Question

2D- From Theory and Practice in Policy Analysis, Chapter 11: Where have you seen any of these models applied in actual analyses? Do these descriptions suggest any new applications to you - ways to apply one or more of these ideas to existing questions? Are the more elaborate modeling tools actually more useful? In what ways are they more useful? How does one decide which type (or complexity" of model to use for a given problem?

Answer 1

A policy cycle model is used to evaluate the development of policy at different stages. The various stages involved in this model are:

• Agenda Setting
• Policy Formulation
• Legitimation
• Implementation
• Evaluation
• Policy Maintenance

This kind of model can be seen, being implemented in the HR Policy formulation of the company. The stakeholders usually set the agenda for the proposed policy, including the objectives and goals. Based on the proposed objectives and goals to be met, the policy formulation is done keeping in mind, the interests of all the involved stakeholders. The formulated policy is then vetted on the legal parameters to check if it is meeting the government regulations and compliances. When the policy gets thumbs up from the legal team, it is implemented organization wide. The evaluation of the policy can be done based on how the stakeholders perceive it and how effectively it meets its objectives. If the policy is successfully perceived organization wide, it can be updated in a timely manner.

This kind of model is extremely useful when the policy intends to cover a large chunk of people. This model facilitates the inclusion of various perspectives and objectives of the various stakeholders.

The type or complexity of the model majorly depend on the complexity of the policy that needs to be formulated. Another factor on which this implementation depends is the scope of the proposed policy.