Policy analysis 3

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POLICY ANALYSISPOLICY ANALYSIS



Policy analysis

Reporting to stakeholders

Identify issues

Policy instruments

Consultation

coordination

decision

Implementation

Evaluation Policy Cycle



DefinitionDefinition

Policy analysis refers to the analysis of existing or Policy analysis refers to the analysis of existing or prospective policies with the intention of improving healthprospective policies with the intention of improving healthor social welfare.or social welfare.

Policy analysis refers to inquiry that is directed towardPolicy analysis refers to inquiry that is directed towarddeveloping a proposal for a specific health policy that willdeveloping a proposal for a specific health policy that willhelp legislators and other policy makers to make choiceshelp legislators and other policy makers to make choicesthat can guide social actions (Milio, 1984).that can guide social actions (Milio, 1984).

This conceptual model of nursing and health policyThis conceptual model of nursing and health policy

focuses on the analysis of health policies that address thosefocuses on the analysis of health policies that address thosehealth care services, health care personnel, and health carehealth care services, health care personnel, and health careexpenditures that are most relevant for nursing at eachexpenditures that are most relevant for nursing at eachlevel of the model.level of the model.



One common methodology is to define theOne common methodology is to define the

problem and evaluation criteria; identify allproblem and evaluation criteria; identify all

alternatives; evaluate them; and recommendalternatives; evaluate them; and recommendthe best policy option.the best policy option.



PURPOSE OF POLICY PURPOSE OF POLICY

ANALYSIS?

ANALYSIS?

To critique a policyTo critique a policy

To understanding underlying dynamics of To understanding underlying dynamics of

policypolicy--makingmaking To assess alternativesTo assess alternatives

To propose alternativesTo propose alternatives

All of the aboveAll of the above



THE OBJECT OF ANALYSIS?THE OBJECT OF ANALYSIS?

Specific policy document, decision, or Specific policy document, decision, or

legislationlegislation

Budget and associated explicit or implicit policyBudget and associated explicit or implicit policy

positionposition

A body of decisions (and pattern of decisionA body of decisions (and pattern of decision--

making) or nonmaking) or non--decisionsdecisions

Advantages and disadvantages of proposedAdvantages and disadvantages of proposedpolicy optionspolicy options

Consequences of any or all of the aboveConsequences of any or all of the above



CONSIDER ING POLICY ACTIONS CONSIDER ING POLICY ACTIONS ± ± 77

HABITS OF GOVERNMENTSHABITS OF GOVERNMENTS Raise fundsRaise funds ± ± new tax, cost shift, redirect funding, increasenew tax, cost shift, redirect funding, increase

efficiencyefficiency

Subsidies and grantsSubsidies and grants -- +/+/-- programs, reprograms, re--define eligibilitydefine eligibilityrules or benefits, change payment incentivesrules or benefits, change payment incentives

S

ervicesS

ervices -- +/+/-- service, target people/place or health issue,service, target people/place or health issue,+/+/-- access, +/access, +/-- efficiencyefficiency

RegulateRegulate -- +/+/-- regulation, +/regulation, +/-- standard, change reportingstandard, change reportingand auditingand auditing

Information and educationInformation and education ± ± inform, raiseinform, raise

awareness/change behavior/promote values,awareness/change behavior/promote values,produce/disseminate information, require disclosureproduce/disseminate information, require disclosure

RightsRights -- +/+/-- rightsrights

Set market conditionsSet market conditions -- +/+/-- competition, control prices/competition, control prices/wages/ profits, control output levelswages/ profits, control output levels



SELECTING AN ANALYTICAL SELECTING AN ANALYTICAL

F

RAMEF

RAME

Policy trianglePolicy triangle ± ± actors working withactors working with

content, context, and processcontent, context, and process

Policy streamsPolicy streams ± ± policy problem, policypolicy problem, policysolution, political willsolution, political will



PHASES OF POLICY ANALYSISPHASES OF POLICY ANALYSIS

Analyse the argumentAnalyse the argument ± ± the evidence basethe evidence base

(epidemiological, economics, etc) and the(epidemiological, economics, etc) and the

logiclogic Analyse the politicsAnalyse the politics ± ± stakeholders,stakeholders,

networks, winners and losers, distribution of networks, winners and losers, distribution of

costs and benefits, implementationcosts and benefits, implementation

feasibilityfeasibility



SIX STEP POLICYSIX STEP POLICY

ANALYSISANALYSIS1) Verify and define the problem 1) Verify and define the problem

