The policy cycle model (also referred to as ‘stages heuristic’ by Sabatier, 1999) is mainly concerned with the organisation and creation of public policy. The policy making approach is conceptualised as a process that provides a logical structure and sequence to the complex world of policy making. This essay begins with a description of the use of the policy cycle in policy formulation and examines the structure of the cycle as discussed in (Cairney 2012, p.32-35).
The essay then provides an analysis of the effectiveness of the policy cycle approach in meeting the objectives of policy makers. Through this analysis it will be shown that the policy cycle model does not entirely achieve its stated aims and objectives.
The policy cycle approach views the formulating of policy as a fluid but logical sequence that provides policy makers a systematic problem solving process. (Cairney, 2011) Whilst the description of stages will vary from model to model, common stages that appear throughout many policy cycle models include agenda setting, decision-making, implementation and evaluation (p.33) Agenda setting stage is where problems that require government attention are identified and defined. At the decision decision making Stages">making stage (or policy formulation) legislation is usually enacted. At the implementation stage, policies are translated into action, and, finally at the evaluation stage, the outcome of polices are assessed. (p33)
The Essay on Product Life Cycle Model
Overview The product can be defined as goods, services or both; in the other words it's anything that satisfies customer need. Each product has its own limited life, however it shares the same aspect and we define the period that the product goes through as the "Product life cycle." The Product life cycle consist of four stages starting from introduction stage, growth stage, maturity stage and ...
The stages are mostly presented in a circular format suggesting an uninterrupted flow from one stage of the cycle to the other. (Bridgman & Davis, 2003).
The rationale for observing each stage separately is that decisions made at each stage affects the outcome of other stages, even when they occur simultaneously. It also suggests involvement of interest groups whose input, it is argued provides a democratic way to decision making and hypothetically, encourages greater participation and commitment at the implementation stage (p.36)
Although Cairney describes this approach as “the best known way to organize the study of policy making and the best way to introduce a discussion of policy theories”(p.32), it is also considered as overly simplistic, and lacking a causal theoretical basis. (p 41) As various authors cited by Cairney (2011) have argued, the stages often do not follow the logical progression. Furthermore it tends to suggest a “top down” and elitist bias, which fails to acknowledge or monitor success where it matters (p.41).
It also fails to explain how difficult decisions are made (Bridgman & Davis 2003, p. 100).
Everett (2003, p.67) concurs and argues that the basis of good policy comes from the content itself, and this does not always stem from the process. But as Bridgman & Davis (2004, p. 32) notes, it is more common for good policy to grow from organised and effective methods than it is for good policy to arise from unorganised attempts.
In summary, the structure of the policy cycle model in providing a sequence of stages to help manage policy formulation is generally regarded as a useful tool. However, the policy cycle approach appears to be a simplistic ideological model, often criticised for not always transferring neatly into the real world. Whilst the policy cycle model does provide a basic and simple framework that assists the policymaking process, a more inclusive model is required that is less ideological, and more pragmatic and applicable to the real world
The Essay on Knapps Stage Model
Dear John, the drama-filled romance movie, John Tyree, a young soldier, meets Savannah Curtis, a college student on spring break, and they quickly fall in love. The movie directed by Lasse Hallstrom, adapted from Nicolas Sparks’ novel of the same name. Dear John showcased many aspects of communications in its most simple forms. Including the ten stages of the Knapp Stage Model, which could ...
