Public Policy Planning,

Implementation and Evaluation

Public Policy Planning, Implementation and
Evaluation
• Strategic Planning and Management; Planning Process; Policy
Analysis;
• Policy Implementation; Program Evaluation; Planning Machinery;
• Role of Donors and International institutions Public Policy and
Management;
• Policy making and implementation of the Federal Government of
Pakistan.
What is Public Policy
• Public administration emerged :
• As an instrument of the state To serve ‘public’ interest Rather than
‘private’ interest
• ‘Public’ consists of all the people in general Having something in
common Not a few individuals having personal interests
• Govt. vehicle to serve the needs/demands of the public
• Public ‘policy’ refers to overall programs Action towards a given goal
Definitions
Robert Presthus defines policy as :
• “A choice made by an individual or group of individuals that explains;
justifies; guides; or outlines ascertains course of action”.
Thomas R. Dye states that :
• “Public policy is whatever governments choose to do or not to do”
• This definition includes all actions and inactions of government as
public policy.
B. Guy Peters adds that public policy Is the “sum of government
activities, whether acting directly or through agents, as it influences the
lives of citizens”.
James E. Anderson defines public policy as:
• “A purposive course of action followed by an actor or set ofactors in
dealing with a problem or matter of concern”.
Harold Lasswell: Pioneer of Public Policy
• The works of Harold Lasswell ‘Psychopathology and Politics’ (1930)
“The Analysis of Political Behavior” (1948) “The Policy Orientation”, The
Policy Sciences, co-edited with Daniel Started the movement on Public
Policy
When the policy fails, the government fails.
Types of Public Policy
• Substantive Public Policy (General Development of Society)
• Regulatory Public Policy (impose controls and restrictions on certain
specific activities or behavior)
• Distributive Public Policy (for specific segments of society)
• Redistributive Public Policy (reducing inequality and promoting three
sustainable development: economic, social and environmental)
• Capitalization Public Policy (Subsidies are given)
• Constituent Public Policy (involves the creation and regulation of.
government agencies)
Models of Policy Making
• Institutional Model (Made by Government Institutions)
• Systems Model (policies emerge from self-organization within the system)
• Rational Model (Logic-based best policy making)
• Bounded Rationality Model (just to resolve the issue-satisfactory)
• Incrementalism Model (interaction and mutual adaptation among a
multiplicity of actors)
• Game Theory Model (optimal decision-making of independent and
competing actors)
• Optimal-Normative Model (to achieve a certain goal)
• Elite Model (small group determines the policy)
• Group Theory Model (Groups formulate policy be interaction)
Policy Making Process
Planning
• Planning is the fundamental management function, which involves
deciding beforehand, what is to be done, when is it to be done, how it
is to be done and who is going to do it. It is an intellectual process
that lays down an organization’s objectives and develops various
courses of action, by which the organization can achieve those
objectives. It chalks out exactly, how to attain a specific goal.
• Planning is nothing but thinking before the action takes place. It helps
us to take a peep into the future and decide in advance the way to
deal with the situations, which we are going to encounter in the
future. It involves logical thinking and rational decision-making.
Characteristics of Planning
Importance of Planning
• It helps managers to improve future performance, by establishing
objectives and selecting a course of action, for the benefit of the
organisation.
• It minimises risk and uncertainty, by looking ahead into the future.
• It facilitates the coordination of activities. Thus, reduces overlapping
among activities and eliminates unproductive work.
• It states in advance, what should be done in future, so it provides direction
for action.
• It uncovers and identifies future opportunities and threats.
• It sets out standards for controlling. It compares actual performance with
the standard performance and efforts are made to correct the same.
Steps Involved
Strategic Management
• Strategic management involves developing and implementing plans
to help an organization achieve its goals and objectives. This process
can include formulating strategy, planning organizational structure
and resource allocation, leading change initiatives, and controlling
processes and resources.
• Strategic planning involves identifying business challenges, choosing
the best strategy, monitoring progress, and then making adjustments
to the executed strategy to improve performance. Tools like SWOT
(strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis are used
to assess where opportunities and threats lie between the
organization, its competition, and the overall market.
Approaches to strategic management
• There are two main approaches to strategic management:
prescriptive and descriptive. A prescriptive approach to strategic
management focuses on how strategies should be developed, while a
descriptive approach focuses on how strategies should be put into
practice. The prescriptive model is more top-down, based on SWOT
analysis. The descriptive model is more guided by experimenting with
different methods to find solutions and learning from experience. It
applies Agile methodology to strategic management.