2) Establish evaluation criteria2) Establish evaluation criteria

3) Identify alternative policies3) Identify alternative policies4) Assess alternative policies4) Assess alternative policies

5) Display and distinguish among 5) Display and distinguish among alternativesalternatives

6) Implement, monitor, and evaluate the 6) Implement, monitor, and evaluate the policy policy



Policy IterationPolicy IterationDetermining Objectives

and Criteria

ExaminingAlternatives

for Feasibility

Building and

Testing Models

Collecting Dataand Information

Searching and

DesigningAlternatives

Evaluating Cost, Benefits Impacts

Outputs and Effectiveness

Clarifying the Problem

Opening NewAlternatives

Questioning

Assumptions

Interpreting

Results



1) VER IFY, DEFINE THE PR OBLEM1) VER IFY, DEFINE THE PR OBLEM

State the problem meaningfully:State the problem meaningfully:

Determine the magnitude and extent of the problemDetermine the magnitude and extent of the problem

Continually reContinually re--define the problem in light of what isdefine the problem in light of what ispossiblepossible

Eliminate irrelevant materialEliminate irrelevant material

Question the accepted thinking about the problemQuestion the accepted thinking about the problem

Question initial formulations of the problemQuestion initial formulations of the problem



1) VER IFY, DEFINE AND DETAIL THE1) VER IFY, DEFINE AND DETAIL THE

PR OBLEMPR OBLEM

Say it with dataSay it with data

Locate similar policy analysesLocate similar policy analyses Locate relevant sources of dataLocate relevant sources of data

Eliminate ambiguityEliminate ambiguity

Clarify objectivesClarify objectives Resolve conflicting goalsResolve conflicting goals



1) VER IFY, DEFINE AND DETAIL THE1) VER IFY, DEFINE AND DETAIL THE

PR OBLEMPR OBLEM

Focus on the central, critical factorsFocus on the central, critical factors

Is it important? Is it important?

Is it unusual? Is it unusual?

Can it be solved? Can it be solved?

Identify who is concerned, and why? Identify who is concerned, and why?

What power do concerned parties have? What power do concerned parties have?

Make a quick estimate of resources required toMake a quick estimate of resources required to

deal with the problemdeal with the problem



PHASES OF POLICY ANALYSISPHASES OF POLICY ANALYSIS

Analyse the argumentAnalyse the argument ± ± the evidence basethe evidence base

(epidemiological, economics, etc) and the(epidemiological, economics, etc) and the

logiclogic Analyse the politicsAnalyse the politics ± ± stakeholders,stakeholders,

networks, winners and losers, distribution of networks, winners and losers, distribution of

costs and benefits, implementationcosts and benefits, implementation

feasibilityfeasibility



ANALYSING THE ARGUMENTANALYSING THE ARGUMENT(CONTENT, IDEA, SOLUTION)(CONTENT, IDEA, SOLUTION)

How well is the problem defined? How good isHow well is the problem defined? How good isthe evidence? the evidence?

How plausible are the solutions? How good isHow plausible are the solutions? How good is

the evidence?

the evidence?

Does it make sense? Is it logical?Does it make sense? Is it logical?

How realistic is the solution? Is implementationHow realistic is the solution? Is implementationfeasible?feasible?

Are the possible consequences (benefits andAre the possible consequences (benefits andcostscosts ± ± social, economic, political) anticipated? social, economic, political) anticipated? Implicitly or explicitly?Implicitly or explicitly?

Are there other alternatives?Are there other alternatives?



CONSIDER ING THE EVIDENCECONSIDER ING THE EVIDENCE

Evidence about nature, magnitude, cause andEvidence about nature, magnitude, cause anddistribution of the problemdistribution of the problem

Evidence about solutionsEvidence about solutions ± ± effectiveness of differenteffectiveness of differentinterventions, under what conditions, for whominterventions, under what conditions, for whom

EfficiencyEfficiency ± ± what resources would be needed to producewhat resources would be needed to producewhat type of benefitswhat type of benefits

Impact, equity, and ethicsImpact, equity, and ethics -- how are costs and benefitshow are costs and benefitsdistributeddistributed

Feasibility and acceptabilityFeasibility and acceptability -- what organisational andwhat organisational and

community capacity required for implementation; arecommunity capacity required for implementation; aresolutions acceptable from social, cultural, and politicalsolutions acceptable from social, cultural, and politicalperspectives; how does the solution reflect communityperspectives; how does the solution reflect communityvalues and stakeholder interestsvalues and stakeholder interests



ANALYSING THE POLITICS ANALYSING THE POLITICS ± ±

THE CONTEXTTHE CONTEXT

How and why did this issue emerge at thisHow and why did this issue emerge at this

time?time?

