What Is a Policy Analysis ?

1. Policy analysis is a multi-element process of assessing and analyzing the components that make up the stated “policy” or plan of action. The process should include viewing the players, environmental issues, and forces that influence and/or determine the policy

2. Policy analysis is not an exact science but rather an art. There are numerous approaches one can take within Policy analysis. One is to establish an agenda, then formulate the issues, addres alternatives, set the adoption and implementation plans, and then establish a feedback vehicle. Policy analysis deals wit formal policy and informal policy. Formal policy covers laws and regulation whereas informal policy addresses directives and standard operating procedures.

3. Policy analysis sheds light on components/parts of an issue or problem. It provides insight as well as the data necessary to open minds to new alternative and creates the basis for informed decision making and charting a course of action.

4. Policy analysis is the process by which governmental decision making can be explained and understood. It can help anticipate the decision. This is done through the used of techniques that enable various factors and their relative influence to be identified. There are various models that are available to do this.

5. Policy analysis is an exploration of values of the client and hoe the affect the impacts, problems, deficiencies, and feasibility of particular policy. It is done in many different ways, using a variety of techniques. It is dependent upon environment, politics, actors, history, organizational culture, and clients.

6. Policy analysis is the utilization of applied techniques, formal dan informal, to arrive at one recommendation for the benefit of a client based on a prescribed policy.

7. Policy analysis is client-based. It is looking at quantifiable-quantitative data through various methodologies to create definition of the problem, assumptions, alternatives, recognition of actors, and recommendations (observing political feasibility). It moves from agenda setting to formulation to operations to implementation to evaluation.

8. Policy analysis is a process that employs qualitative and/or quantitative techniques to describe a problem, illustrate ist impact, and present possible solutions.

9. Policy analysis is the comprehensive, objective, and systematic assessment of political problems, possible solutions, and their means of implementation.

10. Policy analysis is the study of numerous variables affecting an identified issue/problem and the alternatives/recommendations for solutions provided to decision makers. It produces and adequate range of alternatives to produce the best solution in light of foreseeable constraints.

11. Policy analysis is the process of reviewing, analyzing, and measuring a policy matters as a means of devising recommendations and policy alternatives for a particular client.

12. Policy analysis is a process that seeks to generate viable solutions to public-sector (and oftentimes nongovernmental ) problems.

13. Policy analysis is a way or ways in which we examine, evaluate, and provide advice.