Author: Thomas Alan, Chataway Joanna, Wuyts Marc
Place: New Delhi
Publisher: Sage Publications
Year: 1998
Pages: 376
ISBN: 81-7036-738-7
Subject: Urbanisation
Sub-Subject: Urban Studies
Keyword: Policy Making, Development Practice, Research Methods, Development Goals, Adaptive Approaches
Classification: 330
Shelf: C1R4
Accession No: B953
Contents: Introduction, Part I: Conceptualizing Policy-related Investigation, Part II: Thinking With Paper, Part III: Thinking With People and Organizations, Part IV: Thinking With Data, Conclusion: Personal Effectiveness and Integrity, References, Acknowledgements, index
Abstract: *Finding Out Fast* is a guide for development practitioners and policy influencers working under time constraints and limited resources. Edited by Alan Thomas, the book explores research skills and methods that support sound, timely decision-making in complex, multi-agency development environments. It emphasizes that policy-making is an ongoing process, not a fixed blueprint, and highlights the need for adaptive and reflective approaches to research. Rather than offering a toolkit of quick-fix answers, the book critically reviews various research strategies and aims to help readers become competent in conducting, commissioning, and evaluating research effectively. Targeted at both newcomers and experienced practitioners, *Finding Out Fast* addresses real-world dilemmas in development work—such as making decisions with incomplete data and navigating political complexities. It provides practical insights while encouraging deeper reflection on how practitioners think and work, whether with data, people, or organizations. The contributors, all with substantial field experience, bring clarity to complex issues through accessible writing and nuanced perspectives. Ultimately, the book shows that even in fast-paced environments, decisions can be made responsibly and intelligently. It fills a significant gap in development literature by offering thoughtful, actionable guidance for improving policy-informing research under pressure.