Why is the problems framed (defined) inWhy is the problems framed (defined) inthis particular way?this particular way?

Is this issue linked to any other issue, event,Is this issue linked to any other issue, event,

players which will complicate matters or players which will complicate matters or

compel resolution in particular ways?compel resolution in particular ways?





Policy ObjectivesPolicy Objectives

Single or Multiple objective?Single or Multiple objective?

Conflicting objectivesConflicting objectives

Trade off between objectivesTrade off between objectives Prioritisation of objectivesPrioritisation of objectives

Multiple objective weightsMultiple objective weights



Example: Macroeconomic Policy ObjectivesExample: Macroeconomic Policy Objectives

1. Economic Growth1. Economic Growth

2. Improved standard of living2. Improved standard of living

3. Sustainable development3. Sustainable development

4. Environmental preservation4. Environmental preservation

5. Full employment5. Full employment6. Low inflation6. Low inflation

OTHER Health Policy ObjectivesOTHER Health Policy Objectives

1.1. Decrease MMR Decrease MMR

2.2. Decrease NMR Decrease NMR

3.3. Comprehensive health insuranceComprehensive health insurance



22 ) ESTABLISH EVALUATION) ESTABLISH EVALUATION

CR ITER IACR ITER IA

What are the important policy goals, and how willWhat are the important policy goals, and how will

they be measured? they be measured?

Identify criteria central to the problem andIdentify criteria central to the problem and

relevant to the stakeholdersrelevant to the stakeholders

Clarify goals, values and objectivesClarify goals, values and objectives

Identify desirable and undesirable outcomesIdentify desirable and undesirable outcomes

Is there a rank order of importance among theIs there a rank order of importance among thecriteria? What will be the rules for comparingcriteria? What will be the rules for comparing

alternatives? alternatives?



22 ) ESTABLISH EVALUATION) ESTABLISH EVALUATION


Administrative EaseAdministrative Ease

Costs and benefitsCosts and benefits

EffectivenessEffectiveness

EquityEquity

LegalityLegality Political acceptabilityPolitical acceptability



3) IDENTIFY ALTER NATIVE POLICIES3) IDENTIFY ALTER NATIVE POLICIES

Consider a wide range of optionsConsider a wide range of options

Consider the status quo, or noConsider the status quo, or no--actionaction

alternativealternative

Consult with expertsConsult with experts

Brainstorming, Delphi, ScenarioBrainstorming, Delphi, Scenario

writingwriting

Redefine the problem if necessaryRedefine the problem if necessary



ANALYSING THE ALTERNATIVES ANALYSING THE ALTERNATIVES

± ± consider both argument and politicsconsider both argument and politics Focus on the policy objectivesFocus on the policy objectives ± ± eg equity,eg equity,

efficiency, access, quality, cost containment,efficiency, access, quality, cost containment,etc.etc. ± ± how well can the policy objectives behow well can the policy objectives be

met?met? Set criteria for comparing alternativesSet criteria for comparing alternatives ± ± egeg

contribution to health improvement, number of contribution to health improvement, number of beneficiaries, cost, social and politicalbeneficiaries, cost, social and political

acceptability, feasibility of implementation, etc.acceptability, feasibility of implementation, etc. Consider unanticipated consequencesConsider unanticipated consequences

Consider impact on stakeholdersConsider impact on stakeholders





4)4) ASSESS ALTER NATIVE POLICIESASSESS ALTER NATIVE POLICIES

Select appropriate methods and apply themSelect appropriate methods and apply them

correctlycorrectly

Estimate expected outcomes, effects, and impactsEstimate expected outcomes, effects, and impacts

of each policy alternativeof each policy alternative

Do the predicted outcomes meet the desired goals? Do the predicted outcomes meet the desired goals?

