In this update of the 2002 edition, Ammons (public administration and government, U. of North Carolina-Chapel Hill) introduces the role of analysis in government primarily at the city and county levels and practical analytic techniques relevant to their common problems that do not require extensive formal training. Chapters include worked examples and suggested further reading. Tables, figures, boxes, and worksheets address issues including employee retirement system annual rates of return, performance standards, and proposal costs. Technical appendices include a handy summary table of applications of analytic techniques. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)