LIBS 887 - Information Policy PDF

ABU LOGO2 **Distance Learning Centre** **Ahmadu Bello University** **Zaria, Nigeria** **LIBS 887:** **Information Policy** **Course Material** **Programme : Master in Information Management (MIM)** © Distance Learning Centre, ABU Zaria, Nigeria, 2018 **All rights reserved. No part of this p...

ABU LOGO2 **Distance Learning Centre** **Ahmadu Bello University** **Zaria, Nigeria** **LIBS 887:** **Information Policy** **Course Material** **Programme : Master in Information Management (MIM)** © Distance Learning Centre, ABU Zaria, Nigeria, 2018 **All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the Director, Distance Learning Centre, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.** **First published 2018 in Nigeria** ***Published and Printed by*** **Ahmadu Bello University Press Limited** Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Tel.: 08065949711. e-mail: ; abupress2013\@gmail.com **ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS** **We acknowledge the use of the Courseware of the NOUN the primary resource. Internal reviewers in the Ahmadu Bello University who extensively reviewed and enhanced the material have been duly listed as members of the Courseware development team.** **\ ** **Course Writers/** **Development Team** **Editor** Prof. M.I Sule **Course Materials Development Overseer** Dr. Usman Abubakar Zaria **Subject Matter Expert** Mal. Ahmadu Yusuf **Subject Matter Reviewer** Abdullahi Hussaini **Language Reviewer** Enegoloinu Adakole **Instructional Designers/Graphics** Ibrahim Otukoya, Abubakar Haruna **Proposed Course Coordinator** Abdullahi Hussaini **ODL Expert** Mal. Ahmad Yusuf **QUOTE** ***Learning gives creativity, creativity leads to thinking, thinking provides knowledge, and knowledge makes you great.*** **Contents** **Title Page............................................................................?** **Acknowledgement Page.........................................................?** **Copyright Page.......................................................................?** **Course Writers/Development Team.............................................?** **Table of Content.......................................................................?** **COURSE STUDY GUIDE ?** **Preamble - - - - - - - - - -** i. **Course Information - - - - - - -8** ii. **Course Introduction and Description - - - - -8** iii. **Course Prerequisites - - - - - - -8** iv. **Course Learning Resources - - - - - -9** v. **Course Objectives and Outcomes - - - - -10** vi. **Activities to Meet Course Objectives - - - - -10** vii. **Time (To complete Syllabus/Course) - - - - -10** viii. **Grading Criteria and Scale - - - - - -11** ix. **OER Resources - - - - - - - -12** x. **ABU DLC Academic Calendar - - - - - -14** xi. **Course Structure and Outline - - - - - -15** xii. **STUDY MODULES - - - - - - -21** **MODULE 1: Concept and Features Of Information Policy - - 21** Study Session 1: The Concept, Features and Essence of Information Policy **-21** Study Session2**:** The Types, Levels and Uses of Information Policies - -**37** Study Session3**:** Challenges of Information Policy in Nigeria and dangers **MODULE 2: Steps to Information Policy Development, Approaches and** **Methods in Policy Analysis- -55** Study Session 1: Steps to Information Policy development and guidelines for -**55** Study Session 2: The Perspective, Descriptive, Micro and Macro approaches Study Session 3: Qualitative and Quantitative methods - - - -**70** Study Session 4: System theories and Information Policy analysis models -**75** **MODULE 3: Theories of Policy Making - - - -83** Study Session 1**:** Institutional and Group Theories - - - - -**83** Study Session 2**:** The Rational-Comprehensive, Satisfying and Mixed Scanning Study Session 3**:** The Policy Process - - - - - - -**97** **Course Study** **Guide** **Course Information** **Course Code**: **LIBS 887** **Course Title**: Information Policy **Credit Units**: 3CU **Semester**: **First Semester** i. **COURSE INTRODUCTION AND DESCRIPTION** You are welcome to LIBS 887,this is a 3credit unit first semester course. I will be your guide in the span of this course, you should feel free to ask questions when in a form of difficulties relating this course, and my door is always open. Information Policy is a 3 -credit unit course consisting of three (3) Modules and a total of 10 units. It is one-semester course for students offering Master in Information Management (MIM). Each unit is to he covered in 3 hours and it is a core course. ii. **COURSE PREREQUISITES** **You should note that although this course has no subject pre-requisite, you are expected to have:** 1. **Satisfactory level of English proficiency** 2. **Basic Computer Operations proficiency** 3. **Online interaction proficiency** 4. **Web 2.0 and Social media interactive skills** iii. **COURSE TEXTBOOK(S)** Braman, S. (2011).Defining Information Policy.*Journal of Information Policy..*Cambridge, MA:MIT Press. McClure, C. R. & Jaeger, P. T. (2008). Government information policy research: Importance, Orna.E (1990) *Practical information policies*. London: British Library Cataloguing in Publicatio Dataapproaches, and realities. *Library & Information Science Research*, 30, 257-264. Rubin, R. (2010). *Foundations of Library and Information Science.*3rd edition.Neal-Schuman. BCLA (1998) What is information Policy. Retrieved(09/06/2016) from http://www.vcn.bc.ca/bcla-ip/committee/broch95.html.. Dror, Y. (1973). *Public Policy Making Re-examined.*London: Leonard Hill Book. Dye, I. (1978).*Understanding Public Policy.*Englewood Cliff: N.J. Prentice Hall Inc. Ikelegbe, A.O. (1996). *Public Policy Making and Analysis.*Benin- City: URI Publishing Ltd. James, W.T (2001) *Language Policies in Education: Critical Issues.* London: Routledge. McKinney, B. & Howard, L,C (1979). *Public Administration, Balancing Power and Accountability.*U.S. O a k P a r k : I l l i n o i s Moore Publishing Company Inc. Theodore, L. (1964). "American Business Public; Policy, Case Studies and Political Theory" World Politics.Vol XVI. No.4. iv. **COURSE OUTCOMES** The main objectives of this course are given in each unit. However, you will achieve the following objectives after successful completion of this course: 1. Explain the concept of Information Policy. 2. List and explain different types and features of Information Policy 3. Discuss the levels of Information Policy 4. Highlight the steps involved in Information Policy formulation 5. Discuss the models, theories approaches tools and techniques of Information Policy. 6. Enumerates the challenges in Policy Implementation and evaluation process. Among others v. **ACTIVITIES TO MEET COURSE OBJECTIVES** **Specifically, this course shall comprise of the following activities:** 1. **Studying courseware** 2. **Listening to course audios** 3. **Watching relevant course videos** 4. **Field activities, industrial attachment or internship, laboratory or studio work (whichever is applicable)** 5. **Course assignments (individual and group)** 6. **Forum discussion participation** 7. **Tutorials (optional)** 8. **Semester examinations (CBT and essay based).** vi. **TIME (TO COMPLETE SYLABUS/COURSE)** **To cope with this course, you would be expected to commit a minimum of 3 hours Weekly for the Course.** vii. **GRADING CRITERIA AND SCALE** **Grading Criteria** -------------------- A. **Formative assessment** Grades will be based on the following: +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Individual assignments/test (CA 1,2 etc.) 20 | | | | Group assignments (GCA 1, 2 etc.) 10 | | | | Discussions/Quizzes/Out of class engagements etc. 10 | | | | B. **Summative assessment (Semester examination)** | | | | CBT based 30 | | | | [Essay based 30 ] | | | | **TOTAL 100%** | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ **Grading Scale:** ------------------ A = 70-100 B = 60 -- 69 C = 50 - 59 D = 45-49 F = 0-44 D. **Feedback** ***Courseware based:*** **1. In-text questions and answers (answers preceding references)** **2. Self-assessment questions and answers (answers preceding references)** ***Tutor based:*** **1. Discussion Forum tutor input** **2. Graded Continuous assessments** ***Student based:*** 1. **Online programme assessment (administration, learning resource, deployment, and assessment).** viii. **LINKS TO OPEN EDUCATION RESOURCES** - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - i. **Course Structure** +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | **WEEK** | **MODULE** | **STUDY | **ACTIVITY** | | | | SESSION** | | +=================+=================+=================+=================+ | **Week 1** | **STUDY** | **Study Session | 1. Read | | | | 1:** | Courseware | | | **MODULE 1** | | for the | | | | The Concept, | correspondi | | | **Concept And | Features and | ng | | | Features Of | Essence of | Study | | | Information | Information | Session. | | | Policy** | Policy**Pp. | | | | | 21** | 2. View the | | | | | Video(s) on | | | | | this Study | | | | | Session | | | | | | | | | | 3. Listen to | | | | | the Audio | | | | | on this | | | | | Study | | | | | Session | | | | | | | | | | 4. View any | | | | | other | | | | | Video/U-tub | | | | | e | | | | | (address/si | | | | | te | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 5. View | | | | | referred | | | | | Animation | | | | | (Address/Si | | | | | te | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | **Week 2** | | **Study Session | 1. Read | | | | 2** | Courseware | | | | | for the | | | | The Types, | correspondi | | | | Levels and Uses | ng | | | | of Information | Study | | | | Policies | Session. | | | | | | | | | **Pp. 37** | 2. View the | | | | | Video(s) on | | | | | this Study | | | | | Session | | | | | | | | | | 3. Listen to | | | | | the Audio | | | | | on this | | | | | Study | | | | | Session | | | | | | | | | | 4. View any | | | | | other | | | | | Video/U-tub | | | | | e | | | | | (address/si | | | | | te | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 5. View | | | | | referred | | | | | Animation | | | | | (Address/Si | | | | | te | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | **Week 3** | | **Study Session | 1. Read | | | | 3** | Courseware | | | | | for the | | | | Challenges of | correspondi | | | | Information | ng | | | | Policy in | Study | | | | Nigeria and | Session. | | | | dangers for not | | | | | having | 2. View the | | | | organizational | Video(s) on | | | | Information | this Study | | | | Policy | Session | | | | | | | | | **Pp. 45** | 3. Listen to | | | | | the Audio | | | | | on this | | | | | Study | | | | | Session | | | | | | | | | | 4. View any | | | | | other | | | | | Video/U-tub | | | | | e | | | | | (address/si | | | | | te | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 5. View | | | | | referred | | | | | Animation | | | | | (Address/Si | | | | | te | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | **Week 5** | **STUDY** | **Study Session | 1. Read | | | | 1** | Courseware | | | **MODULE 2** | | for the | | | | Steps to | correspondi | | | **Steps To | Information | ng | | | Information | Policy | Study | | | Policy | development and | Session. | | | Development, | guidelines for | | | | Approaches And | effective | 2. View the | | | Methods In | Policy making | Video(s) on | | | Policy | | this Study | | | Analysis** | **Pp. 55** | Session | | | | | | | | | | 3. Listen to | | | | | the Audio | | | | | on this | | | | | Study | | | | | Session | | | | | | | | | | 4. View any | | | | | other | | | | | Video/U-tub | | | | | e | | | | | (address/si | | | | | te | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 5. View | | | | | referred | | | | | Animation | | | | | (Address/Si | | | | | te | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | **Week 6** | | **Study Session | 1. Read | | | | 2** | Courseware | | | | | for the | | | | The | correspondi | | | | Perspective, | ng | | | | Descriptive, | Study | | | | Micro and Macro | Session. | | | | approaches in | | | | | policy analysis | 2. View the | | | | | Video(s) on | | | | **Pp. 63** | this Study | | | | | Session | | | | | | | | | | 3. Listen to | | | | | the Audio | | | | | on this | | | | | Study | | | | | Session | | | | | | | | | | 4. View any | | | | | other | | | | | Video/U-tub | | | | | e | | | | | (address/si | | | | | te | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 5. View | | | | | referred | | | | | Animation | | | | | (Address/Si | | | | | te | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | **Week 7** | | **Study Session | 1. Read | | | | 3** | Courseware | | | | | for the | | | | Qualitative and | correspondi | | | | Quantitative | ng | | | | methods | Study | | | | | Session. | | | | **Pp. 70** | | | | | | 2. View the | | | | | Video(s) on | | | | | this Study | | | | | Session | | | | | | | | | | 3. Listen to | | | | | the Audio | | | | | on this | | | | | Study | | | | | Session | | | | | | | | | | 4. View any | | | | | other | | | | | Video/U-tub | | | | | e | | | | | (address/si | | | | | te | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 5. View | | | | | referred | | | | | Animation | | | | | (Address/Si | | | | | te | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | **Week 8** | | **Study Session | 1. Read | | | | 4** | Courseware | | | | | for the | | | | System theories | correspondi | | | | and Information | ng | | | | Policy analysis | Study | | | | models | Session. | | | | | | | | | **Pp. 75** | 2. View the | | | | | Video(s) on | | | | | this Study | | | | | Session | | | | | | | | | | 3. Listen to | | | | | the Audio | | | | | on this | | | | | Study | | | | | Session | | | | | | | | | | 4. View any | | | | | other | | | | | Video/U-tub | | | | | e | | | | | (address/si | | | | | te | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 5. View | | | | | referred | | | | | Animation | | | | | (Address/Si | | | | | te | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | **Week 9** | **STUDY** | **Study Session | 1. Read | | | | 1** | Courseware | | | **MODULE 3** | | for the | | | | Institutional | correspondi | | | **Theories Of | and Group | ng | | | Policy Making** | Theories | Study | | | | | Session. | | | | **Pp. 83** | | | | | | 2. View the | | | | | Video(s) on | | | | | this Study | | | | | Session | | | | | | | | | | 3. Listen to | | | | | the Audio | | | | | on this | | | | | Study | | | | | Session | | | | | | | | | | 4. View any | | | | | other | | | | | Video/U-tub | | | | | e | | | | | (address/si | | | | | te | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 5. View | | | | | referred | | | | | Animation | | | | | (Address/Si | | | | | te | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | **Week 10** | | **Study Session | 1. Read | | | | 2** | Courseware | | | | | for the | | | | The | correspondi | | | | Rational-Compre | ng | | | | hensive, | Study | | | | Satisfying and | Session. | | | | Mixed Scanning | | | | | | 2. View the | | | | Models | Video(s) on | | | | | this Study | | | | **Pp. 89** | Session | | | | | | | | | | 3. Listen to | | | | | the Audio | | | | | on this | | | | | Study | | | | | Session | | | | | | | | | | 4. View any | | | | | other | | | | | Video/U-tub | | | | | e | | | | | (address/si | | | | | te | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 5. View | | | | | referred | | | | | Animation | | | | | (Address/Si | | | | | te | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | **Week 11** | | **Study Session | 1. Read | | | | 3** | Courseware | | | | | for the | | | | The Policy | correspondi | | | | Process | ng | | | | | Study | | | | **Pp. 97** | Session. | | | | | | | | | | 2. View the | | | | | Video(s) on | | | | | this Study | | | | | Session | | | | | | | | | | 3. Listen to | | | | | the Audio | | | | | on this | | | | | Study | | | | | Session | | | | | | | | | | 4. View any | | | | | other | | | | | Video/U-tub | | | | | e | | | | | (address/si | | | | | te | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 5. View | | | | | referred | | | | | Animation | | | | | (Address/Si | | | | | te | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | **Week 13** | | **REVISION/TUTO | | | | | RIALS | | | | | (On Campus or | | | | | Online) & | | | | | CONSOLIDATION | | | | | WEEK** | | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ | **Week 14 & | | **SEMESTER | | | 15** | | EXAMINATION** | | +-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+ **Course Outline** **MODULE 1: Concept and Features of Information Policy** Study Session 1: The Concept, Features and Essence of Information Policy Study Session2**:** The Types, Levels and Uses of Information Policies Study Session3**:** Challenges of Information Policy in Nigeria and dangers for not **MODULE 2: Steps to Information Policy Development, Approaches and** **Methods in Policy Analysis-** Study Session 1: Steps to Information Policy development and guidelines for - Study Session 2: The Perspective, Descriptive, Micro and Macro approaches in Study Session 3: Qualitative and Quantitative methods Study Session 4: System theories and Information Policy analysis models **MODULE 3: Theories of Policy Making** Study Session 1**:** Institutional and Group Theories Study Session 2**:** The Rational-Comprehensive, Satisfying and Mixed Scanning Study Session 3**:** The Policy Process **\ ** **Study Modules** **MODULE 1: Concept and Features of Information Policy** **Contents:** Study Session 1: The Concept, Features and Essence of Information Policy Study Session2**:** The Types, Levels and Uses of Information Policies Study Session3**:** Challenges of Information Policy in Nigeria and dangers for not **Study Session 1** **The Concept and Features of Information Policy** **Section and Subsection Headings:** Introduction 1.0 Learning Outcomes 2.0 Main Content 2.1- Definition of Information Policy 2.2 -The Features and criteria for evaluating Information Policy 2.3- The Essence of Information Policy 3. Study Session Summary and Conclusion 4. Self-Assessment Questions 5. Additional Activities (Videos, Animations & Out of Class activities) 6. References/Further Readings **Introduction:** You are welcome to study session 1 of this course, in this session you will be exposed to the concept **information policy**, you will also study its features. We are going to have an interesting time together, because it is going to be a smooth ride. Let us look at History; new scholarly journals appeared when new *subjects* of study achieved disciplinary or sub-disciplinary status. Today, they are also created when new *audiences* and communities of scholarly *practice* appear. In the area of information policy, you see all three types of developments. As a subject of study, information policy emerged as a distinct field during the last decades of the 20th century as one manifestation of the shift from an industrial to an information society, in a manner parallel to the appearance of the micro- and macro-economics of information (Braman, 2011). **1.0 Study Session Learning Outcomes** After you have finished studying this session, you should be able to: 1. Define Information Policy 2. List the features and criteria for evaluating Information Policy outline the essence of Information Policy **2.0 Main Content** **2.1 Definition of Information Policy** Policy is a word often used in a very general way. What is encompassed by this term, and how might we apply it to the role of information in society? Let us look at the definition of policy by McClure and Jaeger (2008), these individuals say that policy is directives intended to shape decisions and actions of individuals, organisations, and government agencies. Rubin (2010) offers us a more general definition by stating that policy typically refers to political laws or regulations yet can also mean a rule or practice followed more locally. This will sound interestingly to you, library and information policy could be defined as those laws, regulations and practices intended to facilitate the creation and dissemination of information throughout society. A fundamental aspect of this goal is creating channels for this to happen. Computer networks are one example of a channel, and libraries are another. Colloquially, information policy provides an umbrella term for all laws, regulations, and doctrinal positions that deal with information, communication, and culture. More precisely: *Information policy is comprised of laws, regulations, and doctrinal positions -- and other decision making and practices with society-wide constitutive effects -- involving information creation, processing, flows, access, and use.