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 L. Weimer is Edwin E. Witte Professor of Political Economy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA. His contributions to public policy scholarship have been widely recognized as he has received the Policy Field Distinguished Contribution Award from the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management and the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Society for Benefit–Cost Analysis.
Aidan R. Vining is Emeritus CNABS Professor of Business and Government Relations at Simon Fraser University, Canada. He is a winner of the John Vanderkamp Prize (Canadian Economics Association) and the J.E. Hodgetts Award (Institute of Public Administration of Canada). He has published widely.