Portfolio Sample Assignment

For this purpose at times, agendas are built to make everyone focus on the need for the policy and then give the solution so it is accepted with open arms. If the policy is made on some issue which is not being focused at that point of time the policy might not get the due focus and appreciation. That is why it is important to build agendas so everyone can see the importance of the policymaking.

How do we achieve mobilization?

Mobilization is when the issue is raised in the government circle and reaches the formal agenda. Now the goal is to make the issue part of the public agenda. In order to make the agenda public, it is important to raise the issue among the public through different means. The most important tool used to achieve this goal is to utilize the tool of media. Media is a strong mean to convert an official agenda into public agenda. It makes people realize the importance of the issue and sometimes even oversell the issue to increase the intensity and importance of the people. Once the issue becomes a part of public agenda it is easy to work on that with the public support.

Policy Formulation Portfolio Questions/Issues

What is policy formulation and how does it differ from agenda setting?

Policy formulation is far more complex and extensive process than agenda-building process. There are multiple stages in the policy-making at every stage there are a number of activities involved that make the process complicated. These activities involve policy dialogue, advocacy, and analysis of the problem. The part of policy-making where there is the formulation of the policy there is much more to ponder upon than in agenda setting step. In this step, there is an analysis of the all the issues and how these issues can be sorted out on the other hand agenda setting deals with how these issues can be related to the masses or to those authorities the involvement of whom is important for the survival of the policy (Romer, 2014).

Who determines policy formulation? Who participates in policy formulation?

Policy formulation is basically the development of an effective methodology to take actions to achieve the set agendas. There are basically two parts of policy formulation first is analysis and second is the authorization process. The part of formulation where analysis is to be done is completed by the experts in the relevant field. People who understand the problem in detail and understand the root causes which could lead to causing those problems and raising those issues. Then there is a second part which is the authorization part of the formulation. This part is conducted by the authorities. Now for this part, any level of authorities can be the one who is participating in the formulation process depending on the matter and the relevance of the matter to different levels of authority. It can be of the level of a governor or it might go to the president level and involve the whole machinery of the government (Hill & Varone, The public policy process, 2016).

Explain why problem definition is important in the policy formulation process?

Problem definition is important for the proper analysis of the problem. Problem analysis is the first and important step of the policy formulation. Without understanding the problem it is almost impossible to devise a strategy to coop it. Problem definition is what makes the problem and its intensity clearer to the authorities. Problem analysis is based on the problem definition because it helps the experts to understand where to look for the solution of the problems and also it helps them in understanding the causes and devise safety measures against them to propose to the authorities.

Without the basic knowledge, it is almost impossible to formulate an effective policy for the problem. If the policy is not effective enough the authorities might not authorize the policy which is the second stage of policy formulation. This is because if the authorities are not impressed by the analysis they would never come on board with implementing a policy with uncertainties (Puterman, 2014).

Who are policy entrepreneurs and what is their role in problem definition?

Policy entrepreneurs are the ones who are not part of the government formally and officially but still they become part of the policy-making process one way or the other. They are the ones who come up with some innovative and good ideas at times and translate them to the authorities and make them see their valid points. These are the ones who not only come up with the idea but also help authorities in translating that idea into in reality. They help the authorities in the implementation of the ideas that are linked with public practice. Their role in the problem definition is very crucial at times. They are the ones who come up with the basic idea and therefore have enough information on the origin and causes of the problem that helps in the refining process of the problem (Mintrom, 2013).

What are top-down models of policy formulation and how do they differ from the bottom-up model?

Top-down model of policy is when the policy is made by higher management. This can be the executive order or court decision which has to be implemented. No one else has a say in such matters because of the authority of the policymaker cannot be challenged and there is no space for objections in such situations. On the other hand, the bottom-up policy is when the policy is being proposed by the lower scale policymakers or advisors. This model is less of a policy-making and more of policy advising. The people who are involved in this policy formulation can be over-ruled by the higher authorities. The major difference is that when the policy is made by top-down approach it is often made in a way that there is low or no resistance from the other side but when it comes to bottom-up approach the policy makers are used to of facing the resistance and are not upset by that more often (Mishra & Bisht, 2013).

What is the difference between rational comprehensive model and the incremental model of policy formulation what are the strengths and weaknesses of each?

The basic difference between the rational comprehensive and incremental model is the fact in rational comprehensive approach all the rational steps and decisions are taking to make policies but on the other hand, the incremental model makes small increments and changes to the already existing policies. The strength of the rational model is that it is quite extensive and comprehensive process which deals with all the important factors and takes logical steps towards making an effective policy (Stanovich, 2016).

