Public Policy Analysis - Essay Example

? Public Policy Analysis Question Public policy analysis is an examination at how guiding principles by an ity especiallythe government affect people. The analysis mainly focuses on the reason(s) behind the implementation by the government. It also looks at the ways that the government intends to use in putting the policy to effect. Public policy analysis seeks to highlight the methods used and the changes that are occasioned by these regulations. The analytical phase of this exercise is to look into factors other than the actual policy, which determine the outcome of the policy. These factors can be natural, social or financial determinants. Public policy analysis is a process of policy making that begins with the identification of a problem in the public domain. This is followed by formulation of policy options to address the problem through political establishments. A plan is then developed for the implementation of the policy, and an evaluation is done through various government appointed institutions. This paper examines the stages of policy development model by showing how other factors detract from achieving the optimal policy alternatives. The goal of a public policy analysis is to provide policy makers with viable and informed policy options. It also presents credible expectations of the expected outcomes of the proposed policy options. Formulation of policies by governments is a complicated affair because of the socioeconomic and political influences involved in such matters. This makes the task of predicting the outcome and effectiveness of a policy complex relative to the intended goals. The dynamism brought about by these factors makes the task of identifying unintended consequences a difficult undertaking. Once a problem in the public sector has been identified, there exists various ways of searching for a viable solution. Under the rational comprehensive model of decision-making, all possible approaches to solving the problem are identified. The costs and benefits of each choice of course of action are assessed and compared with each other, and the option that promises to bear the greatest amount of benefits is selected. The rational comprehensive model assumes total rational decision making when thinking of what policies to enact. Goals are identified and categorized, in accordance to order of priority depending on the socioeconomic and political situation at that time. Alternatives to these goals are also identified, and the projected consequence of each policy option is analyzed (Thissen & Walker, 2013). This model recommends the choice of options that maximize utility. This is because, in an ideal world, this would be the best model to help the society. This model of decision-making is best suited for policy formulation that omits political influence. Rational comprehensive approaches are costly in terms of resources that are devoted to gathering the relevant information and time. The costs of undertaking rational comprehensive decision-making, sometimes exceed the benefits of improved decision making. The nature of the procedures involved in this model requires a lot of time, which acts as a limiting factor to its potential capacity. This model has a few inadequacies like its focus on a few policy options, relies on trial and error and is prone to respond to political inputs. Another approach that can be taken when analyzing public policy is the problem-oriented model that focuses on values and influences. It entails identification and analysis of a problem in order to develop an effective response that is strategically related to the ongoing events. It focuses on applying a paradigm shift from reactive to proactive public policy formulation. The problem-oriented model uses empirical data to project outcomes and the effectiveness of policies. Conclusions drawn from the use of this model rely on data collected over time and factoring in the prevailing influences of the time. When a list of choices is made, a projection of each of their goals is made and compared to a set of alternative policies that can achieve the same goals. A prediction is made on whether the alternative options serve the same purpose or if the targeted sphere is accounted for in the policy. The process of public policy formulation relies heavily on intelligence or information that is obtained from the public realm. These are called market ideas because they are garnered from the common folk on the street. Gathering information for the purposes of gaining intelligence to be used in the development of a policy can be done with questionnaires. These questionnaires are designed to elicit opinionated views from the general population regarding the target issue. Direct interviews can be conducted with people who are affected by the challenge in focus. Current trends can be used to garner information related to the problem being addressed and predict the impact of the policy when it is implemented. Once all relevant information regarding the problem is gathered, the policy makers embark on an agenda setting activity. This involves choosing which issues are to be addressed depending on their urgency and importance. This is done through discussion and debate between government departments, interested groups and individual citizens. Potential obstacle can be identified through consultative meetings between different stakeholders and alternative solutions suggested (Thissen & Walker, 2013). Clear goals are then set, and the steps to be followed are listed to act as a guideline in the formulation process of policies to ensure that they are done correctly. This phase of the process is characterized by compromises, and the proper authorization is required from the relevant authorities. Weaker policies are more likely to be passed than strong policies, which address the problem directly. Political interference and individualistic interests that compromise the approval of