PPA 670 POLICY ANALYSIS

INTRODUCTION TO POLICY ANALYSIS

The Nature of Public Problems
Classical Rational Problem Solving Model
Limitations in the Public Sector
Case Studies in Policy Analysis
Tips for Practical Policy Analysis
 

THE NATURE OF PUBLIC PROBLEMS

In the public sector, problems:

are fuzzy and ill-defined;

have political as well as purely technical aspects;

often lack a good cause-effect knowledge base;

may be solved only by producing new problems;

often involve tradeoffs between cost and effectiveness;

may be hard to measure adequacy of results;

may be hard to measure fairness of results.

CLASSICAL RATIONAL PROBLEM SOLVING MODEL

In theory, problems can be approached using a rational, comprehensive problem solving model. The demands of this model are:

1) Define the problem

2) Determine important social values

3) Identify all alternatives

4) Assess all alternatives

5) Select optimal alternative

6) implement optimal alternative

LIMITATIONS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR

    With these limitations, there is a need for the development of a model of policy analysis that can address public sector problems. But policy analysis differs from traditional research as well.

    Traditional research is concerned with broad, theoretical, complex questions. It uses explicit scientific steps and invariant procedures. Policy analysis, on the other hand, is practical, situational and flexible. It addresses local problems and focuses on making decisions. It is more craft or art than science.
 

Traditional Research	Policy Analysis
Seeks "truth"	Is practical
Explicit steps and procedures	Flexible, situational
Addresses broad questions	Addresses local problems
Focus on complexity	Focus on decision-making
Science	Craft

 
 

CASE STUDIES IN POLICY ANALYSIS

    A new approach is needed to learning in this area. This approach is offered by case studies. Case studies link problems to a reality; they offer the opportunity for the application of policy analysis techniques in a concrete context.

    The way information is remembered and use is linked to the way it is learned. Case studies provide cues to the types of techniques that are needed to approach a solution to the problem. These cues help policy analysts learn multiple approaches to learning and to problem solving.
 

Use of case studies will help to:

1) recognize situations where analysis is appropriate and productive;

2) become competent in the application of different approaches and methods;

3) learn how to communicate the results of policy analysis.

TIPS FOR PRACTICAL POLICY ANALYSIS

2) Identify what types of public sector actions can be taken
(Taxing, spending, sanctions, incentives, moral suasion, education?)

3) Avoid the "one best way" approach
(Have many tools in the tool box, not just one)

4) Learn how to deal with uncertainty
(Admit it, estimate its possible effects)

5) Say it with numbers
(Charts, graphs, tables, maps, etc.)

6) Make the analysis simple and transparent
(Provide details in a technical appendix)

7) Check and re-check the facts
(Use multiple sources of facts, triangulation)

8) Learn to anticipate the objections of opponents
(Improves the ultimate product)

9) Give analysis, not decisions
(Distinguish between analysis and advocacy)

10) Push the boundaries of the envelope
(Expand the problem definition; introduce novel solutions)

11) Policy analysis is never 100% complete, rational, and correct
(How much time, money, and personnel is available to do the job?)