Introduction
The purpose of the study is to explore the increasing complexity of public policy problems in the contemporary world. The authors propose that the modern world is faced with more difficult public policy problems that are difficult for planners and analysts to provide a single way of solving. The information is of significance to public policy planners and analysts in helping them provide viable policies to solve public problems in society.
Policy Hypothesis
According to Patton, Sawicki, and Clark (2015), the contemporary is becoming increasingly complex, which has led to more challenging policy problems. The problems are difficult for society to solve due to a variety of reasons. On the one hand, they are not well defined and do not have a boundary between being purely political or purely technical (Lejano, 2013). Furthermore, the solutions to these problems are not easy to prove before their application with their adequacy being challenging to measure (Shapiro, 2016). The study aims at giving a detailed account of a portfolio of methods that can be used to approach challenging public poly problems. Clemons and McBeth (2016) provide that policy analysis methods can be used to develop a set of systematic procedures that can be applied in solving modern policy problems.
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The increasing complexity of policy problems facing the modern world calls for more enhanced methods of policy development and management. Optimal methods to apply yield fast and quality outcomes while serving as theoretical aids to effective policy decision-making. There is a notion that the number of public policy problems is so many that no single set of systematic procedures can be developed to deal with them fully.
Literature Review
Policy problems in contemporary issues are becoming difficult to solve with policy analysts finding it hard to devise effective methods to deal with them. In most instances, solutions to public policy problems facing society are less sustainable and might not achieve the intended outcomes. Lejano (2013) proposes that there is a wide range of public policy problems that range from political, social, as well as economic issues. For instance, there are complex problems in matters of security, water and sewerage, and building and construction aspects in most urban and rural sectors. Patton, Sawicki, and Clark (2015) and Fischer and Forester (2013) argue that decision-makers should partner and develop techniques to achieve effective policy analysis and planning.
Most of the literature on policy analysis and planning provide sufficient information on the topic, which is a major strength. The sources, including Patton, Sawicki, and Clark (2015), Shapiro (2016), and Clemons and McBeth (2016), are less than five years old. They provide some of the most recent insight into policy planning and analysis. As such, they can be applied in devising better ways of dealing with public policy issues impacting the contemporary world. On the other hand, some of the sources such as Lejano (2013) and Fischer and Forester (2013) provide less recent information, which might limit their recommendations because they might not efficiently solve today’s public policy problems. Another weakness of the sources is that they are theoretical and might not provide practical solutions to the issues facing public policy analysis and planning.
Analysis
The rational model policy research technique has been applied by Patton, Sawicki, and Clark (2015). In this model, problem definition leads to the determination of the evaluation criteria, which in turn leads to the identification of the alternative policies. The fourth step entails the evaluation of alternative policies, which leads to the selection of the preferred policy, and ultimately the implementation of the selected policy. The research study finds that a simple method like the Six-Step Model should be applied in analyzing policies and plans to ensure fast decision-making. The limitation of this policy analysis and planning method is that it is restricted by time and resource availability, affordability, and accessibility.
Policy Recommendations
The Classic comprehensive planning technique in the most viable policy option in today’s world. It entails a more extensive analysis of the policy, plan, resources available, and the alternative solutions to develop the plan and implement the related policies. It is flexible in terms of adjusting the costs, resources, and time coverage. It also takes care of the political ramifications. The main stakeholders of this technique include the public, policy planners and analysts, policymakers, and the professionals and experts in the policy field concerned. The research further defines the policy outcomes and solutions as sustainable solutions to contemporary public policy problems.
Policy Conclusion
Effective policy planning and analysis can be viewed as a craft. As such, an important part of developing sustainable policies for today’s complex problems in practice. It is important for policy planners and analysts to learn from the most basic to the real and, ultimately, the complex issues. They can provide solutions to problems from the most abstract and basic levels, regardless of the time and resources required. Effective policy planning and analysis should aim at maximizing the outcomes while keeping in line with the provided constraints.
References
Clemons, S., & McBeth, M. (2016). Public Policy Praxis: A Case Approach for Understanding Policy and Analysis. Abingdon: Routledge.
Fischer, F., & Forester, J. (2013). The Argumentative Turn in Policy Analysis and Planning. Durham: Duke University Press.
Lejano, R. (2013). Frameworks for Policy Analysis: Merging Text and Context. Abingdon, UK: Routledge.
Patton, C., Sawicki, D., & Clark, J. (2015). Basic Methods of Policy Analysis and Planning. Abingdon, UK: Routledge.
Shapiro, S. (2016). Analysis and Public Policy: Successes, Failures and Directions for Reform. Massachusetts: Edward Elgar Publishing.