* Marking the boundaries of the domain with "information creation, processing, flows, access, and use" provides a synthetic and succinct heuristic that meets important evaluative criteria. (1) It is valid. This definition of the information policy domain has repeatedly demonstrated its utility for identifying the information policy elements in a wide variety of types of legal instruments, from arms control treaties to Supreme Court decisions. It is as valid for studying the history of information policy as it is for proposed laws under debate today. (2) It is comprehensive. Whether the subject under discussion is access to government information, mass media, the census, research funding, or network neutrality, this approach makes it possible to analyse the issue at hand through common lenses. Indeed, it provides a means of identifying information policy issues that may not have historically been evident despite their constitutive impact, such as export controls, the census, and rules for accounting systems. (3) It is theoretically sound, based on economic, social, political, and cultural theories explicated in depth elsewhere in my work and that of many other authors. (4) It is methodologically **operationalisable**; that is, it is a definitional approach that can be easily incorporated into the operational details of uses of a variety of research methods. And (5) it is translatable into the multiple languages in which the audiences of information policy speak, from those of traditional types of legal analysis to the narratives of popular culture (Braman, 2011). According to BCLA (1998), information policy includes the following areas: 1. literacy 2. privatization and distribution of government 3. information 4. freedom of information access 5. protection of personal privacy 6. intellectual property rights 7. retention of archival copies of material 8. information rights **2.2 The Features of Public Policy** How do you go about determining whether policy is good policy?You can say in other words, has it achieved the desired objectives of the organisation and the required outcomes. The following are some of the features and criteria for evaluating Information Policy: **The policy outcomes are clearly stated** You should have it in mind that, policy must have a clear purpose and outcome if it is to be of any value to the organisation. It is important that staff recognise the problem that is being addressed through the policy implementation. You will observe that it is extremely difficult to implement policy in a situation where people do not perceive there is a need for the specific policy unit to be developed or implement. If policy is being implemented to support an organisation in its growth and develop it is imperative that policy outcomes are clearly stated so that everyone and understands why the policy has been implemented in what the policy expectations are. **The assumptions are explicit** It is important for you to note, if part of the policy statement must clearly express why the policy has been written and what is hoped to be achieved by its implementation. Part of the consultative process prior to the implementation of policy needs to be a testing of the process and ideas as to why the policy needs to be implemented. One of the common problems you see within an organizations, is that people among level of the organisation believed policy next year it meant to resolve the specific problem may not necessarily exist across the entire organisation. The assumptions that have been made about why policy needs to be implemented must be tested within the organisational context. Is a perceived problem in one department a rule problem that needs to be addressed from an organisational point of view or is a specific issue relating to that department and had particular personnel within the Department. **There is linkage to organisational direction** It is of paramount important for you to note that, policy makers must ensure that policies linked to the overall direction and goals the organisation. The overall framework of the business will provide some strategic direction, and will be important in assessing the direction of the organisational policies. You as policy writers must ensure that the **policy supports** existing policies and procedures within the organisation. One of the tests of good policy is that it supports the organisation in achieving its goals and objectives. Often time policy through its implementation can in fact hinder staff in achieving the organisational goals. Your policy should be seen as pillars supporting the structure of an organisation. Policy should be written in such a way that they clear obstacles to staff and enable them to better achieve their full potential. **Due process has been observed** The organisational rules and principles must be established and clearly understood as part of the policy development process. It is crucial that all components of the organisation have some input into the policy development. Policy implemented in one department may seem fair and reasonable until that policy has a deleterious effect impact on other parts of the organisation as a whole. As part of the organisational framework the structure needs to be both developed and implemented that will enable policy development to happen in a concise and engaging manner so that all aspects of the organisation have their input into the policy development and implementation. **Stakeholders have been included** You should make sure that your stakeholders in other words those who are directly affected by the implementation of policy and the policy outcomes need to have some inclusive process developed whereby they can participate in the policy development. Part of the policy development process therefore is to clearly identify who all the stakeholders are. And appropriate consultative strategy needs to be implemented as part of the policy development process. One of the significant problems that can develop a stakeholders are invited to participate in policy development is the expectation from each stakeholder their specific outcomes or desires will be achieved by the policy implementation. Oftentimes it is difficult in fact almost impossible to achieve all the desired outcomes from each stakeholder group. One of the key components of **policy development** is to discuss with each of the stakeholder groups the policy outcomes that are going to be implemented. Where these outcomes clearly do not meet the stakeholders' expectations it is imperative that the organisation identify these issues and resolve these conflicts as much as possible. **Public interest has been given a high priority** Public all government policy needs to have as its core public interest. In other words, has the policy been written with the general outcome and expectation being that the public will be better off as result of a policy implementation?It is important for you to note that, one of the core challenges for government as they implement policy is to ensure that the policy impacts do not have a deleterious effect on members of the community. **Organizational expectations have been met** Policy writers must realize that they have two audiences they are dealing with, first audience is a group of people that policy has a direct impact on. In other words, you will agree with me that, the staff that are going to be directly impacted by the policy implementation. Staff may be required to implement new procedures as result of the new policy being implemented. Their work practices may alter to some extent. Undoubtedly, the second audience and in oftentimes more crucial audience other leaders within the organisation. Have the leaders' expectations being addressed and realized in the policy outcome. It serves little purpose of the policy is tabled at a board meeting to find the majority of the board in fact do not support the policy intent or specific outcomes. It is very important you as a, policy writers must have a clear understanding of the organisational expectations and what the policy intent and the outcome is as they develop the policy. **The policy is likely to be effective** The intended policy is to achieve a specific outcome, this outcome needs to be effective in terms of the impact that it has on the organisation. Part of the consultative process is undertaken appropriately will help identify areas where the policy may not be effective I within the organisation. **The policy is both efficient and cost effective** Your **policy directives** must ensure that organisational resources are being used in an appropriate manner. It achieves very little of the new policy is implemented in a cost impact on the organisation is significant. **The policy is measureable** You must keep it in mind that, this refers to measurable indicators that will provide proof a specific policy is having a desired effect. This is especially useful for the evaluation stage of the policy cycle. **There is capacity for evaluation** As indicated in the desired characteristic above, you should be able to measure the effectiveness of any policy gives it capacity to be evaluated. Evaluation of policies helps an organisation determine effectiveness and