Benefits
• The strategic management process helps an organization's leadership plan for its
future goals. Setting a roadmap and actionable plan ensures that employees and
leaders know where they're going and how to get there in the most efficient,
cost-effective manner. It is a work in progress, so strategic plans should
continuously be evaluated and adjusted as the market outlook changes.
• Financial benefits:
• Increase market share and profitability.
• Prevent legal risk.
• Improve revenue and cash flow.
• Non-financial benefits:
• Relieves the board of directors of responsibilities.
• Allows for an objective review and assessment.
• Enables an organization to measure progress throughout time.
• Provides a big-picture perspective of the organization's future
5 steps of the strategic management process
• It's common to view the strategic management process as a five-step process. The steps
are identification, analysis, formation, execution, and evaluation.
• Define the direction.
• Identifying the direction and specific goals is the initial stage of the strategic
management process. This step involves identifying goals and determining what needs to
happen to achieve them.
• Analyze the current situation.
• The second step is analysis and research. Using tools like SWOT analysis and examining
the organization's resources, including budget, time, people (staff), and more, you'll gain
a better understanding of how to leverage what's working and get rid of what's not.
• Outline the strategy and plan of action.
• Next is formulating a strategy and plan of action based on situational analysis. This step
involves crafting a specific and realistic plan to help the organization achieve its goals.
• Execute the plan.
• Executing the plan is the fourth step in the strategic management process.
This step involves putting the plan into action and monitoring its progress.
You may have to adjust the plan as circumstances change, especially if you
take a more descriptive approach to strategy.
• Evaluate the plan.
• Evaluation is the fifth and final step in the strategic management process.
Here, you'll assess whether the organization has achieved its goals. If not,
you can adjust your plan and implement it in innovative ways. Feedback
and analysis are essential to evaluation and preparing for an optimal
business future
Public Policy Analysis
• There are many definitions of "public policy analysis" that
intellectuals have sought to clarify smoothly. However, the most
comprehensive report of it belongs to William Jenkins, who defined it
as “a set of interrelated decisions taken by a political actor or group of
actors concerning the selection of goals and the means of achieving
them within a specified situation where these decisions should, in
principle, be within the power of those actors to achieve.”
Usefulness of Policy Analysis
• Providing high-quality services and goods that are necessary for
individuals and that depend on the efforts of the government.
• Resolving problems or conflicts over scarce resources according to
sound standards.
• Protect and secure the official rights of individuals and organisations.
• Enhancing cooperation between individuals and society as a whole.
• Achieving a policy of justice and equality among the various groups of
society.
What is the methodology used in public
policy analysis?
• There are several steps and stages of public policy analysis that you
should know to achieve the desired results and goals. We can
summarise it as follows:
• Defining the problem
• It is one of the essential stages of successful public policy analysis.
First, we must know the type of problem well, its causes, and
estimate its seriousness. This will significantly assist you in the
research and data collection process related to the problem you rely
on in finding the best solution.
• Evidence collection
• For many interested in intellectual theories, evidence collection is one of
the essential tools for analyzing public or private policy. This step is
necessary to build approaches and ideas to help you generalize the
problem, assess the ability to confront it, and develop decisions as
alternatives or solutions.
• Create alternatives
• To organize and apply agreed policies to solve problems, the part based on
developing solutions should be used for any problem while preparing well
and considering the possibility of failure. Since the research on general
issues is not subject to error, however, a set of alternative solutions must
be developed through which the problem-solving aims to avoid inflating
the results of these problems.
• Set the rules
• This part of the methodology of public policy analysis in the Arab world and around the
globe deals with adopting some rules based on the previous steps of public policy
analysis from the perspective of public administration. It is often in the context of
coercion and forced to ensure the commitment of all individuals in applying the program
for solutions to problems designed in the form of rules and laws.
• Decision-making
• Excellent attention and high capacities of rigour and commitment are required in this
step. It is the last step in the path of public policy analysis, and the separation between
success and failure depends on its application. It indicates the confidence of the political
analyst in his plan and his direction toward solving problems or securing some needs. If
the analyst does not trust what he relied on in the decision-making process or research-
based policies, he will be unable to convince others of it or even impose it on them.
• Finally, Public policy analysis is a powerful tool based on logical criteria and strict rules
that can find practical solutions to any social, economic, or political problem.
Policy Implementation
• Implementing policies effectively is crucial for their success and
achieving desired outcomes. Policy implementation involves
translating policy objectives into concrete actions and putting them
into practice. This process involves navigating various challenges and
capitalizing on factors that contribute to successful implementation.
