This is a book about making choices based on the evaluation of alternatives. Primarily written for people having to learn to make policy decisions, the methods discussed are generally applicable. The starting point of the book is the notion that the outcomes of choices are often worse than people expect. To improve outcomes, an evaluation beforehand and a thorough deliberation of the advantages of various alternatives can be useful. This book discusses the major problems and makes recommendations for decision makers who want to optimize the outcomes of their choices.

Product Description: De Vries argues that it is possible to explain when and in what direction policy change is likely to occur. He argues that what is neglected at present is likely to become dominant in policies of the near future. With the birth of a new policy generation a convergence towards meeting the dominant value of that generation will become evident...read more

Product Description: A multidisciplinary analysis of the role of values and virtue in public administration, this book calls for a rediscovery of virtue. It explores ways of enabling the public sector to balance the values that are presently dominant with classic values such as accountability, representation, equality, neutrality, transparency and the public interest...read more