Answer to Question #242722 in English for Jay

Question

Explain the policy making process, what it entails and how they are interlinked? Furthermore, elaborate on how public policy and planning can assist in development?

Answer 1

Policy making process entails the following steps;

1. Issue Identification and Agenda Building - This step involves issues being turned into agenda items for policymaking bodies.
2. Policy Formulation - This involves the proposal of solutions to agenda issues.
3. Policy Adoption - It is the third phase of the policy process in which policies are adopted by government bodies for future implementation.
4. Policy Implementation - It is fourth phase of the policy cycle in which adopted policies are put into effect.
5. Policy Evaluation - Policies must be evaluated once in place. They may be evaluated according to a number of standards. They may be informally evaluated according to uncritical analysis, such as anecdotes and stories. Policies may also be substantively evaluated through careful, honest feedback from those affected by the policies. More formal research can provide empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of policies. Finally, scientific research provides both comparative and statistical evaluations of whether policies produce clear causal results.

Public policy is important in stimulating and developing the economy. For example, a free public college education can pay back in dividends through a long-term stimulus. A whole new segment of the future workforce would add newly obtained skills and training for the globalization era. The best method to boost economic growth is by providing a stimulus to the infrastructure, education, research, and healthcare sectors. A comprehensive provision of an investment by Congress would create thousands of new jobs, substantially increase GDP growth, and give the economy the support systems and infrastructure necessary to perform at maximum output.

Planning provides certainty and improves the quality of decision-making process for all parts of government – from national, regional to local governments – and for the private sector. For example, economic development plan provides a comprehensive overview of the economy, sets policy direction for economic growth, and identifies strategies, programs, and projects to improve the economy.