Importance of Effective Policy
Implementation
• Achieving Policy Objectives: Effective policy implementation ensures that the
intended objectives and goals of a policy are achieved. It brings the policy from
theory to practice, translating ideas into tangible actions.
• Addressing Societal Issues: Policies are designed to address various societal
issues, such as healthcare, education, and environmental protection. Proper
implementation ensures that these issues are effectively tackled and resolved,
leading to positive outcomes for individuals and communities.
• Improving Efficiency: Well-implemented policies streamline processes and
improve efficiency in public and private sectors. It promotes effective resource
allocation, reduces wastage, and enhances overall productivity.
• Promoting Equity and Fairness: Effective policy implementation ensures that
policies are implemented equitably and fairly, without discrimination or bias. It
helps in creating a just and inclusive society where everyone has equal access to
opportunities and benefits.
• Enhancing Accountability: Proper implementation of policies establishes
clear lines of accountability, making it easier to track progress, measure
outcomes, and hold responsible parties accountable for their actions or
inactions.
• Building Public Trust: When policies are effectively implemented, it instills
public trust and confidence in the government or organization responsible
for the policy. This trust is essential for maintaining social cohesion and
legitimacy.
• Adapting to Changing Needs: Policies need to be adaptable to changing
circumstances and needs. Effective implementation allows for monitoring
and evaluation, enabling policymakers to make necessary adjustments and
improvements based on real-time data and feedback.
• Learning and Improvement: The implementation process provides valuable
insights and lessons for policymakers. It helps them understand what works
and what doesn’t, facilitating learning and continuous improvement in
policy design and implementation.
• Measuring Impact: Effective implementation allows for the measurement
of the policy’s impact and effectiveness. This information is crucial for
decision-making, resource allocation, and future policy development.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Implementation involves engaging stakeholders
and fostering collaboration between different actors. This inclusivity
ensures that diverse perspectives and expertise are considered, leading to
more comprehensive and effective policies.
The Major Policy Actor of the Implementation
Process
• Bureaucracy: The Major PI Actor
• Rule-making is significant because seldom, if ever, will an adopted policy action, such as a
law, encompass all of the necessary details of how, when, and where the policy is to be
implemented.
• Due to this power, the bureaucracy enjoys considerable discretion in interpreting the
actual intent, method, and scope of a policy decision.
• The real power of bureaucracy lies in its ability to define the details of the policy and the
details that will affect the method of implementation.
• Administrative agencies often are given broad and ambiguous statutory mandates that
leave them with much discretion to decide what should or should not be done, i.e., rule
making:
• proposed rules
• interim rules
• final rules
Challenges and Pitfalls of Policy
Implementation
• The implementation stage of the policy process is by definition an
operational phase where policy is actually translated into action with
the hope of solving some public problem. The odoulou and Kofinis
identify three key challenges that they believe can routinely impede
the effective implementation of public policy. Those three challenges
are:
Challenges to Policy Implementation
• Clarity of policy goals
• Information Intelligence
• Strategic planning
Steps to Strategic Planning
• Statement of agency goals, mission, or vision
• Adoption of a time frame
• Assessment of present capabilities
• Assessment of organizational environment
• Development of a strategic plan
• Organizational integration
What is Program Evaluation
• Evaluation: A systematic method for collecting, analyzing, and using
data to examine the effectiveness and efficiency of programs and, as
importantly, to contribute to continuous program improvement.
• Program: Any set of related activities undertaken to achieve an
intended outcome; any organized public health action. The program is
defined broadly to include policies; interventions; environmental,
systems, and media initiatives; and other efforts. It also encompasses
preparedness efforts as well as research, capacity, and infrastructure
efforts.
Why Evaluate?
• Strong program evaluation can help us identify our best investments
as well as determine how to establish and sustain them as optimal
practices.
• The goal is to increase the use of evaluation data for continuous
program improvement Agency-wide.
• We have to have a healthy obsession with impact. To always be asking
ourselves what is the real impact of our work on improving health?
Process of Program Evaluation
• Program evaluation may be conducted at several stages during a program's
lifetime. Each of these stages raises different questions to be answered by the
evaluator, and correspondingly different evaluation approaches are needed.
Rossi, Lipsey and Freeman (2004) suggest the following kinds of assessment,
which may be appropriate at these different stages:
• Assessment of the need for the program
• Assessment of program design and logic/theory
• Assessment of how the program is being implemented (i.e., is it being
implemented according to plan? Are the program's processes maximizing
possible outcomes?)
• Assessment of the program's outcome or impact (i.e., what it has actually
achieved)
• Assessment of the program's cost and efficiency
Planning Machinery in Pakistan
• The Government of Pakistan being a federation has multi-level
planning machinery operating; Planning Commission of the Federal
level, P&D departments at the provincial level, and District Councils at
the Local Government level. Moreover, the sanctioning machinery
operates distinct from these entities.
