Editing Policy analysis (section)

==Methodology==
Policy analysis uses both [[qualitative methods]] and [[quantitative methods]]. Qualitative research includes [[case studies]] and interviews with community members. Quantitative research includes [[survey research]], [[statistical analysis]] (also called ''data analysis'') and [[Conceptual model|model]] building. A common practice is to define the problem and evaluation criteria; identify and evaluate alternatives; and recommend a certain policy accordingly. Promotion of the best agendas are the product of careful "back-room" analysis of policies by {{lang|la|[[a priori knowledge|a priori]]}} assessment and '{{lang|la|[[Empirical evidence|a posteriori]]}} evaluation.

Several methods used in policy analysis are:{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
*[[Cost–benefit analysis]]
*[[Management by objectives]] (MBO)
*[[Operations research]]
*Decision-making based on [[analytics]]
*[[Program evaluation and review technique]] (PERT)
*[[Critical path method]] (CPM).

===Dimensions for analyzing policies===
There are six dimensions to policy analysis categorized as the effects and implementation of the policy across a period of time. Also collectively known as "Durability" of the policy, which means the capacity in content of the policy to produce visible 

'''Effects'''
{| class="wikitable"
|-
| '''Effectiveness''' || What effects does the policy have on the targeted problem?
|-
| '''Unintended effects'''<ref>Rychetnik et al., 2002</ref>{{full citation needed|date=December 2023|reason=There is no such source citation in this article.}} || What are the [[unintended effects]] of this policy?
|-
| '''Equity'''<ref>Potvin et al., 2008</ref>{{full citation needed|date=December 2023|reason=There is no such source citation in this article.}} || What are the effects of this policy on different population groups?
|}

'''Implementation'''
{| class="wikitable"
|-
| '''Cost''' || What is the financial cost of this policy?
|-
| '''Feasibility''' || Is the policy technically feasible?
|-
| '''Acceptability'''<ref>Peters, 2002</ref>{{full citation needed|date=December 2023|reason=There is no such source citation in this article.}} || Do the relevant policy stakeholders view the policy as acceptable?
|}

The strategic effects dimensions can pose certain limitations due to data collection. However the analytical dimensions of effects directly influences acceptability. The degree of acceptability is based upon the plausible definitions of actors involved in feasibility. If the feasibility dimension is compromised, it will put the implementation at risk, which will entail additional costs. Finally, implementation dimensions collectively influence a policy's ability to produce results or impacts.

===Five-E approach===
One model of policy analysis is the "five-E approach", which consists of examining a policy in terms of:<ref name="Kirst-Ashman">{{cite book |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=bHQcCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA234 |series=Empowerment Series |title=Introduction to Social Work & Social Welfare: Critical Thinking Perspectives |first=Karen K. |last=Kirst-Ashman |publisher=Cengage Learning |date=1 January 2016 |pages=234–236 |isbn=9781305856080}}</ref>
;Effectiveness: How well does it work (or how well will it be predicted to work)?
;Efficiency: How much work does or will it entail? Are there significant costs associated with this solution, and are they worth it?
;[[Ethics|Ethical]] considerations: Is it ethically and morally sound?  Are there [[unintended consequences]]?
;Evaluations of alternatives: How good is it compared to other approaches?  Have all the relevant other approaches been considered?
;Establishment of recommendations for positive change: What can actually be implemented? Is it better to amend, replace, remove, or add a policy?

===Framework===
Policies are viewed as frameworks with the potential to optimize the general well-being. These are commonly analyzed by legislative bodies and lobbyists. Every policy analysis is intended to bring an evaluative outcome. A systemic policy analysis is meant for in depth study for addressing a social problem. Following are steps in a policy analysis:<ref>{{cite book |first1=Jillian |last1=Jimenez |first2=Eileen |last2=Mayers Pasztor |first3=Ruth M. |last3=Chambers |first4=Cheryl |last4=Pearlman Fujii |title=Social Policy and Social Change: Toward the Creation of Social and Economic Justice |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=hU0XBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA25 |date=2014 |publisher=[[Sage Publications]] |isbn=978-1-4833-2415-9 |pages=25–28}}</ref>
# Defining the problem assessed by the policy.
# Assessing policy objectives and its target populations.
# Studying effects of the policy.
# Policy implications: distribution of resources, changes in services rights and statuses, tangible benefits. 
# Alternative policies: surveying existing and possible policy models that could have addressed the problem better or parts of it which could make it effective.