possible areas where change is needed, enabling that particular organisation to work at its\' most efficient level. **It is appropriately funded** Not only must an organisation ensure its policies, and policy development initiatives, are properly and appropriately funded, it is imperative to identify and set aside the necessary funds for its implementation. Your organisation should be budgeted for these initiatives; stay within budget. **Clear accountability** It should be easily apparent in the policy which persons and departments are accountable for what actions, and within what time frame. You should include everyone, from the policy officers to the direct worker are accountable for some part of the policy, whether it be proper use of funds, proper protocols for developments, or the recommended implementations, must be held directly accountable. **It follows all appropriate laws** Policies, whether within government organisations or business, must adhere to certain laws. If the policy officers are uncertain if the policy they propose are crossing any legal lines, then the organisations lawyers must be consulted. Not doing so and allowing improper policy to be adopted in to implementation could be very costly on a legal level. **It is enforceable** You should make it enforceable, a policy that cannot be enforced is not worth the time and effort put in to it, much less the paper it is written on. If the policy is practical, then it should be enforceable. If not, it may need to be revisited and amended. **It is historically informed** If an organisation is not paying attention to past experiences they often find themselves \"reinventing the wheel\". You will agree with that, it is a waste of time and effort, and money. Using a good policy framework can help prevent repetition as the organisation should be constantly reviewing and revising, as necessary, all policies, learning from the evaluations. **The ideas have been tested** Ideas can be tested through \"field testing\" or \"dry runs\". More practically however testing can be accomplished by looking back with a historical view, as mentioned previously. Consultations with staff and others who understand and have better \"first hand\" experience can also be useful when testing a proposed policy. If **policy implementation** is to be effective in the policy outcomes to be achieved, it is crucial that an audit of policy be undertaken prior to its implementation using the above 17 criteria as a guideline. The 17 characteristics of good policy also provide a strong foundation to enable policy to be reviewed and evaluated on a regular basis. It is critical that existing policy be reviewed and evaluated regularly to ensure that is still achieving the policy outcomes, and organisational objectives that was originally intended to do so. **Other features of good Information Policy include:** 1. It should be Flexible. You must have the character of adaptability and required changes should not disturb the organization too much. Neither the changes should be such which may require rethinking so far as the aims and objectives of the organisation are concerned. It should not be static.  It must flexible only to the extent to which it makes sense with the objectives, plans and requirements of the organisation. 2. It should prove an effective instrument for the execution of the plans of the organisation. 3. The code prescribed should stat procedure which is to be followed in a given situation. 4. Normal procedure should be clearly defined and should usually follow the conventional and establish course since they have withstood the time and have now been accepted by the organisation. The change, if required, may be incorporated if it is going to help the working. But such a change should be adequately tested before it is given effect to. 5. A particular policy may be good in one set of circumstances but it may not prove useful in another set of circumstances. Since circumstances may not remain the same all the time. It is therefore, necessary that the policy should be reviewed periodically. A periodical review of the policy makes the policy more adaptable and acceptable. **\ ** **2.3 The Essence of Information Policy** The need and benefits of having an information policy both for the nation and the organisation are shown below: 1. Understanding the causes and consequences of policy decisions improves our knowledge of information 2. You should Learn what organisations and nations are doing regarding information. **Fig 1.1.2: The Essence of Information Policy** 3. If a disaster strikes. You should have the knowhow on how to get the business back on its feet would be all but impossible if no information management policy is in place. 4. At any time, when you have new staff comes into the organisation, a significant part of their induction will be training on aspects of the information management policy. For example, whenever new files need to be created, it's imperative that a standard is used to capture all the required metadata in a consistent manner so it can be found at a later stage, so an information management policy will introduce consistency of information and record handling right from the start of a new employee's career in your organisation. 5. Where an **information management policy** is well marketed and there is buy-in to it, everyone in the organisation will be aware that their peers expect them to behave in a certain manner for the good of the entire organisation, and this has a profound unifying effect on the management of information throughout the organisation. People will trust one another to implement the policies in their day to day tasks, and find the accessibility of information that other people have created to be a great boon to their own work. 6. It becomes possible to integrate all information activities and to mobilise all resources of information to contribute to the totality of the organisation's objectives. 7. The information policy provides the basis for objective decision-making on resources for information activities and on the management of information because it is integrated within the framework of corporate objectives and priorities. So any proposed development in the management of information can be considered in relation to how it will contribute to overall objectives and priorities. 8. A policy of information allows for continuity in development. It reduces the danger of information initiatives being cut short and the resources invested in them wasted, a hazard to which information services are particularly susceptible in organisations in search of quick cuts in apparent expenditure. The fact that the policy embodies criteria for assessing the contribution that information makes to fulfil the objectives of the organisation means that it is possible to judge the real gains and losses that would follow from a proposed change in resources. 9. Because an information policy is developed by bringing together distributed knowledge of all information resources and activities in the enterprise, it is capable of promoting co-operation and openness rather than hostility or concealment among those who are responsible for different aspects of information management, Orna (1990) 10. It calls for the free flows of information that favours successful innovation. 11. An information policy makes the basis for sound decisions about investment in Information Communication Technologies because it allows the technology options to be evaluated in relation to the enterprise's key objectives and to its human resources (Orna, 1990). 12. The constant monitoring involved in applying an information policy means that the enterprise is capable of changing in response to changes in the internal and external environment, so that it continued to create information activities and information products that meet user's needs. 13. The right information is acquired from outside and generated from inside to meet what the organisation needs to do with information. 14. Everyone who processes and uses information has the opportunity for learning the appropriate knowledge and skills, for cooperating with one another in supplying them to their work and from developing new ways of using or processing information to help the organisation achieve its objectives. **3.0 Conclusion/Summary** The study of Information Policy is of paramount important to all Government and NGOs for smooth running, better understanding and effective decision making that will enable the organization or institution to prosper in this competitive world. The session discussed the concept of Information Policy and its features/criteria for evaluating Information Policy. Moreover, it also discussed the essence of Information Policy in any organization. **4.0 Self-Assessment Questions** 1. Provide a discourse on the Objectives of Information Policy in an organization **5.0 Additional Activities (Videos, Animations &Out of Class activities) e.g.** a\. Visit U-tube add https://bit.ly/2Ha0jq3. Watch the video & summarise in 1 paragraph b\. View the animation on add/site https://bit.ly/2NRpM89 and critique it in the discussion forum **6.0 References/Further Readings** Braman, S. (2011).Defining Information Policy.*Journal of Information Policy..* Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. [https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Michael\_D\_Leonard/647863](https://ezinearticles.com/expert/Michael_D_Leonard/647863) McClure, C. R. & Jaeger, P. T. (2008). Government information policy research: Importance, Orna.E (1990) *Practical information policies*. London: British Library Cataloguing in Publicatio Rubin, R. (2010). *Foundations of Library and Information Science.