National Level:
• National Economic Council (NEC):
• Constitutional body chaired by the Prime Minister.
• Approves and coordinates economic policies and development plans.
• Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives:
• Responsible for overall economic planning and policy implementation.
• Oversees the Planning Commission.
• Planning Commission:
• Established in 1952.
• Formulates five-year plans for economic development.
• Coordinates development activities across sectors.
• Central Development Working Party (CDWP):
• Subsidiary body of the Planning Commission.
• Evaluates and approves development projects.
Provincial Level:
• Provincial Planning and Development Departments:
• Each province has its planning department.
• Develop and implement plans at the provincial level.
• Coordinates with federal agencies for cohesive development.
Project Implementation and Monitoring:
• Public and Private Sector Collaboration:
• Encourages private sector involvement in development projects.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for infrastructure and social projects.
• Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanisms:
• Regularly evaluates the impact of development programs.
• Adjust policies based on performance assessments.
Research and Data:
1. Data and Research Institutions:
1.Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE).
2.Collects and analyzes economic data.
3.Provides research for evidence-based policy formulation.
Global and Technological Integration:
1. International Collaborations:
1.Collaborates with international organizations (e.g., World Bank, IMF).
2.Aligns national plans with global development agendas.
2. Technology and Innovation Integration:
1.Emphasizes technological advancements for economic growth.
2.Integrates innovation in planning processes.
Long-term Vision and Sustainability:
1. Vision 2025 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
1.Adopts Vision 2025 as a strategic development framework.
2.Aligns development goals with the global SDGs.
3.Monitors progress and adjusts policies accordingly.
Environmental Considerations:
1. Climate Change Considerations:
1.Includes climate resilience in development plans.
2.Adopts eco-friendly and sustainable practices.
3.Addresses environmental challenges in long-term planning.
SANCTIONING MACHINERY
National Level:
• National Economic Council (NEC):
• Constitutional body chaired by the Prime Minister.
• Sanctioning Limit: Approval for projects with significant financial implications.
• Planning Commission:
• Formulates and evaluates development plans.
• Recommends projects for approval by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP).
• Sanctioning Limit: Approval for projects up to a certain financial threshold.
• Central Development Working Party (CDWP):
• Subsidiary body of the Planning Commission.
• Evaluates and approves development projects before they go to the Executive Committee of the National
Economic Council (ECNEC).
• Sanctioning Limit: Approval for projects within a specific financial range.
• Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC):
• Chaired by the Prime Minister.
• Final approval authority for development projects with significant financial implications.
• Sanctioning Limit: Approval for projects exceeding the CDWP's financial limit.
• Provincial Level:
• Provincial Development Forums:
• Each province has its forum for project evaluation and approval.
• Decides on projects within the provincial domain.
• Sanctioning Limit: Approval for projects within the provincial financial
jurisdiction.
• Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP):
• Subsidiary body in provinces.
• Evaluates and approves projects at the provincial level.
• Sanctioning Limit: Approval for projects within a specific financial threshold.
• DDWP, DDCs
Planning Process
• The planning commission prepares an approach paper and different technical working groups are
formed for working towards the development of a plan.
• Step 2: The planning commission consults all the federal Ministries and provincial governments
regarding the plan. Their views and concerns are paid heed to.
• Step 3: The planning commission prepares the draft plan and sends it to all the provincial
governments and the federal Ministries for their comments and input. It also sends the plan to
the finance division of the Ministry of Finance to ascertain the availability of resources for the
execution of the plan. The economic affairs division coordinates with the Planning Commission to
seek foreign funds for the plan.
• Step 4: The draft plan is finalized after the input from all the above-mentioned stakeholders and
presented it before the federal cabinet for approval
• Step 5: After approval from the cabinet the plan is put forth before the NEC. If the NEC approves
the plan, it is circulated to all the federal Ministries and provincial governments.
• Step 6: The approved plan is converted into viable projects and programs to implement it.
Monitoring and evaluation of the project is carried out by the different entities both in the
planning machinery and external to it.
Flaws in the Process
• Partisan interests triumph over National interests
• Reliance on foreign aid
• No Reliable Data and Statistics
• Problem in review and evaluation no accountability
Role of Doners and International Agencies in
Public Policy and Management

• Donors and international institutions play a crucial role in shaping

public policy and management in various countries. Their
involvement can have both positive and negative impacts, depending
on the nature of their support, the alignment with national priorities,
and the effectiveness of their interventions. Here are some key roles
they play:
• Financial Support:
• Donors and international institutions often provide financial assistance to
countries for implementing specific projects, programs, or reforms. This
support can be in the form of grants, loans, or technical assistance.