Can some alternatives be quickly discardedCan some alternatives be quickly discarded

Continue inContinue in--depth analysis of alternatives thatdepth analysis of alternatives thatmake the first cutmake the first cut





IMPLEMENT, MONITOR, AND IMPLEMENT, MONITOR, AND

EVALUATE THE POLICYEVALUATE THE POLICY

Draw up a plan for implementationDraw up a plan for implementation

Design monitoring systemDesign monitoring system Suggest design for policy evaluationSuggest design for policy evaluation

Was the policy properly implemented? Was the policy properly implemented?

Did the policy have the intended effect(s)? Did the policy have the intended effect(s)?



Guideline for Policy AnalysisGuideline for Policy Analysis

The problemThe problem

What problem is to be solved by policy?What problem is to be solved by policy?

What is the magnitude of the problem?What is the magnitude of the problem?

The solutionsThe solutions

What are the possible solutions to the problem?What are the possible solutions to the problem?

What has worked in the past?What has worked in the past?

What innovative solutions have been proposed?What innovative solutions have been proposed?

The stak eholdersThe stak eholders

Who supports each solution?Who supports each solution?

Who opposes each solution?Who opposes each solution?

The costsThe costsWhat is the cost of each solution?What is the cost of each solution?

What are the principal sources of funding?What are the principal sources of funding?




The benefitsThe benefits

What are the benefits of each solution?What are the benefits of each solution?

What are the benefits of the status quo?What are the benefits of the status quo?

What are the intended effects of the policy on society as a whole?What are the intended effects of the policy on society as a whole?

What basic social and political values are to be promoted by the policy?What basic social and political values are to be promoted by the policy?

The recipientsThe recipients

To whom or what is the policy directed? What is their political power To whom or what is the policy directed? What is their political power base?base?

How will the policy affect them?How will the policy affect them?

What other people might indirectly benefit from this policy?What other people might indirectly benefit from this policy?

Will any group suffer as a result of this policy? What is their politicalWill any group suffer as a result of this policy? What is their politicalpower base?power base?




The policyThe policy

What is the proposed policy?What is the proposed policy?

Does it focus on health care services, personnel, expendituresDoes it focus on health care services, personnel, expendituresor some combination of the three?or some combination of the three?

To which level is the policy directed?To which level is the policy directed?

The implementation planThe implementation plan

Who is to be involved in the formulation and evaluation of Who is to be involved in the formulation and evaluation of

the policy?the policy?

Who and what are needed to implement the policy?Who and what are needed to implement the policy?

How will the policy be administered?How will the policy be administered?



TIPS FOR PR ACTICAL POLICYTIPS FOR PR ACTICAL POLICY

ANALYSISANALYSIS

1) Quickly identify the central decision criterion of 1) Quickly identify the central decision criterion of

the problemthe problem

2) Identify what types of public sector actions can be2) Identify what types of public sector actions can be

takentaken

(Health, education?

)(Health, education?

)3) Avoid the "one best way" approach3) Avoid the "one best way" approach

(Have many tools in the tool box, not just one)(Have many tools in the tool box, not just one)




ANALYSISANALYSIS

4) Learn how to deal with uncertainty4) Learn how to deal with uncertainty

(Admit it, estimate its possible effects)(Admit it, estimate its possible effects)

5) Say it with numbers5) Say it with numbers

(C

harts, graphs, tables, maps, etc.)(C

harts, graphs, tables, maps, etc.)




ANALYSISANALYSIS

6) Make the analysis simple and transparent6) Make the analysis simple and transparent

(Provide details in a technical appendix)(Provide details in a technical appendix)

7)C

heck and re7)C

heck and re--check the factscheck the facts(Use multiple sources of facts,(Use multiple sources of facts,

triangulation)triangulation)

8) Learn to anticipate the objections of 8) Learn to anticipate the objections of

opponentsopponents

(Improves the ultimate product)(Improves the ultimate product)




ANALYSISANALYSIS

9) Give analysis, not decisions9) Give analysis, not decisions

(Distinguish between analysis and advocacy)(Distinguish between analysis and advocacy)

10) Push the boundaries of the envelope10) Push the boundaries of the envelope

(Expand the problem definition; introduce novel(Expand the problem definition; introduce novel

solutions)solutions)

11) Policy analysis is never 100% complete, rational,11) Policy analysis is never 100% complete, rational,

and correctand correct

(How much time, money, and personnel is(How much time, money, and personnel is

available to do the job?)available to do the job?)



