Unit 1: The nature, role, and history of public policy
describe public policy and its characteristics
explain the differences between various policy related concepts
explain why policy analysis and management are undertaken
explain the different types, instruments and levels of policy
define and describe the origins and historical development of policy
analysis, and identify the various phases in the development of a policy
science (policy analysis) in the post-industrial period
,Explain the differences between various policy related concepts
Policy content
Policy content is the policy initiation, design, analysis, formulation, and adoption where
policy analysis is important.
Policy processes
Where policy making, implementation, evaluation, planning, and programme are followed.
Policy capacity
Enough and optimal institutional, governance resources and structural arrangements are
needed to succeed policy intervention. Resources available to ensure policy is successful.
Policy analysis
It is a systematic analysis of the dimensions and variables influencing public policy and is
part of policy management. Includes information or data.
Policy management
Refers to the method of which policy issues and processes are dealt with from start to finish.
Policy and strategy
Policy is an action plan of solution which focuses on what should be done and strategy is the
implementation or a plan which focuses on how, when and by whom.
Research methodology is related to policy management and steps in research
methodology process is:
Initial definition of problem
Study of field/design
Collection of theoretical data
Synthesis/ evaluation &interpretation
Conclusions & recommendations
,Describe public policy and its characteristics
Public Policy is the intention of an action plan to solve a problem for a future solution. A
policy includes the intention, the solution, and the problem.
Types of policies; The national policy on food and nutrition, NGOs, RDP, GEAR, WHITE
PAPERS, ECT.
Characteristics of public policy (5)
Consists of courses of actions than decisions
Goal-oriented action
Government focus on what it does not what they say
Based on law and authoritative which involved the government
The result of political processes
Explain why policy analysis and management are undertaken
Policy analysis (5)
Purpose of policy analysis addresses a problem and examines arguments related to
policy and analyse implementation of policy.
It informs the public of the vision and intention of government
Set of techniques which evaluate public policy criteria’s
Process of identifying potential policy options that address the problem and
comparing to choose the most efficient and effective.
Policy analysis ensures that a systematic process to choose policy options has been
gone through to options that is best for situation.
Policy management (3)
Purpose of policy management is the process of communicating and maintaining
policies and procedures.
It allows to adapt quickly and keep members aware of risks, threats and intelligence to
help jobs effectively.
Process of organising and approving of the policy and procedures
Explain the different types, instruments, and levels of policy
, Different types of policies
Income/revenue extraction polices (TAXES; FEES; USERCHARGES)
Allocative/redistributive policies (EDUCATION; HEEALTH; WELFARE
BUDGETS)
Regulatory policies (TRAFFIC; BUILDING; STANDARDS; HEALTH)
Symbolic policies (NATION BUILDING INITIATIVES)
Development oriented policies (AGRICULTURE, MINING, MANUFACTURING)
Welfare policies (SOCIAL SECURITY, HEALTH, EDUCATION)
Policy instruments
Constitution
Parliamentary acts
Subordinate legislation
Policy white and green papers
Strategic plan
Business, implementation, project strategies
Administrative circulars
Procedural guidelines
Define and describe the origins and historical development of policy
analysis
Policy analysis evolution stage (6)
Growth of empirical research
Based on the basic change in procedures used to understand public problems.
Change reflected in growth of policy related, empirical research.
Growth of political stability
Based on the reliable information of which policy makers shape the legislation and
affairs of the public.
Professional of the social sciences
Based on the government providing professional backing and advising on policy
making.