• Capacity Building:
• They contribute to the development of institutional capacity by providing
training, technical expertise, and knowledge transfer. This helps strengthen
the capabilities of public institutions to design and implement effective
policies.
• Policy Advice and Formulation:
• Donors may offer policy advice based on their global expertise. They may
also collaborate with national governments to formulate policies that align
with international best practices and standards.
• Monitoring and Evaluation:
• International institutions often play a role in monitoring and evaluating the
implementation of public policies and projects. This ensures accountability and
helps in identifying areas for improvement.
• Coordination and Harmonization:
• Donors and international institutions work to coordinate their efforts to avoid
duplication and ensure a harmonized approach. This is often done through
forums such as the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organisation
for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
• Crisis Response and Humanitarian Assistance:
• In times of crises, such as natural disasters or conflicts, donors and international
institutions may provide immediate relief and humanitarian assistance. They may
also contribute to the reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.
• Advocacy for Good Governance:
• Donors often advocate for good governance, transparency, and
accountability. They may condition their support on the implementation of
reforms that promote these principles.
• Research and Data Collection:
• They may support research initiatives and data collection efforts to better
understand the challenges and opportunities in a particular country. This
information can be used to inform evidence-based policymaking.
• Global Norms and Standards:
• Donors and international institutions promote the adoption of global
norms and standards in areas such as human rights, environmental
protection, and social justice. This can influence the development of
national policies.
Policy making and implementation in Pakistan
• Policy making and implementation in Pakistan, like in any other
country, is a complex and multifaceted process that involves various
stakeholders, institutions, and factors. The political, economic, and
social landscape of Pakistan plays a crucial role in shaping policies and
determining their effectiveness. Here, I'll provide an overview of the
policy-making and implementation process in Pakistan, highlighting
key components and challenges.
Policy Formulation
• Initiation: Policies in Pakistan can be initiated by various actors, including
government officials, political parties, civil society organizations, and
international bodies. The initiation can be in response to a specific issue, a
public demand, or as part of a broader development agenda.
• Research and Analysis: Once an issue is identified, relevant government
departments, think tanks, and research institutions conduct in-depth
research and analysis to understand the problem, explore potential
solutions, and assess the implications of different policy options.
• Consultation: Stakeholder consultation is a critical aspect of policy
formulation in Pakistan. This involves obtaining input from experts,
affected communities, NGOs, and other relevant parties to ensure a
comprehensive understanding of the issue and gather diverse perspectives.
Policy Approval
• Inter-Ministerial Coordination: Proposed policies often go through
inter-ministerial coordination to ensure that different government
departments are on the same page and that the policy aligns with
broader government objectives.
• Cabinet Approval: Once a policy is formulated, it needs approval from
the federal cabinet or provincial cabinets, depending on the scope of
the policy. This involves a thorough review of the policy document
and its implications.
Legislation and Regulation
• Legal Framework: Many policies in Pakistan require legislation or
regulatory measures to be effectively implemented. This involves
drafting bills, obtaining parliamentary approval, and, in some cases,
amending existing laws.
• Implementation Mechanisms: Clear mechanisms for implementation,
monitoring, and enforcement are crucial. This may involve
establishing new regulatory bodies or empowering existing ones.
Implementation

• Capacity Building: Successful implementation requires building the capacity

of government institutions responsible for executing the policy. This
includes providing training, resources, and technology.
• Budget Allocation: Adequate budgetary allocations are essential for policy
implementation. This involves allocating funds for specific programs,
projects, or initiatives outlined in the policy.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation
mechanisms are put in place to assess the progress and impact of the
policy. This may involve the use of performance indicators, feedback
mechanisms, and periodic reviews.
Challenges
• Political Instability: Pakistan has experienced periods of political
instability, which can disrupt the continuity of policies and their
effective implementation.
• Resource Constraints: Limited financial and human resources can
hinder the effective implementation of policies, especially in areas
such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
• Corruption: Corruption can undermine the implementation of policies
by diverting resources, distorting priorities, and eroding public trust.
• Security Concerns: Security challenges in certain regions of Pakistan
can impede the smooth implementation of policies, particularly in
areas where law enforcement faces significant challenges.
Role of Civil Society and Media:

• Advocacy and Accountability: Civil society organizations and the

media play a crucial role in advocating for effective policies, holding
the government accountable, and raising awareness about policy
issues.