Policy Analysis

Althea Thompson
PAD 739: Introduction to Policy Analysis Masters in Public Administration: John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Introduction
The first half of the semester, we have been focusing on basic methods of policy analysis and planning where we learned methods and concepts. The tools that we have been using so far, A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis written by Eugene Bardach which brings to life the eightfold path to more effective problem solving and Basic Methods Of Policy Analysis and Planning written by Patton et al. These instruments have been very informative and give good directions of how to, which are included in the first three chapters o f Patton et al and Bardach, Appendix C, Understanding Public and Non-Profit Institution: Asking the right Questions. Patton et al stretches the mind and challenges the imagination. Throughout the first half of the semester my intellectual curiosity, creativity and independent thinking has been stretched throughout the chapters that we have done so far, namely, The Need for Simple Methods of Policy Analysis and Planning, The Policy Analysis Process and Crosscutting Methods . These chapters are hands on, quick, basic, and practical for beginners policy analysis as can be seen illustrated as follows.

The Policy Analysis six(6) Basic Steps

Conclusion
I am half way through the semester and it is still challenging every time I am to complete an assignment, but I would not change this experience at all. Patton et al stretches the mind and challenges the imagination while Bardach explores effective problem solving. My intellectual curiosity, creativity and independent thinking has been stretched throughout the chapters that we have done so far not to mention the assignments. Not knowing what to expect from this class in the beginning I am surprised at what I am learning now and looking forward to see what is in store at completion.

Practical Principles for Beginning Policy Analyst

Patton et al stated in chapter 2 that the quality of the analysis depends on the identification and exact stated problem so that relevant data can be collected. Understand that this chapter deals with the frame work for thinking about the policy analysis process for conducting policy analysis, which involves feedback and iteration among the six steps instead of a rigid lock-step approach. Also, these steps can be broken down into smaller components. The policy analysis (6) six basis steps are: (1) Verify, define and detail the problem, (2) Establishing evaluation criteria; (3) Identifying alternative policies; (4) Evaluating alternative policies; (5) Displaying and distinguishing among policies; (6) Monitor the implemented policy Ideally, these steps are ways to think about the problems, organizing data and present findings. Policy analysis also focuses on craft and creativity as each policy analysts develop their own styles and personalized ways of getting information.

In chapter one which gives an overview of the rationale for using simple methods for analyzing policies and plans Patton et al pointed out that decision makers needed answers quickly, and will make decisions from available data, but policy analyst and planners can help improve the quality of decisions by providing accurate, timely and quick analyzes . On page 9 under the heading Practical Principles for Beginning policy analysts Patton et al listed 11 practical principles for beginning researcher or policy analysts to apply when we reflect on the daily problems that confront our government which will help develop a habit of looking at policy problems analytically, gain confidence, and provide accurate data for decision makers in a timely fashion. The practical principles are: (a) Learn to focus quickly on the central decision criterion of the problem (b) Think about the types of policy actions that can be taken (c) Avoid the toolbox approach to analyzing Policy (ideally the problem should dictate the methods) (d) Learn to deal with uncertainty (e) Say it with numbers (f) Make the analysis simple and transparent (g) Check the facts; (h) Learn to advocate the positions of others (i) Give the client analysis, not decisions (j) Push the boundaries of analysis beyond the Policy Envelope (k)Be aware that there is no such thing as an absolute correct, rational, and complete analysis

References
1. Bardach, Eugene Agenda C Understanding Public and non-Profit Institutions, Asking the right questions. A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis, The Eighth Fold Path to More Effective Problem Solving, 3rd Edition, CQ Press A division of SAGE Washington DC. 2. Patton, Carl V., David S. Sawicki and Jennifer Clarke. Basic Methods of Policy Analysis and Planning, 3rd Edition, Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson 2013 43-55, 68-89Print

A Practical Guide For Policy Analyst Appendix C Bardach talked about understanding public and non profit organization by asking the right questions. He draws attention to the varied aspects of the organizational structure such as its mission Bardach suggested that in order to understanding public and non- profit organization we as researchers and analyst need to ask the right questions. He suggested that the right questions to asked can be drawn from giving attention to the varied aspects of the organizational structure such as its mission, its environment, its performance measurement, its technology, its production delivery process, its front line workers and co-producers, partners and other outsiders, centralization and decentralization, culture and communications, politics, leadership and change. However the structure that draws my attention is the politics within the organization. I believe that there are factions within every organization whether public or nonprofit organization. I also believe that politics can be ideological as well as professional since everyone who enters an organization to work have a preconceive idea what they are looking for in an organization even if it is a preconceive one. Likewise, professionalism within organization differs so it is incumbent on analysts to ask the right questions from a structural perspective.

Communicating the Analysis

In Chapter 3 Crosscutting Methods- Patton et al focus on a number of methods that can be used at different points during the policy analysis process. As a researcher, these methods are important and maybe as critical to the accuracy and success of an analysis. However, in selecting methods Patton et at al suggested that an analyst follow the guide of, what clients want to know, the time available for analysis, the professional knowledge of the factors affecting the policy decision, the complexity of the issue and the data available. From the crosscutting methods listed by Patton et al such as the procedures for identifying, gathering and analyzing existing data, conducting specialized interviews and quick surveys, for producing basic analysis and for communicating the results, I find communicating the analysis or results as an attention getter. Patton et al stated that the best analysis is irrelevant if it is late and useless if it is not understandable (p. 123 para 1). What makes a good report is simplicity. As a researcher or an analyst one must convey clear, and concise report and without jargon. Also, the report must also be well documented, accurate and fair. As a researcher I have realized that I can communicate the analysis by getting it on paper, by using graphics to communicate, by organizing the report and in-person communication. By using graphics to communicate, a picture is worth a thousand words according to Patton et al. Graphics include graphs and charts such as pie and bar charts, histograms etc., tables which can be numerical or text, maps, and pictures such as photos and drawings. The pictures illustrates or document actual conditions, adding interest while the drawings illustrates how something works, or what a proposal would look like. In organizing the report as a researcher or an analyst I will give the readers a road map which consists of a summary, problem definition, evalua tion criteria, alternatives, analysis and comparison, conclusion and next steps.

Acknowledgements
I would like to acknowledge Professor G. who made possible the different publishing software accessible for me create this project. It was scary at first working on this project but once into it one become relaxed.

RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATION DESIGN 2012

www.PosterPresentations.com