The best way to play the game IMHO is following the scientific method. Chart below.

1: State the Problem
Basically state the problem with your town.

2: Make Observations
Use your sense of sight to observe the issue.

3: Gather Information
Essentially make a list in head or on notepad of the places where information on the issue is gathered.

4:Form A Hypothesis
Using the info gathered, make an educated guess at the problem.

5: Experiment
-Controlled experiment: only one variable is being changed/ manipulated at a time.
-Control: is the part of an experiment that is standard against which results are compared.
-Dependent Variable: is the condition in the experiment that is being tested. (is the variable that you would be measuring)
-Independent Variable: is the variable that is being changed/ manipulated in the experiment.
-Constant: any variable that remains the same for all experimental groups.

Form an experiment to test your hypothesis

6: Collect Data
Gather data off of the experiment

7: Analyze Found Data
Make a graph in head or on notepad, keeping the data found.

8: Form A Conclusion
State the conclusions.

The cycle can go on for a long time. It may be repetitive. Meaning you come to a conclusion and it is a conclusion, of which you don't want happening in your towns, so you basically repeat it.

Enjoy.

I never thought of applying the scientific method to Simcity! Nice idea.

If you are familar with Francis Bacon, then you should know what I am up for...

Studying?

SCIENCE! Allthough SC4 doesn't really have anything to do with science, however the scientific method is appliable in almost anything. Or should I say anything.