Identifying the Problem

Tahapan untuk melakukan analisis kebijakan - identifikasi masalah:


Identifying the Problem: "PROBLEM DEFINITION

The first thing the policy analyst must do is to ask:
1) Does a problem exist?
2) Can anything be done about it?
3) Does the client have the power?

If the answers are no, then there is no point in doing a policy analysis.


Pitfalls in public policy problem definition:
1) accepting the client's definition of the problem
2) looking only for the simple and obvious
3) thinking that any and all problems need a public solution
4) confusing the need for short- versus long-term solutions
5) confusing the values of individuals versus collectivities


Don't Need Public Policies Do Need Public Policies
Individual problems Social problems
Widespread problems Serious problems
Relative problems Absolute problems

DEVELOPING PROBLEM STATEMENTS

In developing problem statements:
1) think about the problem
2) delineate the boundaries of the problem
3) develop a fact base
4) list goals and objectives for policy solutions
5) identify the policy envelope (key players)
6) develop preliminary costs and benefits
7) review the problem statement

BACK-OF-THE-ENVELOPE CALCULATIONS
One of the first things a policy analyst will do is to try to get a handle on the possible dimensions of the problem and potential solutions. The analyst may ask,

1) How many people are we talking about?
2) What is the likely cost per unit of service?
3) How much of the target population can we serve?
4) How much do we have available to spend?
5) Will more staff be needed?
6) Will this impact the budget/tax rate?
7) What are the trends in this area?
8) What will happen if we do nothing?

For example, try to estimate these parameters if half the children in the state are not receiving the required immunizations before beginning school. Start with the number of children in the state up to age 5. Which immunization"