2. CHAPTER OVERVIEW
Provides a step-by-step guide to
writing a policy analysis
Provides a definition of policy analysis:
An analysis that provides informed advice to a client that
relates to a public policy decision, includes a
recommended course of action/inaction, and is framed by
the client’s powers and values.
3. POLICY ANALYSIS STRUCTURE
AND TONE
Five steps structure
1. Problem Identification
2. Background
3. Landscape
4. Options Analysis
5. Recommendation
Tone is neutral and nonjudgmental throughout the
analysis
4. PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
Problem identification—defines the problem being
addressed in the analysis
How a problem is framed is one of the most
important steps in a policy analysis
One to two sentences, usually in the form of a question
May be broad or narrow
May be neutral or value-laden
Must lead to the possibility of several options
Do not include recommendations
5. BACKGROUND
Background—informs the reader why a
problem has been chosen for analysis
Provides much of the facts and information
necessary to understand the problem being
addressed
May have to tailor some background
information based on the knowledge base of
the client
Much of the information provided in the
background is necessary regardless of client
6. LANDSCAPE
(1 OF 2)
Landscape—provides the overall
context of the analysis by identifying
key stakeholders and the issues that
must be considered when analyzing
the problem
Which stakeholders must be included
depends on the issue at hand and the
phrasing of the problem statement
7. LANDSCAPE
(2 OF 2)
Some examples of the aspects of a problem that
a policy analyst may consider include:
Political factors
Social factors
Economic factors
Legal factors
Practical factors
8. OPTIONS ANALYSIS
(1 OF 2)
The policy analysis should provide three to
five options for a client to consider
All options must:
Be within the power of the client to do
Be consistent with the client’s values
Address the issue identified in the problem
statement
Identify criteria that will be used to
evaluate the option
9. OPTIONS ANALYSIS
(2 OF 2)
Identify pros and cons for each option.
There is no perfect option.
Side-by-side table may assist in analyzing the
options.
Descriptive or analytical tables may be
appropriate.
10. RECOMMENDATION
Choose one of the options as the recommended
course of action for the client.
Status quo/inaction may be an option.
Discuss why this option is better than the
others despite the cons associated with the
option.
Identify any action that may be taken to
ameliorate the cons associated with the option.
In almost all cases, do not choose a hybrid
option that mixes two or more of your options.