problem solving policies mostly occasion this. After a new policy has been passed, it must be put into effect by determining, which institutions in government will be responsible for performing the task of implementing the policy (Thissen & Walker, 2013). Individuals concerned with policy implementation must be committed to its success and comply with the set guidelines in order to realize the goals envisioned during the formulation process. Clear communication and coordination are needed as well as sufficient funding is required to ensure proper implementation of the process. Those compromised during the agenda setting and policy formation are likely to be in disagreement with its existence. They should not be included in the team that is tasked with its implementation because they might jeopardize its effective enforcement (Thissen & Walker, 2013). The last step involved public policy formulation is the evaluation of the policy’s performance. The evaluation assesses the influence that these policy has on the problem it was developed to solve. The evaluation should also assess the applicable lifespan of the policy and determine if the policy will last long enough to solve the problem. Some policies might be formulated in a way that they are outlived by the problem they were supposed to address. The evaluation stage is crucial because it alerts policy makers of any complications that may occur in the future. It leads to addition of changes that ensure the policy realizes its goals. Under evaluation, resources and funds required to maintain the policy effectiveness are analyzed to make sure that the policy does not stagnate in the future due to lack of resources. Question #2 The process of public policy analysis addresses questions that might be raised as to why it is necessary to have a government or not. A government is necessary in any society for there to order. Without a government, some issues like the administration of justice and equitable distribution of resources would not be possible. The government is an essential institution because it ensures that there is a sense of balance in the society. In a society where there is no government, monopolistic entities are likely to occur which would lead to exploitation of the common folk. This is because the establishment of free markets would be difficult because there would be no laws to enforce the policies aimed at creation of free markets. Monopolies concentrate products and services in one sector and this create a precedent where price control is implemented. These firms are able to make a reasonable profit but not a large one (Cochran et al, 2008). There exist externalities that intervene when a monopoly is active because consumer’s purchasing power is determined by their earnings. These earnings are also influenced by other policies that have been implemented. This goes to show that a government should be conscientious in the policies they enact because they all relate to one another and the failure of one could lead to the failure of others. The government’s role also includes providing a source of information that the public trust. This can only be realized by the formulation of public interest policies aimed at dissemination of appropriate and correct information. Personal interests especially from those who work for the government can put the success of a policy in jeopardy. The implementation of some policies, with reference to those that might directly benefit the community, government’s involvement can be a deterrent because of conflict of interest between the two parties (Cochran et al, 2008). A public policy requires resources and funds for it to realize its goals. An analysis of the necessary resources required for successful implementation of the policy to completion is carried out. This is conducted to ensure that the process of implementation does not stall in mid-process due to lack of resources. There are two types of cost benefit analysis, and they include tangible and intangible cost benefits. Tangible cost benefits can be measured while intangible cost benefits cannot be quantified. All regulations and policies that are under institutional mandate are required to undergo a cost benefit analysis. Direct benefits are explicitly associated with the goals of the policies. They include profits accrued from improved business opportunities due to the realization of free markets for goods and services without any monopolistic tendencies. Indirect benefits come from the program initiated by the policy, in addition to the primary benefits. They are also referred to as secondary benefits or positive externalities. For example, a dammed river for the purposes of electricity generation also produces a lake that can be used for recreational purposes. Fish can also be introduced into the lake, and they can serve as a diet supplement for the local community. Direct costs are the funds used to pay for items like permits and contractual works. Indirect costs are the negative side effects of a program, for example, the lake mentioned above can cause displacement of people and harbor parasites like mosquitoes. Direct costs are not only immediate, but there are also long-term costs that should be considered in the implementation of a policy. Examples include environmental factors like pollution and flooding should be accounted for when drawing up a budget for the policy. Public policy analysis is a rigorous exercise that should be carried out meticulously. This is to ensure that policies that are implemented realize the goals that they were formulated to achieve. All the steps that should be followed must be carefully adhered to for the policy to materialize successfully. References Thissen W. A. H and Walker W. E. (2013). Public Policy Analysis: New Developments. Springer, 2013. Cochran C. E, Carr T. R and Mayer L. C. (2008). American Public Policy: An Introduction. Illustrated 8Th Edition. London: Cengage Learning, 2008. Read More