*3rd edition. Neal-Schuman. **Study Session 2** **Types, Levels and Uses of Information Policy** **Section and Subsection Headings:** Introduction 1.0 Learning Outcomes 2.0 Main Content 2.1- Types of Information Policy 2.2- Levels of Information Policy 2.2.1- Infrastructural Information Policy 2.2.2- Vertical Information Policy 2.2.3- Horizontal Information Policy 2.3- Uses of Information Policy 3. Study Session Summary and Conclusion 4. Self-Assessment Questions 5. Additional Activities (Videos, Animations & Out of Class activities) 6. References/Further Readings **Introduction:** You are welcome to study session 2, the previous session we took a deep dive in exploring the concept information policyand it features. The session will dissect the types, levels and uses of information policy. Different types, levels and uses of Information Policy exist that will help any organisation or institution to understand and make proper decision and also for utilizing its utmost important toward the development and achievement of organisational goals. **1.0 Study Session Learning Outcomes** After you have finished studying this session, you should be able to: 1\. Enumerate the different types of Information Policy 2\. Highlight the levels of Information Policy 3\. State the uses of Information Policy **2.0 Main Content** **2.1 Types of Polices** The following are samples of several different types of policies broken down by their effect on members of the organisation. **2.1.1 Distributive policies** You will observe that, **distributive policies** extend goods and services to members of an organisation, as well as distributing the costs of the goods/services amongst the members of the organisation. Examples include government policies that impact spending for welfare, public education, highways, and public safety, or a professional organisation\'s benefits plan. **2.1.2 Regulatory policies** Regulatory policies, or mandates, limit the discretion of individuals and agencies, or otherwise compel certain types of behaviour. You can see that these policies are generally thought to be best applied when good behaviour can be easily defined and bad behaviour can be easily regulated and punished through fines or sanctions. An example of a fairly successful public regulatory policy is that of a speed limit. **2.1.3 Constituent policies** Constituent policies create executive power entities, or deal with laws. Constituent policies also deal with Fiscal Policy in some circumstances. **2.1.4 Miscellaneous policies** Policies are **dynamic**; they are not just static lists of goals or laws. From above, you will agree that policy blueprints have to be implemented, often with unexpected results. You can see that social policies are what happens \'on the ground\' when they are implemented, as well as what happens at the decision making or legislative stage. **2.1.5 Fundamental policies** No other word seems so clear, these are policies derived from the constitution; hence they are based on constitutional provisions or judicial interpretations of the constitution. Such policies can only be changed or abolished by constitutional amendment and are characterized by large size, high importance and long tenure. **2.1.6 Functional policies** They emanate largely from the executive branch but could also emanate from decision and resolution set by legislatures and the courts. They are actually minor policies that relate to regulations and guidelines. They could also be administrative decision that are made in the process of implementing or administering public policy programmes overtime and indifferent situation and circumstances. They are therefore functional and operational policies. **2.2 Levels of Information Policy** Rowlands (1996:14) comes out with three levels for information policy which are: **2.2.1 Infrastructural policies** James (2001:2) asserts that infrastructural policies would deal with the development of national (or more recently regional) infrastructure required to support an information society. The absence of infrastructural policies and implementation strategies would make it virtually impossible to deliver on any other vertical or horizontal ICT-related policies. It is thus a prerequisite for progress in other areas. Policy development in Southern Africa reflects this reality in that generally telecommunications policies are the first to be revised, followed by a focus on separate policies in areas such as education, e-commerce, freedom of information, universal service etc. **2.2.2 Vertical Information Policies** Vertical information policies include sectorial policies such as education, tourism, manufacturing, health. **2.2.3 Horizontal Information Policies** Horizontal information policies refer to those policies that impact on broad aspects of society, for example, policies relating to freedom on information, tariffs and pricing and the use of ICTs by government internally and in its relationships with for example citizens, business, labour, academia. **2.3 Uses of Information Policy** Let us look at the uses. Information Policy is required to ensure the harmonious implementation and operation of Information resources, systems and services e.g. timely access to relevant information to varying needs of users throughout the society. The following are some of the uses of Information Policy: 1. The development of Information resources and services including the generation and collection of Information, information manpower, technologies and facilities. 2. The provision of access to information and its effective dissemination including such areas as marketing of information resources, information resource management among others 3. The promotion of the effective use of information including training users to seek and apply information and raising their perception as to the value of information 4. The development and coordination of information activities including the operation of decision support system, evaluation among others More so, the under listed are also consider as uses of Information Policy according to James (2001) 1. Identification and evaluation of internal content repositories 2. Publishing and dissemination of internal documents 3. Web site publishing standards 4. Archiving and retention of information 5. External content acquisition 6. Use of external (including Internet) information 7. Access levels 8. Security and permission procedures 9. Networks and systems architecture development 10. Training requirements. **3.0 Conclusion/Summary** Conclusively, organisations and institutions are required to effectively consider the type of policy that will best suit them to be relevant to the society, levels and uses also need to be considered and optimally understood. In this session you can see that different types of polices were identified and discussed which include Distributive, Regulatory, Constituent, Miscellaneous, Fundamental and Functional Policies. Furthermore, levels and uses of Information Policy were equally discussed in this unit. **4.0 Self-Assessment Questions** 1. Discuss for or against any type of policy **5.0 Additional Activities (Videos, Animations &Out of Class activities) e.g.** a\. Visit U-tube add https://bit.ly/2SPz45D. Watch the video & summarise in 1 paragraph b\. View the animation on add/site https://bit.ly/2Q016vd and critique it in the discussion forum **6.0 References/Further Readings** BCLA (1998) What is information Policy. Retrieved(09/06/2016) from http://www.vcn.bc.ca/bcla-ip/committee/broch95.html.. Dror, Y. (1973). *Public Policy Making Re-examined.* London: Leonard Hill Book. Dye, I. (1978).*Understanding Public Policy.* Englewood Cliff: N.J. Prentice Hall Inc. Ikelegbe, A.O. (1996). *Public Policy Making and Analysis.* Benin- City: URI Publishing Ltd. James, W.T (2001) *Language Policies in Education: Critical Issues.* London: Routledge. McKinney, B. & Howard, L,C (1979).*Public Administration, Balancing Power* Theodore, L. (1964). "American Business Public; Policy, Case Studies and Political Theory"World Politics.Vol XVI. No.4. **\ ** **Study Session 3** **Challenges of Information Policy and Dangers of Not Having Organisational Information Policies** **Section and Subsection Headings:** Introduction 1.0 Learning Outcomes 2.0 Main Content 2.1- Factors affecting Information Policy 2.1.1- Content of Policy 2.1.2- Programme Implementers 2.1.3- The Context of Policy 2.1.4- Environment 2.2- Challenges of Information Policy 2.3- Dangers of not having organisational Information Polices 3. Study Session Summary and Conclusion 4. Self-Assessment Questions 5. Additional Activities (Videos, Animations & Out of Class activities) 6.0 References/Further Readings **Introduction:** You are welcome to study session 3, in this session we shall explore and examine challenges of information policies. We shall make this discussion as interesting as possible. You will observe that policies provide the framework within which the decision-makers are expected to operate while making decisions relating to the organisation. By so, we see that that are so many hindrances affect formulation, implementation and analysis of such guidelines. Most government policies/reforms in Nigeria have failed to achieve the desired objectives because of either lopsided implementation or total failure to give effect to the motive of the policy or reform. A well-articulated but unimplemented policy on any business of government is decidedly less valuable than the paper on which it is written. **1.0 Study Session Learning Outcomes** After you have finished studying this session, you should be able to: 1. Identify the factors that affect Information Policy 2. Describe the challenges of Information policy 3. Enumerates the dangers of not having organizational information policy **2.0 Main Content** **2.1 Factors affecting Information Policy** We will start by examining the factors affecting information policy in an organisation. Egonmwan (2009), identified the following factors as they affect information policy: **2.1.1 Content of Policy** The implementation of a programme is influenced by the interest affecting the content of a programme to the extent that policy implementation seeks to introduce