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Introduction

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Book cover Public Policy Analysis

Part of the book series: International Series in Operations Research & Management Science ((ISOR,volume 179))

Abstract

The world is undergoing rapid changes. The future is uncertain. Policymakers are faced with problem situations that are complex, and with alternative courses of action that can produce far-reaching consequences that are hard to predict. Different groups perceive and value the problem situation and the alternative actions differently. Nevertheless, policymakers have a responsibility to develop and implement policies that have the best chance of contributing to the health, safety, and well being of their constituencies. Given this context, policymaking is not easy. Uncertainties abound. Data are limited. Identifying the key issues is a difficult task. However, without proper analysis and guidance, important policy choices end up being based on hunches and guesses, and policy processes may get stuck for long periods—sometimes with regrettable results.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5015, 2600 GA, Delft, The Netherlands

    Wil A. H. Thissen & Warren E. Walker

Authors
  1. Wil A. H. Thissen
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  2. Warren E. Walker
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Wil A. H. Thissen .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Technology, Policy and Man, Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box, Delft, 2600 GA, Netherlands

    Wil A. H. Thissen

  2. , Department of Technology, Policy and Man, Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5015, Delft, 2600 GA, Netherlands

    Warren E. Walker

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Thissen, W.A., Walker, W.E. (2013). Introduction. In: Thissen, W., Walker, W. (eds) Public Policy Analysis. International Series in Operations Research & Management Science, vol 179. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-4602-6_1

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