CONCEPT OF PUBLIC POLICY ANALYSIS

Policy analysis has been variously defined by scholars. For instance Ukeles (1977:223) defines it as:
The systematic investigation of the alternative policy options and the assembly and integration of the evidence for and against each option. It involves a problem solving approach, the collection and interpretation of information, and some attempt to predict the consequences of alternative courses of action.

Poster (1978:1) defines policy analysis as “analysis of the determinants, characteristic, and implications of public policies and programs and the substantive consequences and outcomes they produce”. It is a set of techniques that seeks to answer the question of what the probable effects of a policy will be before they actually analysis as an activity that occurs before a policy comes into effect. But the fact remains that policy analysis can take place even when a policy has come into effect. However, a policy analysis undertaken on a program that is already in effect is more appropriately called a program evaluation.

For the purposes of this book, policy analysis is defined as a multidisciplinary and systematic investigation aimed at gathering and analyzing information about the likely consequences of public polices both before and after they occur. All policy analysis involve the application of systematic research techniques (drawn largely from the social sciences and based on measurements of program effectiveness, quality, cost, and impact) to the formulation, execution, and evaluation of public policy to create a more rational administrative system. Public policy analysis is aimed at improving the basis for public policy making. The fundamental purpose of policy analysis, according to Beckman (1975) is, “to facilitate the reading of sound policy decisions”. Policy analysis also contributes to better policy implementation and performance through studies, determination of problems and the means to resolve them. Brewer and Deleon (1983:20) have developed the following processes of policy analysis:

THE PROCESS OF POLICY ANALYSIS
1.         Initiation
Initiation is the first stage in the process of policy analysis. It involves the conception of creative thoughts about a problem. This is further followed by the definition of objectives, designing of several innovative options, and then a tentative preliminary exploration of concepts, claims and possibilities.

2.      Estimation
This second stage involves a thorough investigation of concepts and claims, a scientific examination of impacts of continuing to do nothing as well as of each considered intervention option. Other issues involved under this stage include normative examination of likely consequences; development of program outlines; and establishment of expected performance criteria and indications.

3.                              Selection
The selection stage involves debating on possible options to be chosen; compromises, bargains, and accommodations; reduction of uncertainty about options; integration of ideological and other non-rational elements of decision; decisions among options; and assignment of executive responsibility.

4.                  Implementation
The fourth stage is the implementation stage. This is a crucial stage in the process, and involves development of rules, regulations, and guidelines to carry out decision. Another important aspect of this stage is the modification of decision to reflect operational constraints, including incentive and resources. This leads to the translation of decisions into operational terms, and finally the setting of program goals and standards, including schedule of operation.

5.         Evaluation
This stage in the process is concerned with the comparison of expected and actual performance levels according to established criteria, as well as the assignment of responsibility for discovered discrepancies in performance.

6.         Termination
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