The weakness is that this process is time taking and needs a lot of critical thinking and sometimes might need some bold steps to be taken because they seem logical. On the other hand, incremental model’s strength is that the model is simple and easier to be implemented. This is just about making some improvements or small changes in the already existing policy. The weakness of this model is the less effectiveness of this model as compared to the rational model. This model does not change much in the already existing policy which in many cases might act just as a temporary solution to the problem.

What is target population model and how it’s different from the conventional conception policy formulation?

Target population model is the model which deals with the policy for a specific group of people. This might be a specific city but normally it is at least on a state level. These policies are made because of the special needs of a specific group of people. This is different from the conventional methodology because it is not generalized policymaking. All the communities are not the prime focus in such situations. Even in the target population model, there is a consideration for the rest of the community but the prime focus is on making a specific community comfortable and empowered to be able to do what they deserve (Lorem, Steen, & Wik, 2010).

Who are street-level bureaucrats? What are street-level bureaucracies?

Street-level bureaucracy is basically a subset of a government institution with the civil servants working for it. These civil servants are basically the street-level bureaucrats (Winter & May, 2016). These public servants have direct contact with general public. They make sure that the laws and policies of the government are being enforced and obeyed by the public. This bureaucracy makes sure that the laws are being followed on the smallest scale and the streets are running fine.

How do street-level bureaucrats make public policy?

Street-level bureaucrats are said to be the policymakers in the sense that they have freedom of exercising the law in whatever way they feel right. There is no check and balance on them in the field and they are free in improvising their moves in their field of expertise whenever they need to. Their operations can so complex that they cannot be scripted and that is why they are trusted to take steps according to their judgment at the sight. The discretion and the freedom the oversight of the organization give the street-level bureaucrats a strange power of unexpected policymaking during their operation on the daily basis (Hill, Policy process: A reader, 2014).

Policy Implementation Portfolio Questions/Issues

What is policy implementation?

Policy implementation is a bit complex process that comprises many steps. First of all, there is the need to identify the need for a policy in the society. Next step is to determine what should be the content of the policy. This is delicate and the important part. Once the content is decided the next thing to do is to win the confidence of the stakeholders on the policy that has been derived. It is important to take support from the stakeholders because otherwise, it is really difficult to implement a policy successfully. This part has many variables and there is a need of a strong convincer to bring all the stakeholders to a table and convince them this policy is good for everyone. Once all these steps are followed then the policy can be added to the code or revised accordingly (Hill, 2014).

How does it differ from agenda setting and policy formulation?

Policy implementation mainly deals with the process of implementing the policy and removing hurdles from the way of the execution. The main purpose of the agenda-setting is during the process and starting point of the policy-making process. This is what starts the wheel to move, policy formulation is the process of keeping the wheel moving and policy implementation is what the destiny is. All the work is done to get to the point of implementation and making the thought into a reality. Though agenda-setting helps in this-this but winning the support of the stakeholder is the vital part of the policy implementation process. If the support is not gained due to the agenda-setting or there is some problem with the policy formulation step it is almost impossible to implement the policy successfully.

What is the difference between self-executing and other forms of policy?

Self-executing policies are the one which can be implemented without the need for any legislation. Although there is an indication in the legislation regarding this still there is no potential threat to the implementation of the policy. Normally there is a need for legislation by the authorities to make sure that the policy can be implemented properly and is obeyed by the concerned people as well. This is normally also important to make that the institution which is involved in activity should make sure that the policy is being implemented properly and thoroughly. There is a proper devised procedure in the constitution to pass a policy and make sure it is being implemented properly. Self-executing policies are an exception to these as these policies do not need to get the authorities to hold sessions to make legislation in order to implement the policy and make it effective (Mashaw, 2017).

Who participates in policy implementation? What is the formula for knowing who participates?

There are many stakeholders when it comes to policy implementation process. There are government bodies as well as non-government bodies that are directly or indirectly involved in the implementation of the policy (Palinkas, Horwitz, Green, Wisdom, Duan, & Hoagwood, 2015). The implementation of the policy involves the step of making sure that all the stakeholders are on board with the policy. This is the step that involves all the people who can be affected by the policy and its implementation. Though the participation of all the stakeholders is not direct most of them have a representative who comes and represents the stakes of the stakeholders.

There is a simple rule for finding out who participate in the policy implementation. One should look for the people who have stakes attached to the issue because they are the ones who are going to participate in the policy implementation on way or the other. Whether through their representative or directly if there is some sort of polling for making sure that the stakeholders are onboard with the policy, all stakeholders are involved in the process.

What is the role of the bureaucratic agencies in the policy implementation?

Bureaucratic agencies have an important role to play in the policy implementation. The higher authorities are just concerned with the policy-making process they might even come up with the plan of implementation and execution of the process but when it comes to practical implementation of the process there is always need of bureaucratic agencies to do the job. They are the ones who are making sure that the policies being made by the higher authorities are being implemented properly. If there is any flaw in the implementation process of the policy the effectiveness of the policy reduces which is definitely the preferred condition given there is an extensive procedure to make sure that the important, practical and effective policies are made. This makes the role of bureaucratic agencies vital in the whole scenario (Tummers & Bekkers, 2014).

