Assignment#1

Course Name & Code: Public Policy Analysis (MPA404)

Tutor’s Name: Bilal Saleem Goreja

Student ID: SP16-MPA-004

Student Name: M. Muhammad Ghazi Khan
Student Email: sp16mpa004@vcomsats.edu.pk
1. What does it mean to be rational?

The word rational means be reasonable or logical. If an individual is making

decisions based on logic and that decision is in favor of all rather than his own
self only then he is supposed to be called a rational mind or a rational decision
maker. Rational minds do not support things which are done for self-interest or
things which are done to satisfy one’s own desires. For instance, if a person is
hungry and there is food available in the fridge, he can utilize it to satisfy his
hunger but he should worry about other house mates also as they have to satisfy
their hunger as well therefore, he makes a rational decision to only take his part
in the food and do not finish all otherwise he will be called an being irrational.

Rationality is the quality or state of being rational: based on or agreeable

to reason. Rationality implies the conformity of one's beliefs with one's reasons to
believe, or of one's actions with one's reasons for action.

To determine what behavior is the most rational, one needs to make several key
assumptions, and also needs a quantifiable formulation of the problem. When the
goal or problem involves making a decision, rationality factors in how much
information is available (e.g. complete or incomplete knowledge). Collectively,
the formulation and background assumptions are the model within which
rationality applies. Illustrating the relativity of rationality: if one accepts a model in
which benefitting oneself is optimal, then rationality is equated with behavior that
is self-interested to the point of being selfish; whereas if one accepts a model in
which benefiting the group is optimal, then purely selfish behavior is deemed
irrational. It is thus meaningless to assert rationality without also specifying the
background model assumptions describing how the problem is framed and
formulated.
2. State the difference between policy analysis, policy process and policy
evaluation.

Policy analysis and evaluation form together the final step in the policy process
and are the functions and skills which are used to analyze existing policy and to
determine the value and usefulness of such policy. The aim is to establish
whether or not an existing policy and its resultant activities and services continue
to be effective and efficient in promoting the general welfare of citizens. Policy
analysis and evaluation cannot be regarded as synonymous and any public
activity can be subject to analysis and evaluation.

Policy Analysis:

The policy process approach puts its focal point onto political processes and
involved stakeholders; its scope is the broader and it interprets problems using a
political lens (i.e., the interests and goals of elected officials). It aims at
determining what processes, means and policy instruments (e.g., regulation,
legislation, subsidy, etc.) are used. As well, it tries to explain the role and
influence of stakeholders within the policy process. In the 2010s, "stakeholders"
is defined broadly to include citizens, community groups, non-governmental
organizations, businesses and even opposing political parties. By changing the
relative power and influence of certain groups (e.g., enhancing public
participation and consultation), solutions to problems may be identified that have
more "buy in" from a wider group. One way of doing this followed a heuristic
model called the policy cycle. In its simplest form, the policy cycle, which is often
depicted visually as a loop or circle, starts with the identification of the problem,
proceeds to an examination of the different policy tools that could be used to
respond to this problem, then goes on to the implementation stage, in which one
or more policies are put into practice (e.g., a new regulation or subsidy is set in
place), and then finally, once the policy has been implemented and run for a
certain period, the policy is evaluated. A number of different lenses can be used
during evaluation, including looking at a policy's effectiveness, cost-effectiveness,
value for money, outcomes or outputs.

Policy Evaluation:

Evaluation is seen as an assessment, an appraisal of something of value,

according to a specific yardstick which also serves as a standard. Evaluation is
thus a human activity which is continuously performed by individuals and groups
of people. Evaluation is thus not only a function in the policy process. Various
phenomena experienced in the daily life of human beings may be evaluated.
Each administrative process for example could be evaluated. In fact to make a
choice between two or more alternatives involves the evaluation of each
alternative.

Policy Process:

The policy process approach puts its focal point onto political processes and
involved stakeholders; its scope is the broader and it interprets problems using a
political lens (i.e., the interests and goals of elected officials). It aims at
determining what processes, means and policy instruments (e.g., regulation,
legislation, subsidy, etc.) are used. As well, it tries to explain the role and
influence of stakeholders within the policy process. In the 2010s, "stakeholders"
is defined broadly to include citizens, community groups, non-governmental
organizations, businesses and even opposing political parties. By changing the
relative power and influence of certain groups (e.g., enhancing public
participation and consultation), solutions to problems may be identified that have
more "buy in" from a wider group. One way of doing this followed a heuristic
model called the policy cycle. In its simplest form, the policy cycle, which is often
depicted visually as a loop or circle, starts with the identification of the problem,
proceeds to an examination of the different policy tools that could be used to
respond to this problem, then goes on to the implementation stage, in which one
or more policies are put into practice (e.g., a new regulation or subsidy is set in
place), and then finally, once the policy has been implemented and run for a
certain period, the policy is evaluated. A number of different lenses can be used
during evaluation, including looking at a policy's effectiveness, cost-effectiveness,
value for money, outcomes or outputs.

THE END