About
About the Book
Tools for Decision Making is a guide to practical techniques of analysis for local government. It features analytic methods selected for their relevance to everyday problems encountered in cities and counties—problems faced in different form and scale at other levels of government as well. Most of the techniques described in this volume can be mastered quickly and easily. Several are among the simplest that the fields of industrial engineering, policy analysis, and management science have to offer. None requires advanced mathematical skills–at least, not in the form presented here. Most of the selected techniques could be performed by hand without too much difficulty, although access to a computer will make simple techniques even easier and will be especially important in a few cases. Spreadsheet tips and helpful websites are scattered throughout the volume.
Many books that address the topic of analysis for decision making miss the mark for readers searching for handy techniques that can be put to immediate use on the job. Those books focus on impressive techniques that are difficult to grasp without extensive formal training or a major commitment to self-directed study. Spare time for developing new skills, however, is a commodity in short supply for the busy practitioner who seeks timely solutions to pressing problems. Still other books come up short as they provide a broad overview of the issues and promise of analysis but fail to deliver practical methods of immediate value.
Why this Book?
Tools for Decision Making is different than all others. Techniques that are abstract, impractical, or that demand advanced mathematical skills are not included. Instead, the reader will find easy-to-understand, easy-to-apply, practical techniques of analysis especially suited to local government. Each is offered as a simple tool for the busy public official who favors data-based decision making over intuition.
“Finally, a no-nonsense, how-to book that takes the fear out of statistics and analysis. Tools for Decision Making is an ideal book to use in masters-level research methods classes where the emphasis is on equipping students with basic tools of analysis that they can use in their careers.”
David Schultz
Distinguished University Professor of Political Science and Legal Studies
Hamline University
“Tools for Decision Making is a gold mine of ideas for improving services. It makes difficult-sounding management techniques very understandable. I caution owners of the book to be leery of those who seek to borrow it; else it may go the same way as the trusty hammer and saw.”
W. Bartley Hildreth
Professor
Center for State and Local Finance
Department of Public Management and Policy
Georgia State University
“Tools for Decision Making is a very user-friendly book that can be used in policy analysis or financial management courses in upper-division or graduate instruction. Ammons and Roenigk use excellent examples that place tools in realistic and appropriate context for typical public administration students.”
Howard Frank
Professor
Department of Public Policy & Administration
Florida International University