PPA 670 POLICY ANALYSIS

COMPONENTS OF A POLICY ANALYSIS PAPER

I. PROBLEM DEFINITION

A. carefully formulated problem statement
B. assessment of the relevance and accuracy of all data
C. statement of assumptions, boundaries, and constraints

II. CRITERIA

A. consideration of all relevant interests, including the public interest
B. recognition of impacts on the environment, future generations, etc.
C. recognition of equity considerations and how to compensate losers
D. recognition of public welfare and community standards
E. detailed operational definition of each criterion
F. detailed measurement instructions for each criterion

III. ALTERNATIVES

A. documentation of search for alternatives
B. detailed description of each alternative

IV. ASSESSMENT OF ALTERNATIVES WITH CRITERIA

A. discovery and detailing of all costs
B. tests for sensitivity to changed conditions
C. recognition and incorporation of uncertainties
D. selection and development of appropriate models of analysis
E. verification and tests of all models
F. explanation of all subjective judgements

V. DECISION AND DISPLAY

A. extensive documentation and justification of the analysis
B. continuous communication with the client
C. a clear, well-written report

VI. MONITORING, IMPLEMENTATION, AND EVALUATION

A. an implementation plan
B. assessment of political and organizational feasibility