ASSESSING POLICY ALTER NATIVESASSESSING POLICY ALTER NATIVES

Which policy alternative should beWhich policy alternative should be

adopted? In this step in the policy analysisadopted

? In this step in the policy analysis

process, the policy analyst takes each of theprocess, the policy analyst takes each of the

proposed policy alternatives and, one byproposed policy alternatives and, one by

one, applies each of the decision criteria toone, applies each of the decision criteria to

each alternative.each alternative.



MultiMulti--criteria Analysiscriteria Analysis

Economic AnalysisEconomic Analysis

Risk AnalysisRisk Analysis

Political Feasibility AnalysisPolitical Feasibility Analysis



ECONOMIC ANALYSISECONOMIC ANALYSIS

One of the most widely used economicOne of the most widely used economicanalysis tools is to look at the long termanalysis tools is to look at the long termcosts and the long term benefits of acosts and the long term benefits of aproposed policy alternative. From there, theproposed policy alternative. From there, thepolicy analyst can calculate either the Netpolicy analyst can calculate either the NetPresent Value (NPV), the CostPresent Value (NPV), the Cost--BenefitBenefitRatio, or the Internal Rate of Return (IRR)Ratio, or the Internal Rate of Return (IRR)of each alternativeof each alternative



P li Ri k A dP li Ri k A d



Policy Risk Assessment andPolicy Risk Assessment and

ManagementManagement

± ± A proactive attempt to recognize and manageA proactive attempt to recognize and manageinternal events and external threats that affectinternal events and external threats that affectthe likelihood of a policy¶s success.the likelihood of a policy¶s success.

»» What can go wrong (risk event).What can go wrong (risk event).

»» How to minimize the risk event¶s impactHow to minimize the risk event¶s impact(consequences).(consequences).

»» What can be done before an event occursWhat can be done before an event occurs

(anticipation).(anticipation).

»» What to do when an event occurs (contingencyWhat to do when an event occurs (contingencyplans).plans).



political feasibility analysispolitical feasibility analysis

A political feasibility analysisA political feasibility analysis takes each proposedtakes each proposedpolicy alternativepolicy alternative and examinesand examines how well it willhow well it willhold up in the currenthold up in the current political realitypolitical reality..

Which actors will favor or oppose it, and whyWhich actors will favor or oppose it, and why(beliefs and motivations)? (beliefs and motivations)?

What resources do they have, and how effectiveWhat resources do they have, and how effectivewill they be at supporting or opposing the policy? will they be at supporting or opposing the policy?

Where is the debate on the policy to occur, andWhere is the debate on the policy to occur, andwhich actors or groups will be most powerfulwhich actors or groups will be most powerfulthere?there?



ANALYSING THE POLITICS ANALYSING THE POLITICS --

STAK EHOLDER STAK EHOLDER

Who are the interest groups, alliances,Who are the interest groups, alliances,social forces that will take an interest?social forces that will take an interest?

Who are likely to be directly affected,Who are likely to be directly affected,positively and negatively?positively and negatively?

Whose interests might be affected but theWhose interests might be affected but thevoice in unrepresented?voice in unrepresented?

Who are likely to be the winners and theWho are likely to be the winners and thelosers?losers?



IMPLEMENTATIONIMPLEMENTATION

ANALYSISANALYSISEven after a policy is adopted, there still may be resistanceEven after a policy is adopted, there still may be resistanceto its implementation.to its implementation.

In conducting an implementation analysis, the policyIn conducting an implementation analysis, the policyanalyst looks at factors that will make the alternative easier analyst looks at factors that will make the alternative easier or more difficult to implement, such as:or more difficult to implement, such as:

1) are there few or many actors required to implement this1) are there few or many actors required to implement this

alternative?alternative?

2) will there be one or multiple implementation settings? 2) will there be one or multiple implementation settings?



IMPLEMENTATIONIMPLEMENTATION

ANALYSISANALYSIS

3) will there be a single or multiple sets of 3) will there be a single or multiple sets of

instructions? instructions?

4) what is the degree of consensus around this4) what is the degree of consensus around this

alternative? alternative?

5) what magnitude of change will be5) what magnitude of change will be

required?required?



ROLE OF THE POLICYROLE OF THE POLICY



R OLE OF THE POLICYR OLE OF THE POLICY

ANALYSTANALYST

Policy analysis is a systematic evaluation of thePolicy analysis is a systematic evaluation of the

technical and political implications of alternativestechnical and political implications of alternatives

proposed to solve public problems.proposed to solve public problems.