changes in social, political and economic relationships. Those whose interests are threatened by such policy are bound to oppose it. And those who stand to gain are bound to press for such policy. Sometimes, this generates conflict and competition and may make implementation more difficult. **Fig 1.3.1: Programme Implementers Source: mckinsey.com** **2.1.2 Programme Implementers** The more active, the expert and personnel possessed by the implementing agency, the greater the support of the political elites received by such agency and the greater access to resources it has, the more it is likely that such agency can implement programmes successfully. The executive **2.1.3 The Context of Policy** Implementation of public policy involves various actors at various levels, each having a particular interest in the programme. Thus the power base and strategies of actors involved in implementation can influence the course of implementation. The characteristics of the various institutions and regimes as well as the compliance culture of the people equally influence the implementation process and response of the people. **2.1.4 Environment** Environmental factors can influence or be influenced by the policy implementation. Environmental factors can be thought of as a sort of constraining corridor through which the implementation or policy must be forced. **2.2 Challenges of Information Policy Implementation in Nigeria** It is important to note that the bane of Nigeria\'s national development lies in its inability to implement policies effectively, despite the enormous resources at the disposal of the government. Many policies have suffered at the stage of implementation and hardly serve their intended purposes. Many scholars expressed their views on the problems of policy implementation in Nigeria, while some problems are structural, others are environmental and attitudinal. Let us look at some of the major problems are highlighted below: 1. **Lack of Clear Definition of Goals** You will agree with me that, various governments in Nigeria have the obvious tendencies of pursuing multiple goals that in most cases are complicated. Policy goals often lack clarity and consistency with demands of the people. Policy makers in Nigeria assume that they know the needs of the target groups whose social situation they are attempting to ameliorate and therefore see no need for clarity of goals. And it is obvious where policy goals are not clear, implementation tend to be more difficult. 2. **Over Ambitious Policy Goals:** If we are to look at what Egomnwan (2009) said, many policies pursued by government tends to be over ambitious which largely affect how programmes and policy goals arc decided. Egomnwan (2009) \"the desire to establish the legitimacy of the political regime by providing tangible evidence of improving conditions, create a situation in which the political leaders are likely espouse policies that led to improvement of conditions of life, but maybe not realizable because of its overambitious nature\", Therefore, the scope, comprehensiveness and operation ability of policies formulated gave rise to serious bottlenecks during implementation. Vision 2020 & the present nine-point agenda are some of such policies. 3. **Lack of Appropriate Technology for implementation** You will find out that, implementing agencies in most cases lack appropriate modern technology, managerial skill and administrative capacity that are prerequisite for effective policy implementation, the procedures adopted in policy implementation are such that are not consistent with policy goals. And sometimes cultural consideration hampers adoption of modern technology in areas of programme implementation. Examples can be seen in the peoples' resistance of use of fertilizer because of traditional beliefs some decades ago; or the rejection of polio vaccines in some northern states. 4. **Lack of Continuity Commitment to Policy** This is not a new story to us, where so many countries in the world, a change in government more often is accompanied by change in priorities. The situation tends to make implementation more difficult in terms of switch over to entirely different priorities and objectives which requires new organizations, personnel, resources and technology which are not always easy to provide. This led to abandonment of many policies. 5. **Lack of Clear Definition of Responsibility & Coordination** Many policies in Nigeria require the involvement of many agencies at different levels of government. Example includes the policy on poverty reduction that was designed in phases and requires the involvement of so many agencies across the three level of government. And there is absence of coordination and clear definition of responsibility among the various agencies involved. This factor led to the failure of the poverty alleviation policy. 6. **Comparison During Implementation** Compromises are made that usually undermines the basic policy goals are detrimental to successful execution of programmes. Let us look at an example, the successive Housing policies in Kano failed because it turnout to be the means of rewarding party loyalist and other economic and royal elites, thereby negating the basic goals of the policies of providing housing to the general public. 7. **Corruption:** As you may know, the corrupt tendencies of public officials and politicians in connivance with private organisations and individuals have no doubt have a far reaching consequences on effective implementation of policies in the country. Corruption has pervaded every aspect of our societal life. It can be seen not only in inflation of contract figures or percentage negotiations, but outright diversion of billions of naira meant for one programme or another. Agencies like EFCC and ICPC created to control and convert corruption have turnout be toothless bulldogs with nothing to show compared to the high level corruption in the country. These corrupt practices can easily be seen in the diversion of billions of US dollars aimed at providing enough power supply that will boost the national economy, a case which is yet to be investigated. **2.3 Dangers of not Having Organisational Information Polices** These are some of the dangers that are identified by not having an organisational information policy by Orna (1990): 1. There is decentralisation of information activities and systems due to lack of policy. 2. If the information policy is not available, there is danger of the control of information activities by people who have, by the nature of their professional background, a limited understanding of how enterprises work and are managed and a restricted conception of what information is about and how it can be used. There are, for example, a lot of people with "information" in their job titles, who are well qualified in such fields as Mathematics, Data Processing, Accountancy and Engineering, but whose education and work experience has not included the theoretical basis of information, or modern methods of handling textual information as in the case of Librarians, Records Managers and all Information Professionals. 3. Inappropriate information activities will be witnessed which are unrelated to the enterprise's main objectives. For example, there might be information products which previously had a justification but today no longer serve any useful purpose. 4. Failures in attempts to introduce innovative products and services as well as processes. There can be poor communication of information as a major cause of failure in providing innovative products and services. This include lack of communication with users on what they need, deliberate ignoring of outside advice and failure to provide information to the users of the product. 5. Duplication of work can occur due to the lack of an information policy 6. Inconsistency in the way information will be managed. 7. Lack of transparency. It would not be able to see what actions are being taken hence resulting in improper actions like corruption. 3. **Conclusion/Summary** Essentially, success in implementation must-be evaluated within the context of particular problems and critical factors affecting implementation varies, and \"success prone\" policies are not always obvious. Effective implementation is said to be partially preordained by good leadership that can be the significant political hidden hand that guides disorganized and desperate interest to converge in support of implementing policy. External monitoring of the implementation process was also a crucial variable. Constant and closer monitoring and intervention on continue basis can greatly facilitate action. Factors that affects Information Policy as identified by Egonmwan (2009) were discussed in this unit which include Content of Policy, Programme Implementers, Context of Policy and Environment, challenges of Information policy implementation in Nigeria were also captured in this unit together with dangers of not having organizational Information Policy. **4.0 Self-Assessment Questions** 1. **Suggest solutions and recommendations to the aforementioned challenges** **5.0 Additional Activities (Videos, Animations &Out of Class activities) e.g.