Public Policy Analysis PDF

WHAT IS PUBLIC POLICY? Generally speaking, public policy is what the government chooses to do, or not to do. It is a decision made by the government to either act, or not act in order to resolve a problem. Lowi and Ginsburg (1996), defines public policy as "an officially expressed intention b...

WHAT IS PUBLIC POLICY? Generally speaking, public policy is what the government chooses to do, or not to do. It is a decision made by the government to either act, or not act in order to resolve a problem. Lowi and Ginsburg (1996), defines public policy as "an officially expressed intention backed up by sanctions, which can be a reward or a punishment." Public policy is a course of action that guides a range of related actions in a given field. They rarely tackle one problem, but rather deal with clusters of entangled and long-term problems. Public policy provides guidance to governments and accountability links to citizens. Decision making is clouded by values, rather than based purely on objective data. Most issued tend to involve deeply held values/interests and large amounts of money, making the policy processes very complex. POLICY ANALYSIS Policy analysis describes investigations that produce accurate and useful information for decision makers. Policy analysis is an applied social science discipline which uses multiple methods of inquiry and argument to produce and transform policy relevant information that may be utilized in political settings to resolve policy problems. Policy analysis is a set of techniques and criteria with which to evaluate public policy options and select among them, to rationalize the development and implementation of public policy and as the means to greater efficiency and equity in allocation of resources. STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS Leaders need to know whom to involve in sorting out policy ideas and solutions. Stakeholder analysis helps assess who must be involved and who can affect the policy design and outcomes. POLICY PROCESS ANALYSIS It matters how specific policy processes unfold and function. Process analysis often entails the use of linear planning models and critical path mapping. DECISION AND COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS Improving decisions through decision analysis is one of the most commonly taught forms of policy analysis. This kind of analysis can significantly improve the quality and timing of decisions.  TWO MAJOR FIELDS OF POLICY ANALYSIS Analytic and descriptive Analysis of new policy Analytic and descriptive Prescriptive Attempts explain policies and their Involved with formulating policies and development proposals APPROACHES TO POLICY ANALYSIS Types of Approach I. Process Approach 2. Logical-positivist Approach 3. Econometric Approach 4. Phenomenological Approach 5. Participatory Approach 6. Normative Approach 7. ldeological Approach 8. Historical Approach 9. Analysis-Centric 10. Policy Process 11. Meta-policy TYPES OF ANALYSIS Types of Analysis Objectives Approaches Limitations Scientific Search for the “truth” Use scientific method May be too and build theory to test hypotheses theoretical and not about policy actions and theories adequately address and effects information needs of Aim for objectives decision makers and rigorous analysis Policy relevance less important than advancing knowledge TYPES OF ANALYSIS Scientific Professional Political Step Type of question Construct policy alternative What policy options might be considered for dealing with the problem Define and Analyze the problem What is the problem faced? Where does it exist? Who or what is affected? How did it develop? What are the major causes? How might the causes be affected by policy actions? Draw conclusions Which policy option is the most desirable given the circumstances and the criteria for evaluation? What other factors should be considered? Develop criteria for evaluation What criteria are most suitable for the problem and alternatives? What are the costs of action? What is the likely effectiveness? Is it socially and politically feasible? Is it equitable? METHODOLOGY OF POLITICAL ANALYSIS The methodology of political analysis draws from and integrates elements of multiple disciplines such as: Political Science Sociology Psychology Economics Philosophy DIMENSIONS FOR ANALYZING POLICIES Effectiveness Unintended Effects Equity Cost Feasibility SCOPE OF ANALYSIS 1. POLICY FORMULATION 2. POLICY IMPLEMENTATION 3. POLICY EVALUATION SURVEY RESEARCH Survey research is a well-developed method for collecting information on people's attitudes, behaviors, and positions on issues. PLANNING TECHNIQUES Planning Techniques such as comprehensive planning, strategic planning, action planning, and project management are widely used in policy analysis DECISION TREE AND NETWORK ANALYSIS Decision trees and network analyses provide additional approaches to informing decisions and are especially useful in exploring risk and uncertainty. CASE ANALYSIS Case study research is helpful in understanding success or failure in complex administrative settings. EXPERIMENTATION AND QUASI-EXPERIMENTATION Experimental methods can also be useful in policy analysis. Quasi-experimentation typically entails a comparison of the passage and implementation of a law and the effect it has on a dependent variable. FEATURES OF GOOD POLICY MAKING POLICY MAKING AS PROCESS OR PROCESSES AND NOT AN ISOLATED EVENT KNOWLEDGE-BASED (BUT WITH SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE) EXECUTIVE AND POLITICAL LEADERSHIP IMPLEMENTABLE USING CURRENT OR EXISTING CAPACITIES  TIME-BASED AND SHOULD POSSESS IN BUILT MECHANISMS FOR RENEWAL INCREMENTAL OR GRADUAL APPROACH INCLUSIVE, PARTICIPATORY, AND LOCAL OWNERSHIP GOOD POLICY REGIME (MUST BE CONSISTENT WITH THE SUPREME LAW OR CONSTITUTION OF THE COUNTRY OR STATE AND INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS)