The textbook and lecture for Unit VIII outline a four step decision making model. Use this model as a framework and apply the decision making model to a public policy issue in your community.

The textbook and lecture for Unit VIII outline a four step decision making model. Use this model as a framework and apply the decision making model to a public policy issue in your community. Your response should be at least 600 words in length.

Text book:

Weimer, D. L., & Vining, A. R. (2011). Policy analysis: Concepts and practice (5th ed.). New York, NY: Longman.

Step 1

Understanding the Problem: The first stage in the process includes the understanding of the problem and the identification of objectives. Where are we? What do we want to do? Usually this step is the prerogative of the political process, which of course includes public input. We often see political platforms developed during the election season which normally include the objectives of that particular party or candidate. These platforms illustrate for the voter the objectives deemed important by that individual or party. Weimer and Vining (2011) note that one aspect of policy analysis is that we often see “goal vagueness” (p. 348). Indeed, goal vagueness is often a strategic choice by decision makers to enable the policy analysis process and drive the policy goal product.

Step 2

Explaining Relevant Policy Goals: The model for policy analysis is rational and fact based, so the second step is to collect information that could be relevant in our decision making. Clearly, there are numerous available sources of information. On the one hand, there may be resolutions to your issue already applied in other areas/jurisdictions. These “best practices” can often be found through peer networks or professional organizations. Also, there are extensive existing sources of information we can develop using literature review techniques. These include online journal and/or data base searches, materials produced by interest groups, and also government publications. Examples of data generated by the government relevant to our discussions include U.S. Census data or labor data from the Department of Labor. Both of these agencies collect and disseminate extensive relevant data useful in many policy projects. In addition, the data phase can include the actual generation of data including methods such as surveys, focus groups, talking to people, and finding unpublished information including organizational data. Weimer and Vining (2011), in Figure 14.1 (p. 338), illustrate a strategy for combining both literature and field research. Overall, the intent of gathering and generating the data is to ascertain the possible impacts of our policy decisions to the extent that policy makers can weigh various alternatives and understand possible decision outcomes.

Step 3

Choosing a Solution: The third step is the selection of a course of action or the selection of an alternative. As Weimer and Vining (2011) note in Figure 15.3 (p. 358), efficiency is a key goal in the discussion of policy options. Specifically, there are five basic approaches to policy analysis. These include: cost benefit analysis, qualitative cost benefit analysis, modified cost benefit analysis, cost effectiveness analysis, and multi goal analysis. Essentially, these cost benefit analysis methods allow for a better understanding of the utility and benefits of each policy alternative under consideration.

As might be expected, this step also includes ensuring that the action is properly communicated with employees and stakeholders. It includes the action steps required to make the decision happen. For example, it includes who does what, when? In addition, this step requires that the proper resources are available to ensure that the policy can be achieved.

Of course, the last element of this step is providing your client (your organization) with clear, timely, and actionable advice or recommendations. As Weimer and Vining (2011) point out, the analysis must address three questions: “What do you believe your client should do? Why should your client do it? How should your client do it?” (p. 375).

In many instances, the packaging of the communication of the policy analysis is important to the success of the effort. As we see in Weimer and Vining (2011), policy development can be complex and divisive. In that regard, the policy analyst must ensure accuracy, clarity, and transparency in the generation of data and the recommendations.

Step 4

Finally, the fourth step in the process is that of evaluation. In this step, we are looking at the outcomes with a view ensuring we are on the right course and achieving the expected outcomes. If we are not seeing the results as originally anticipated, we could make adjustments to our model, communicating and implementing the decision, and evaluating the results.

We see this model as a sequential path that is followed by decision makers in developing and analyzing policy. It is used by both private and public decision makers. As discussed, depending on the complexity of the decision, we may skip steps or use them less formally. However, it does represent a viable model.