** a\. Visit U-tube add https://bit.ly/2CbeoQ6. Watch the video & summarise in 1 paragraph b\. View the animation on add/site https://bit.ly/2CbeoQ6 and critique it in the discussion forum **6.0 References/Further Readings** Dye, T.R. (1978), Understanding Public Policy: Englewood Cliff Publishers, Prentice Hall, p.223 Egonmwan, J.A. (2003). *Policy Failure in developing Countries, an issue* *deserving analysis;*Ambil PressOtiki-Odibi Benin City. Egonmwan, J.A. (2009). *Public Policy Analysis, Concepts and Application:* Resyin Nig, CompanyBeninCity. Ngu S.M. (2006). *Policy Analysis and Policy issues:* ABU Press Zaria. Orna.E (1990) *Practical information policies*. London: British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data Weimer L.D, and Vining R.A. *(1995)Policy Analysis, Concepts & Practice:* Prentice Hall. **\ ** **Module 2** **Steps to Information Policy Development, Approaches and Methods in Policy Analysis** **Content** Study Session 1: Steps to Information Policy development and guidelines for Study Session 2: The Perspective, Descriptive, Micro and Macro approaches in Study Session 3: Qualitative and Quantitative methods Study Session 4. System theories and Information Policy analysis models **Study Session 1** **Steps to Information Policy Development and Guidelines For Effective Policy Making** **Section and Subsection Headings:** Introduction 1.0 Learning Outcomes 2.0 Main Content 2.1-Steps to Information Policy development 2.1.1- Selecting the desired objectives 2.1.2- Identifying the target of the objectives 2.1.3- Determining the pathway to reach that objectives 2.1.4- Designing the specific programme or measures in respect of that objectives 2.1.5 Implementing the measures and assessing it impact 2.2 -Guidelines for effective Policy making 3. Study Session Summary and Conclusion 4. Self-Assessment Questions 5. Additional Activities (Videos, Animations & Out of Class activities) 6.0 References/Further Readings **Introduction** You are welcome to a new study module, study session 1, you will explore and examine the steps to information policy development, and you will also look at various guidelines for effective policy making. Once again you are welcome. You will observe that it would be unrealistic and even incorrect to say that the formulation of policy follows a clear and consistent pathway or route. Policy development is actually an involved and sometimes haphazard process that differs widely depending upon the concern being addressed. Sometimes it is a long and winding road with lots of detours and stops along the way. **1.0 Study Session Learning Outcomes** After you finished studying this session, you should be able to: 1. Describe the steps/process of Policy making 2. Explain the guidelines for effective policy making **\ ** **2.0 Main Content** **2.1 Steps to Information Policy development** Several steps comprise the policy process, despite the variation in policy process, there are some general steps (described below) **2.1.1 Selecting the desired objective** It is important for you to know that, the first step in policy formulation is to determine the desired objective. Policy directives can be understood as an expression of commonly accepted societal values e.g., fairness and equity are often cited as strong values. Public policy is basically shaped by and must be consistent with these values. Within this context, the selection of objectives typically derives from priorities and imperatives set at the political level. You can see that the desired objective may be rooted in the platform of a political party or approved at its policy conference. A policy direction may be announced, for example, in the Speech from the Throne that opens a new Parliamentary session or in the federal Budget. It may be signalled in a ministerial or departmental announcement regarding the government's intended agenda in a certain area, such as promoting skills and learning, reforming the income security system, supporting a bio-based economy or investing in environmentally clean technologies. **2.1.2 Identifying the appropriate target** The next step you take when making policy process, is to identify the appropriate targets toward which the policy should be directed the entire population or designated households or group that meet certain criteria. The selected target is linked to the overall objective, which embodies within it either a direct or indirect statement of who will or should be affected by the proposed measure. To a large extent, you will find out that this task is tied to the next phase, which involves setting out the possible route(s) to reach the goal. Sometimes the target derives from the selected pathway, discussed below. In other cases, your target group has already been identified as a result of a legislative or political commitment. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms embedded in the Canadian Constitution, for example, protects the rights of members of "equality-seeking groups" i.e., those based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, and mental or physical disability. The policy challenge is to find the most effective and appropriate means to promote the status of these designated groups. **2.1.3 Determining the pathway** Your third phase in the policy process is for you to determine from a range of options how best to reach the specified objectives. This part of the work is often difficult and contentious. Few oppose, for example, if you need to reduce poverty or to improve the quality of life in neighbourhoods. But substantial debate can arise when it comes to selecting the most appropriate route to achieve this goal. While the end may be clear, the means may be hotly contested. Sometimes the choice is not all that difficult. Someone with active tuberculosis requires medical treatment. While there may be disagreement as to the extent of force employed for the provision of treatment, only a minority would deny that it is in the public interest for active carriers to receive effective and prompt medical care. Goals that can be reached by a wide range of possible interventions, by contrast, spark far more debate. Considerable thought, discussion, consultation (some would say not sufficient or genuine) and research typically precede any major public decision. In contrast to the usual way in which actions are rationalized, the means -- when it comes to public policy -- must justify the ends. **2.1.4 Designing the intervention** You will observe that, policy formulation does not end once a preferred route to the desired outcome has been selected. There is typically considerable design work to be done after the approach has been identified. In fact, it is at this point that the detailed work and tough decisions actually begin. **Fig 2.1.2: Designing the intervention** **Source: mckinsey.com** **2.1.5 Implementing the measure and assessing its impact** This paper does not focus upon the implementation or assessment of public policy which are complex processes that require their own discussion. You should note, Bit is clear that implementation is crucial to effectiveness, efficiency and consistency. A plan that may be excellent on paper could end up being very different from its intent if not properly implemented. You observe that it may be too slow, there may be too little investment for effective application or the policy may be inconsistent with other objectives or measures. Ideally, all policies and programs should assess and correct their course on an ongoing basis. The need for continuing feedback within the policy process is based on the assumption that evaluation is important not just for accountability purposes. There is also a vital learning component implicit in this work, which leads to better quality practice when lessons are widely shared (Torjman & Leviten-Reid 2004). **2.2 Guidelines for effective Policy making** Guidelines for making effective policies are as follows: 1. Policies as far as possible should be in writing. 2. They should be clearly understood by those who are supposed to implement them. **Source: content.wisetep.com** 3. They should reflect the objectives of the organization. 4. To ensure successful implementation of policies, the top managers and the subordinates who are supposed to implement them must participate in their formulation. 5. Conditions change and policies must also change accordingly. Hence, a policy must strike reasonable balance between stability and flexibility. 6. Different policies in the organization should not pull in different directions and should support one another. 7. Policies should not be detrimental to the interests of society. 8. Policies should be periodically reviewed in order to see whether they are to be modified, changed or completely abandoned. 3. **Conclusion/Summary** In conclusion the steps or process of policy making are necessary for every organization or institution to follow for them to formulate, implement and analyse any policy in the firm, guidelines are there in order to enable the organization formulate its desired policy effectively and accurately. This session provide the basic steps/process for designing effective policy in an organization or institutions which include: guidelines are also provided to guide the organization in policy making. **4.0 Self-Assessment Questions** 1. Highlights the five (5) steps/process of Policy making **5.0 Additional Activities (Videos, Animations &Out of Class activities) e.g.** a\. Visit U-tube add https://bit.ly/2VMUli6. Watch the video & summarise in 1 paragraph b\. View the animation on add/site https://bit.ly/2HeWhuc and critique it in the discussion forum **6.0 References/Further Readings** Makhoul, A. (2005a). *Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped Public Policy* *Initiative*. Ottawa: Caledon Institute of Social Policy, May. Torjman, S. (2005).