Based on the author's own experience of impact assessment as a component of policy-oriented research, this book provides a practical introduction to the methodology of social impact assessment. The coverage is comprehensive, well-balanced and up-to-date, with a systematic approach to the effective use of techniques designed to sharpen public policy formulation. The book features case-study and exercise material, and also incorporates useful summaries at the end of each chapter, making it ideal for teaching purposes.Social impact assessment will also be an invaluable professional resource for social and environmental scientists, for policy makers and consultants, and for those running management seminars on strategic learning, scenario-planning and action research. It is also intended as a textbook for upper-level undergraduate and postgraduate students of social and environmental science, management and policy studies.