever was. Now in a thoroughly revised seventh edition, Policy Analysis provides a strong conceptual foundation of the rationales for and the limitations to public policy. It offers practical advice about how to do policy analysis, and goes a bit deeper to demonstrate the application of advanced analytical techniques through the use of case studies. Updates to this edition include:

• An all-new introductory case on corporate taxation;
• Consideration of addiction as a rationale for public policy;
• Discussion of public policy issues related to platforms and intermediation, especially to digital service delivery;
• Updated discussion of information gathering from the perspectives of internal and external validity;
• An updated British Columbia salmon fishery case.

The textbook is supported by online materials for instructors, including suggestions for and examples of course policy projects, a project assessment template, sample instructions to students for preparing policy reports, as well as discussion questions and answers for each chapter. Cases that have been removed from the seventh edition remain available on the book’s webpage. Policy Analysis: Concepts and Practices remains a comprehensive, serious, and rich introduction to policy analysis for students in public policy, public administration, and business programs.

David Weimer is Edwin E. Witte Professor of Political Economy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.

Aidan R. Vining is Emeritus CNABS Professor of Business and Government Relations at Simon Fraser University, Canada.