*Policy Dialogue*. Ottawa: Caledon Institute of Social Policy, June. Torjman, S. & E. Leviten-Reid. (2003). *Comprehensive Community Initiatives*. Ottawa: Caledon Institute of Social Policy, December. **Study Session 2** **The Prescriptive, Descriptive, Micro and Macro Approaches in Policy Analysis** **Section and Subsection Headings:** Introduction 1.0 Learning Outcomes 2.0 Main Content 2.1- The Prescriptive Approach 2.2- The Descriptive Approach 2.3- Micro Approach 2.4- Macro Approach 3. Study Session Summary and Conclusion 4. Self-Assessment Questions 5. Additional Activities (Videos, Animations & Out of Class activities) 6.0 References/Further Readings **Introduction:** You are welcome to study session 2, in the previous session we took a deep dive into the field of information policy development. This session we will explore the concept of prescriptive approach and descriptive approach. Several approached are used in the study of Information Policy Analysis. In this unit, you are given prescriptive, Descriptive, micro and approached to begin with. This will enable you understand their definitions, meanings and characteristics. **1.0 Study Session Learning Outcomes** After you have finished studying this session, you should be able to: 1. Explain the Perspective Approach, the Descriptive Approach, the Micro Approach and the Macro Approach. **2.0 Main Content** **2.1 Prescriptive Approach** The prescriptive approach basically is the generation of information and analysis directed at better policy making and performance. It proffers policy options or alternatives, solution and strategies based on analysed data which could emanate from the social and policy problems, social indicators, evaluation of existing or past programmes and projects. **Fig 2.2.1: Perspective Approach ,Source: Sideshare.net** *There are four characteristics of prescriptive approach and are as follows:* 1. It is analytical: It emphasize the generation of data analysed with social science techniques and methodologies, models and concepts, especially quantitative techniques. 2. It is goal and problem oriented: it is directed at a specific problems and goal the goals are to proffer solutions and advice. 3. It is tended to be more client oriented. Such actors have suggested prescriptive approach address issues relevant to policy actors or that. The emphasis is on the practice and relevance of policy analysis to real life and societal needs. **2.2 Descriptive Approach** Descriptive studies describe and explain the policies, its focus of research is on history, development, causes, implementation, consequences and problems of information polices. Descriptive studies also focus on the description of the national and state policy process and individual policy or policy sector processes. The Descriptive Approach characteristics are: 1. It is more of academic studies whose intentions and goals are not informed by the needs of prompts of clients or policy actors. 2. Descriptive approach seeks the understanding of policy processes, policy problems and stations. It particularly seeks to explain the causes of policy, the nature and trends of expenditure in policy sectors or areas, and the problems of policies, among others. 3. It's more concerned with the investigation of policy contents implementation, output and impact of particular policies. 4. Descriptive approach is evaluatory and therefore retrospective and relate the studies of on-going or completed programmes. **2.3 Micro Approach** From above, you will observe that the micro approach relates to the scope of research studies undertaken and focuses on the study of specific public policies and policy problems. Its aim is a thorough investigation of a particular policy's process of formulation, enactment, implementation, output, performance, impact and problems. You see that the approach generally involves intensive studies of the policy involving examination of reposts, documents and other sources of information on the development, implementation and impact of the policy. It also involves historical narratives, accounts and chorological presentations of information on the policy. It reports or describes the policies as they were or are and involve limited explanations of causes and problems. You will agree with me that micro approach enhances understanding of the workings of the policy and political process and particularly enlightens us on how the various institutions of government, interest groups and influential elites interact and contribute to policy development and implementation. It broadens our outlook to the input and effects of various persons' groups and institutions in the policy process. While some researches may study a specific policy as a whole, seeking to understand and describe it other focus on aspects of the policy such as the policy formulation, implementation and impact. **2.4 The Micro Approach** You should have it in mind that, macro approach is broad and place more emphasis on the development of knowledge, understanding and generalisations on the nature of information policies. It focuses on general aspects of policy analysis such as types of policies, policy process models and policy areas. Macro approach comprises wide range studies and analyses of policy issues. You observe that the aim is to provide broad structures of analyses or basic organisation of policy studies and guides for analyses of more specific policy areas. Such studies also provide broad concepts, tool, models, generalisations and knowledge for understanding and analysis. Let us look at the categories: There are four broad categories in macro approach studies. First, it focuses on the nature of policies themselves. Second, it also focuses on thorough investigation of the policymaking process and implementation. Third, it develops models, theories and concepts to explain or interpret policy issues. Fourth, it focuses on information policy areas rather than on specific policies. The macro approach contributes immensely to enriching our understanding of policy activities and providing a better framework for the systematic study of Information Policy. (Ikelegbe, 1996:26)  3. **Conclusion/Summary** Approaches in the study of Important Policies are important to enable you understand the Information Policy analysis better. In this session, we discussed prescriptive, descriptive, micro and macro approaches in the study of Information Policy analysis. It is recommended that you revise them often for better understanding. **4.0 Self-Assessment Questions** 1. Differentiate between Micro and Macro Approaches. **5.0 Additional Activities (Videos, Animations &Out of Class activities) e.g.** a\. Visit U-tube add https://bit.ly/2CbAdyF. Watch the video & summarise in 1 paragraph b\. View the animation on add/site https://bit.ly/2J94fIw and critique it in the discussion forum **6.0 References/Further Readings** Ikeiegbe, A.O. (1996). *Public Policy M aking and Analysis.*Benin- City: URI Publishing Ltd. Makhoul, A. (2005a). *Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped Public Policy* *Initiative*. Ottawa: Caledon Institute of Social Policy, May. Robert, G. (1975). \"Public Administration and Public Policy: An Analysis of Developmental Phases\" in Spadaro, Torjman, S. (2005).*Policy Dialogue*. Ottawa: Caledon Institute of Social Policy, June. **Study Session 3** **The Qualitative and Quantitative Methods to t he Study of Policy Analysis** **Section and Subsection Headings:** Introduction 1.0 Learning Outcomes 2.0 Main Content 2.1- The Qualitative Approach 2.2- The Quantitative Approach 3. Study Session Summary and Conclusion 4. Self-Assessment Questions 5. Additional Activities (Videos, Animations & Out of Class activities) 6.0 References/Further Readings **Introduction:** You are welcome to study session 3, in this session we will explore the concept of qualitative and quantitative policy analysis. The qualitative and quantitative methods are used to narrate, described and studies data of policy issues. Each of the m is extensively discussed in this unit. **1.0 Study Session Learning Outcomes** After you have finished studying this session, you should be able to: 1. Discuss the qualitative method in the study of Information policy analysis 2. Explain the quantitative method in analysing data of information policy issues. **\ ** **2.0 Main Content** **2.1 The Qualitative Method** The qualitative method to policy analysis relies on narrations and description rather than quantitative data analysis. The focus is on historical and anthropological, philosophical, legal and journalistic description and narrations of policy issues, problems and incidents, they describe the policy process, narrate the implementation and impact of programmes, describe the history of the policy problems and the policy attempts at as dissolution and present the anthropological, moral, legal and historical backgrounds to policy programmes. We observe that the qualitative analysis tells on both quantitative data such as documents, records, content analysis of media sources, interviews and observations. However major goal of qualitative method is the presentation of finding in lunch, descriptor form and the methodology is therefore not rigorously quantitative. The study has considerable value in policies analysis is particularly in accounting for or describing policy relevant incidents, backgrounds and other information. Furthermore, they enable better understanding of the policy issues, problems and programmes because they present considerable information which assist researchers any policy analysis in explaining policy relevant phenomena, as well as background for policy formation and recommendations. (Ikelegbe, 1996:28). **2.2 The Quantitative Method** From above, you realise thatthe quantitative methods in policy analysis rely on quantitative data and techniques in its source, method, analysis and presentation. The statistical techniques used vary from simple percentages, tests of associations and time series to very rigorous techniques as complex regression. These statistical techniques help the researcher in inducting relationships and differences between variables and policy related phenomena. Percentages cross tabulations and histograms constitute some of the very simple techniques. Test of association and correlations constitute more complex techniques. Some of these tests such, as the time series analysis test and linear regression are very important in policy analysis and evaluations. The time series analysis is very important in measuring policy differences, impact and other correlates in political/geographical units at various time intervals. The analysis helps you provide periodic evaluations, estimate of change or difference and in comparisons. On the other hand, we realise that regression ana