Policy analysis refers to both the process of Policy analysis refers to both the process of assessing policies or programs, and the product of assessing policies or programs, and the product of

that analysis. A policy analyst:that analysis. A policy analyst:

uses qualitative and quantitative data;uses qualitative and quantitative data;

uses a variety of approaches to the problem;uses a variety of approaches to the problem;

applies appropriate methods correctly.applies appropriate methods correctly.



POLICY EVALUATIONPOLICY EVALUATION

Policy evaluation is the last step in the policyPolicy evaluation is the last step in the policy

process. It may ask deep and wideprocess. It may ask deep and wide--rangingranging

questions, such as:questions, such as:

1) was the problem correctly identified, or 1) was the problem correctly identified, or

was the correct problem identified? was the correct problem identified?

2) were any important aspects overlooked? 2) were any important aspects overlooked?

3) were any important data left out of the3) were any important data left out of the

analysis? did this influence the analysis? analysis? did this influence the analysis?



POLICY EVALUATIONPOLICY EVALUATION

4) were recommendations properly4) were recommendations properly

implemented? implemented?

5) is the policy having the desired effect? 5) is the policy having the desired effect?

6) are there any needs for modification,6) are there any needs for modification,

change, or rechange, or re--design? what should be donedesign? what should be done

differently next time?differently next time?



Remember«.Remember«.

The following tactics can help organized nursing effectively contributeThe following tactics can help organized nursing effectively contributeto health policy development:to health policy development:

1.1. Lobby government and policyLobby government and policy--mak ing bodies tomak ing bodies to

ensure the inclusion of nursingensure the inclusion of nursing, particularly where, particularly where

it is clear that we have an important contributionit is clear that we have an important contribution

to make.to make.

2.2. Position your organization as an expert resourcePosition your organization as an expert resource

on important health care issues by developingon important health care issues by developing

clear policy positions. Produce printed policy statementsclear policy positions. Produce printed policy statements

that are supported by data from relevantthat are supported by data from relevantpublications, research studies, and respected opinions.publications, research studies, and respected opinions.

You can use the ICN position statements if helpful, or modify them toYou can use the ICN position statements if helpful, or modify them tomeet your needs.meet your needs.



ESTABLISHING ANALYSISESTABLISHING ANALYSIS


Economic CriteriaEconomic Criteria

Equity Criteria, Social ImpactEquity Criteria, Social Impact

TechnicalTechnical

PoliticalPolitical

AdministrativeAdministrative

SustainabilitySustainability

EnvironmentalEnvironmental Cultural Cultural



WHAT AR E CR ITER IAWHAT AR E CR ITER IA

Every time a policy problem is identified,Every time a policy problem is identified,

some statement of goals is adopted.some statement of goals is adopted.Goals are broad, formal, longGoals are broad, formal, long--term problemterm problem--

solving achievements that are desired.solving achievements that are desired.

An example might be to make sure that theAn example might be to make sure that thelagoon is safe, clean, and usable.lagoon is safe, clean, and usable.



Sample criteria for improving lagoonSample criteria for improving lagoon

water quality might be:water quality might be:

effectivenesseffectiveness----how much of an improvement inhow much of an improvement in

water quality will this alternative produce? water quality will this alternative produce?

cost cost ----how much will it cost to improve the qualityhow much will it cost to improve the quality

of the lagoon using this alternative? of the lagoon using this alternative?

technical technical ----do we have the equipment and knowdo we have the equipment and know--

how to use this alternative? how to use this alternative?

political political ----is this alternative politically acceptable? is this alternative politically acceptable?



ECONOMIC CR ITER IAECONOMIC CR ITER IA

Most policy analysis involves at least one economicMost policy analysis involves at least one economic

criterion. These include impacts on the economy,criterion. These include impacts on the economy,

on expected public sector revenues, onon expected public sector revenues, ongovernment spending, etc.government spending, etc.

