From the book Theory and Practice in Policy Analysis, Chapter 1: Most people hav
ID: 425939 • Letter: F
Question
From the book Theory and Practice in Policy Analysis, Chapter 1:
Most people have not spent much time thinking about the approach or perspective we ought to use when making important decisions. A major goal of this class is to teach the perspective and tools of a "policy analyst". This first chapter serves as a bit of an introduction to some of the ideas of how that ought to work, which is actually still being debated. This chapter basically asks: what is the point of policy analysis? I would suggest that it is actually a more complicated question than it seems and there are different reasonable answers. I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
Answer the Questions below:
What do you think of the different “models” of the ways that analysis contributes to the policy process?
Any of them seem better/worse than others in your experience?
If we are doing policy-relevant research/analysis, what should our goals be?
Is policy analysis really different from science?
Do you agree with the author throughout or do you take issue with his perspective anywhere?
Explanation / Answer
We have multiple models of the policy analysis. each of them contribute to the policy process differently. Following are the models :
1) Process model: This model is used in policy process in Governments. This approach follows a sequence of steps while making policy. Which generally include identification of issues, setting up an agenda, selections of the policy, formulation and implementation. This is a model that exists in government places to make decision regarding policies in nation's interest.
2) Rational model: This model is used in Public sectors for making decisions. This generally includes data gathering, identification of the problems, looking at all the available options, choosing the best prefered option. This is mostly used approach for policy process. This is because this approach looks at all the available options and assess them properly and fairly.
3) Group model: This policy process approach is generally less used. This is because it is mostly used by policy makers from influential groups. The process is simple and imposing, which goes as making the rules, looking at the compromises, put them in place in the policy and enforce them in theri policies. This approach is usually seen at workplaces and offices.
For me Rational model is better than the other two as it analyzes and balance out every possible combination. This helps to choose the best policy which measured consequences.
Our goals in a policy- relevant analysis should be :
-> Getting the data/surveys/information right and in satisfactory amount.
-> Evaluation the available options correctly.
-> Evaluating the problems correctly.
-> Looking at all the consequences of all the available options/solutions.
-> Choosing the most beneficial option for the policy.
I don't think that policy analysis is different from science as in both we look at data, see the problems, evaluate consequences, and take the best possible option and decision. This is what somebody does in science and this is what someone do with policy analysis.
I definitely agree with the author and his views throughout without any issue.
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