The rational model indeed provides a methodology that guides the development of policy-oriented solutions to societal problems. Nevertheless, its application is often hindered by limited resources, time, and knowledge (Patton, Sawicki & Clark, 2015). In instances where the time factor is constrained, the rational model can be used alongside basic analysis. The rational model approach will be used for the long-term analysis, while the basic analysis method will take care of short-term goals. The simple analysis approach is hinged on social construction where policy is based on identifying scenarios as normal or problematic (Browne, Coffey, Cook, Meiklejohn & Palermo, 2018). The process will thus justify the involvement of government agencies and extensive resources outlay to aid in the realization of long-term policy development and analysis. Simple approaches are critical in augmenting the more lengthy approach, which is based on the rational model.
The basic analysis method will streamline individual phases of the rational method by helping researchers to avoid major errors along the way. Hudson, Hunter, and Peckham (2018) note that the success rate of policies is dependent on both development and implementation processes. During the policy development phase, a simple analysis method will be instrumental in evaluating challenges that are resistant to change, their causes, and potential solutions. With this, those tasked with long term policy analysis will save both time and physical resources such as finances. Moreover, the basic analysis will ensure that intentions are converted into results in a bid to avoid failure. Since the basic process pertains to narrowing down on each instance of policy analysis at a time, the result is that the end process will become strengthened. Policies are broad and thus necessitate more material and analysis (Patton et al., 2015). The basic analysis helps in limiting the scope of a policy such that it will eventually address a specific issue. As a reactive measure, policy analysis will thus attempt to establish reasons for errors such as those occasioned by a shortage of resources.
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Policies have multiple dimensions whereby they can succeed in some aspects and fail in others. Similarly, problems facing society and the government are also multidimensional and thus require multiple analytical approaches. Basic analysis, therefore, is crucial in contextualizing the problem at hand, giving policymakers a leeway to choose the best approach (Patton et al., 2015). From the available information, the decision-makers will now be able to think about the type of policy action to undertake. Second, an analysis of any given public policy involves different actors and can take place in different forums. The outcomes from these forums can also be divergent, which will trigger problems in between the processes. According to Howlett, Ramesh, and Wu (2015), failure in policy analysis due to resource limitations can be traced to individual characteristics of those involved in the process. Integrating long term policy analysis with simple analysis will give the decision-makers enough information on how to utilize the available resource. The Simple analysis approach will, therefore, be critical in providing background rationality to the long-term process, which in itself is not a simplistic series of steps (Leoveanu, 2013). Finding a balance between the two policy analysis methods will enable decision-makers to formulate better policies.
Instead of having a rational and straightforward model for policy analysis running independently, one can be used to achieve the other. Simple analysis can be used to identify loopholes in the lengthy process of the rational model. With this approach, it will be possible to preempt errors and resource wastages, thus expediting policy achievement.
References
Browne, J., Coffey, B., Cook, K., Meiklejohn, S., & Palermo, C. (2019). A guide to policy analysis as a research method. Health promotion international , 34 (5), 1032-1044.
Howlett, M., Ramesh, M., & Wu, X. (2015). Understanding the persistence of policy failures: The role of politics, governance, and uncertainty. Public Policy and Administration , 30 (3-4), 209-220.
Hudson, B., Hunter, D., & Peckham, S. (2019). Policy failure and the policy-implementation gap: can policy support programs help?. Policy Design and Practice , 2 (1), 1-14.
Leoveanu, A. C. (2013). Rationalist model in public decision making. Journal of Public Administration, Finance and Law , (04), 43-54.
Patton, C., Sawicki, D., & Clark, J. (2015). Basic Methods of Policy Analysis and Planning--Pearson eText . Routledge.