The most common economic criteria are costs. TheseThe most common economic criteria are costs. These

may include:may include:

borrowing costsborrowing costs----the costs of borrowing fundsthe costs of borrowing funds

d ecreases in net worthd ecreases in net worth----decreases in assetsdecreases in assets




d irect costsd irect costs----directly attributable to thedirectly attributable to the

policy alternativepolicy alternative

ind irect costsind irect costs----additional impacts notadditional impacts notincluded in the goalsincluded in the goals

intangible costsintangible costs----costs that cannot becosts that cannot be

counted or quantifiedcounted or quantified




monetarizable costsmonetarizable costs----can be expressed in dollarscan be expressed in dollars

oneone--time fixed coststime fixed costs----new capital expenditures,new capital expenditures,

equipment, training, etc.equipment, training, etc.

operations and maintenance costsoperations and maintenance costs----ongoing costsongoing costs

of the alternativeof the alternative

opportunity costsopportunity costs----other things that could haveother things that could have

been done with the same resources insteadbeen done with the same resources instead tangible coststangible costs----can be counted and quantifiedcan be counted and quantified



EQUITY CR ITER IAEQUITY CR ITER IA

Efficiency and effectiveness are technicalEfficiency and effectiveness are technical

and economic questions, but equity is aand economic questions, but equity is a

public question.public question.

Equity asks about the social allocationEquity asks about the social allocation

of burdens and benefits.of burdens and benefits.

Equity asks the questions of "whoEquity asks the questions of "who

pays?" and "who benefits?"pays?" and "who benefits?"



POLITICAL CR ITER IAPOLITICAL CR ITER IA

Other ways of assessing political viabilityOther ways of assessing political viability

include:include:

acceptabilityacceptability----is the proposed alternativeis the proposed alternativeacceptable to policy makers, policy targets,acceptable to policy makers, policy targets,

the general public, voters, etc.? the general public, voters, etc.?

appropriatenessappropriateness----is the proposed alternativeis the proposed alternative

appropriate to the values of the community,appropriate to the values of the community,

society, the legislature, etc.? society, the legislature, etc.?



POLITICAL CR ITER IAPOLITICAL CR ITER IA

legal legal ----is the proposed alternative legalis the proposed alternative legal

under current law, or will statutes have to beunder current law, or will statutes have to be

amended or enacted? amended or enacted?

responsiveresponsive----will the proposed alternativewill the proposed alternative

meet the real or perceived needs of themeet the real or perceived needs of the

target group, the public, etc.?target group, the public, etc.?



TECHNICAL CR ITER IATECHNICAL CR ITER IA

Another criterion is technical feasibility.Another criterion is technical feasibility.

This asks whether the technology exists or isThis asks whether the technology exists or is

readily available to implement a proposedreadily available to implement a proposedalternative.alternative.



ADMINISTR ATIVE CR ITER IAADMINISTR ATIVE CR ITER IA

Many public policies are implemented by publicMany public policies are implemented by publicagencies. Therefore, administrative operability or agencies. Therefore, administrative operability or administrative ease are often used as criteria for administrative ease are often used as criteria for

judging proposed public policies.judging proposed public policies. Questions that may be addressed include:Questions that may be addressed include:

authorityauthority----does the agency have the authority todoes the agency have the authority toimplement the proposed policy? implement the proposed policy?

commit ment commit ment ----does the proposed policy have thedoes the proposed policy have thecommitment of top managers, field staff, andcommitment of top managers, field staff, andsupport staff ? support staff ?



ADMINISTR ATIVEADMINISTR ATIVE


capacitycapacity----does the agency have thedoes the agency have the

resources to implement the proposed policy,resources to implement the proposed policy,

in terms of staff, skills, money, training,in terms of staff, skills, money, training,

expertise, etc.? expertise, etc.?

support support ----are the facilities, equipment, andare the facilities, equipment, and

other support available for the proposedother support available for the proposed

policy?policy?



SustainabilitySustainability

Is the policy approach sustainable in theIs the policy approach sustainable in the

longlong--term?term?

Does it require local institutional

Does it require local institutionalstrengthening or capacity development?strengthening or capacity development?

Is training of policy implementers required/Is training of policy implementers required/



Environmental CriteriaEnvironmental Criteria

What are the environmental costs andWhat are the environmental costs and

benefits of the policy?benefits of the policy?

Positive and negative environmentalPositive and negative environmentalimpactsimpacts

LongLong--term environmental impacts?term environmental impacts?



Cultural CriteriaCultural Criteria

Does the policy take into account culturalDoes the policy take into account cultural

factors?factors?

Is it acceptable from a cultural perspective

?Is it acceptable from a cultural perspective

?

What impact will it have on culture?What impact will it have on culture?

Policy analysis 3

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