From the Editor

Abstract

This final Issue of the Review for 2004 contains very useful treatments of policy research from the domains of regulation—including financial (Stephen Harris) and forest management (Jacqueline Vaughn and Hanna Cortner), to domains of more mainstream social policy, such as affirmative action (Garth Massey) and collegiate sports (Kenneth Meier et al.). The perspectives taken by the authors include state level as well as national, governmental. The Issue also provides a review of national level science and technology investment policy (James Richardson, Robert Peters and Whitney Matson), and a methodological contribution aimed at a system of systems approach to government analysis and management of increasingly complex problems (Dan DeLaurentis and Robert Callaway). RPR continues to grow in its subscription base and evolve in its format and mission. Beginning with the first Issue of Calendar Year 2005 (Issue 22), we will adapt a format that includes target article critique and commentary, with rejoinder, all bundled in the same “package.” This style has proven to be successful in other academic journals [see for example Behavioral and Brain Sciences (Cambridge University Press)]. It is important to mention that these critiques and commentary will be peer-reviewed and edited. Our non-scientific discussions with faculty, department chairs, and deans makes us fairly confident that these short-version manuscripts will be creditable for academic consideration. Depending on feedback—which we are specifically soliciting—we may also adapt a précis component, much as is provided by well-known media such as Nature. These articles would be prepared by editorial staff as independent descriptions of the scholarly papers included in a particular Issue. The précis is principally intended for consumption by practicing policy specialists, but will likely be useful for anyone interested in more than mere abstracts. The year 2004 has been a tremendously successful one for the Review. Increased communication and coordination with the editorial staff of our sister publication, Policy Studies Journal, learning curve triumphs at Potomac, the addition of Janelle Gatchalian as Assistant Editor, and significantly improved communication with the Publisher—Blackwell—have all contributed significantly to our success. No less important has been the inspired leadership of PSO President, Paul Rich, Secretary Harrell Rogers and Executive Director David Merchant. I personally doubt that anything important could fail with these scholar-gentlemen on the front lines . . . and at headquarters . . .