Why are laws crafted in complex legal language? What is the implication of this for bureaucratic agencies?

Laws are normally crafted in a legal language that is complex because of the possible outcomes of the words written in law are too many. There is a proper language with proper terminologies is derived for the purpose of the lawmaking. This is to make sure that the meaning of the law is not misunderstood. The proper language of the law helps because there is a proper guide devised in order to define the words that are being used. This legal language helps in reducing the ambiguities and makes sure that the agencies who are supposed to implement the law.

This makes it easier for the agencies to understand the laws and implement them when there is a need. There are not always the basic generic situations and direct implementation is not always easy and simple. There is often need of analysis of the situation and the relevant law in order to make sure that the law being implemented is in accordance with the situation. Laws made handle multiple situations in one statement and that is why the statements are often complex and a bit hard for the layman to understand easily (Gibbons, 2014).

What is rulemaking? Why is this important in policy implementation?

Rule-making is basically the process of implementation of the legislation passed by Congress and is made into law by the President of the country. This implementation is done by the federal agencies and not only this but the agencies also engage in the process of rule-making in order for the up gradation and the review of the existing law. This process helps in updating the already existing rules and also helps in making new laws as well. These rules are made on the basis of the needs that the agency feels. Though the authorities are involved in the updates the recommendations of the federal agencies are important and kept in mind while conducting the procedure (Ellickson, 2016).

What are the basic questions involved in policy implementation? How do we know when these questions are answered satisfactorily?

The basic questions and concerns linked to the implementation process of the policy are making sure that the policy that is to be implemented is actually needed. There is also a question of what part of the community needs the policy and what effect it can have on others. There is a concern on the formulation process of the policy that which of the community’s and authority’s representation were involved and which of them were not involved in the process. There is also a question of where and when to implement the policy and which department will have what amount of authority in the process of the implementation.

Another important question that is to be answered is that the limitation of the authority that is to be awarded to the federal agencies to give them the freedom to improvise when operating in the field. All of these concerns are to be addressed in order to make the process of implementation smooth and easy. All these concerns when sorted out all the stakeholders can be satisfied and be taken on board which makes things easier and simpler (McCullough, De Vries, Miller, Becker, Sandberg, & McCarthy, 2014).

Discuss matters associated with management by objectives (MBO), decision tree, and the critical path methods?

Management by objectives is basically when the top management and higher authorities define the specific goals for the future and convey those to those who are working under the top management. Then policies are made in order to achieve those set goals. This process is not that easy always as it sounds. The first part of setting objectives and then communicating them down the hierarchy can be complicated at times. It is important that all the involved personals are involved completely in the process and for that, it is necessary to win their trust. In order to win their trust, there needs to be something for everyone in the policy to attract them to work towards the achievement of the goals (Larsson & Hanberger, 2016).

A decision tree is the graphical representation of the possible situations that can be faced in case of taking a specific decision and the chain of decision that might be needed to be taken in those situations then the outcomes of those situations in the future are also incorporated (Smit, Smit, Botterblom, & Mulder, 2013). Critical path method is basically used for scheduling the process in order to achieve the set goals. This methodology is effective and improves the level of performance of the system and makes the achievement of objective easier.

Discuss the roles of agencies, legislatures, courts, interest groups, etc. in policy implementation?

All the parties discussed above have a strong role play in the process of implementation of policy. Agencies are the one who is responsible for the implementation process of the policies that are made by the government and are made into laws by the President of the country. Legislatures and the courts handle the legal part of the policies. Legislatures are the ones who make the legislation for the new policies and make them legal. Courts play their role when there are some allegations on the policy from some party. Court decides whether the legislation done is legal or not. Court decides whether it is in the interest of the citizens or not. Interest groups are the ones who might have reservations regarding the policy and come out against the policy. If this is the case they might make the implementation of the policy difficult (Dunn, 2015).

Policy Evaluation Portfolio Question/Issues

What is policy evaluation? How does it differ from other policy stages?

Policy evaluation is the process in which the different methodologies are employed to check the validity, application and effectiveness of the policy. This activity helps in understanding every stage of the policymaking in a better way and finds out the effectiveness of those stages as it important. There is a basic difference between policy evaluation and all the stages of the policy-making process. All processes help in designing a strategy and implementing it and making sure that it is effective. This activity keeps a check on them this is not a progressive stage but analyzes the progressiveness of the stages involved in the process and makes sure that they are at their optimum levels. This is important because if the stages are not operating at their optimum level it is probably just waste of time and effort. It can be something more than wastage of time; it can become a cause of restlessness and distress for the society if there is no proper check on each step of the policymaking (Magro & Wilson, 2013).

Why is policy evaluation a necessary step in the policy process?

This step is necessary because this step makes sure that the policy that is being processed is being done in the right way. This step makes sure that the policy that is being made is needed for the place it is being made for. This activity makes sure that the content and the implementation of the process are effective and there are minimum flaws in the process. This step makes sure that the policy is worth making and its merit is up to the mark. This helps in understanding the utility and application of the policy. This activity makes sure that the process of policy making works effectively instead of creating confusions and distress in the society. This also makes sure that the implementation can be done in a proper way where the policy is needed to be implemented as this activity helps in analyzing the needs of the policy (Birkland, 2014).

What are the kinds of evaluation undertaken and how do they differ?

There are five types of evaluation including formative, summative, process, outcomes and impact. Formative is a type of evaluation which deals with the evaluation of the process in the early stages when it is easy to be done. This can be of great help for the process as it can suggest changes at early stages of the process. Summative is a type of evaluation that provides information on the effectiveness of the process being undertaken. This type of evaluation of the process takes place after the process is completed and ready to be tested and implemented. This makes sure that the effectiveness is accordingly as it was desired.

The process is the type of evaluation that focuses on the implementation of the process and makes sure that strategies for the implementation were applied as they were planned. The outcome is the type which deals with evaluating what comes out of the implementation of the policy. This deals with both the long and short-term outcomes and impact due to the implementation of the policy. The impact is the evaluation technique that deals with the long-term changes in the society because of the policy (Lichfield, Kettle, & Whitbread, 2016).

Distinguish between primary, secondary, and tertiary goals.

Primary goals are the ones which are there to tackle the basic needs. These goals discuss the needs and requirements that are basic and inevitable. These goals are what minimum needs to be achieved. These goals can be different in different situations. When it comes to policy making these are the goals that deal with the needs of the society that cannot be left unaddressed. These goals are what the policy needs to address and solve no matter what. These are the actual goals that cause triggering of the policy-making process. Secondary goals are the ones that are linked to the primary goals but they are not as basic and the need is not as intense as it is for the primary goals. These goals are tried to be achieved but these are not as important as the primary ones and therefore can be compromised in situations where it is difficult to be implemented. Tertiary goals are the ones that are the least priority out of all the goals that are set for any process. These are the goals which are defined and are tried to be achieved when the conditions are favourable.

Who determines the standards for success?

Once the goals are defined properly through an extensive thought process and evaluation of the steps it is easy to define a standard for success. The extents to which the goals are achieved define the level of success. If the primary goals are achieved the success rate can be said to be satisfactory when secondary goals are also achieved the success rate is considered to be good and when the policy is even able to serve the tertiary goals as well it can be said to be perfectly successful (Dunn, 2015).

What is the role of bureaucratic agencies in the policy evaluation?

The bureaucratic agencies have an important role to play when it comes to policy evaluation. They are mostly the ones who implement the policy the public level and have first-hand knowledge of the outcomes of the policy. Their experience can help a lot in the evaluation process of the policy (Carpenter & Krause, 2014).

What is the role of courts? What about interest groups?

The role of courts is important in the evaluation because if there are any problems that the policy is causing people turn to the court for making the things right for them. This is when the court has to decide whether the policy is working fine and fulfilling the purpose it was designed for. Interest groups are an important part of the evaluation process. Their reactions are important in analyzing the effectiveness and impact of the policy on the society (Klüver, 2013).

Policies that are not achieving their goals should be discontinued. What are the problems associated with the policy discontinuity?

It is not that simple to discontinue the policy as there are a lot of resources involved in designing and implementing a policy. Evaluation is done not only analyze whether the goals are being achieved or not and if the goals are not achieved properly it is also evaluated what are the reasons behind the lack of working of the policy and those factors are tried to be addressed. If the reason behind the lack of goal achievement cannot be incorporated with the help of variations in the policy then the only option left is policy discontinuity which is a waste of resources. This is also done properly and officially. For this purpose, there are debates held on higher levels and the policy discontinuity is passed (LIU, GU, & CHEN, 2010).

Summary

This document deals with all the steps of the policy-making process. From the agenda-setting to policy formulation to policy implementation and the policy evaluation, this document discusses them all. All the important factors that are linked with all of the steps are discussed. The problems and the authorities are analyzed and their role is evaluated on basis of their role in the process. Importance of interest groups in all the steps is also given due importance because they can influence the process. The role of bureaucracy is also given some thought.

The importance of all the stages is discussed and their possible influence on the process is also given a thought in the document. The policy-making process and the flaws that can be a part of the process and how they can be dealt with are all discussed in the document. 

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