Unit 3

Question 1

Rational Model

Answer 1

point out the rational model of decision making represents the standard against which we can compare most policy making and planning activities.

8. The advantage of the rational model is that it provides decision makers with a way of organizing the decision making process as much as possible. The disadvantage of this model is that it assumes policy making is a rational process of trying to arrive at the best technical solution to a problem and that there is consensus on goals and objectives.
9. Analysts consider the rational model to be weak because of individuals’ limited problem solving capabilities; the fact that usually there is not enough information; the expense of undertaking analyses; and the way in which problems emerge.

Question 2

Bounded Rationality

Answer 2

2. The advantage of the bounded rationality model of decision making is that it recognizes the limitations placed on decision makers. This model uses the process associated with comprehensive rationality, but searches for a solution within a limited range of options.
3. The drawback is that this model still assumes a consensus can be reached on goals and objectives.

Question 3

Incremental Decision Making

Answer 3

1. Howlett and Ramesh (1995, pp. 141 142) explain that incremental decision making occurs when policies are changed a little bit at a time to include ongoing comparisons between the current state of affairs and close alternatives.
2. Incremental decision making consists of
3. marginal adjustments to the status quo.
4. limited consideration of alternatives and consequences.
5. the adjustment of objectives to policies.
6. the reconstruction and sequential treatment of data and analysis

Question 4

Garbage Can Model

Answer 4

1. Howlett and Ramesh (1995, pp. 144‑145) describe the origins of the garbage can model of decision making, which came about largely in reaction to the view that decision making is a rational process.
2. With the garbage can model, the policy process consists of three separate streams: problems, solutions, and political opportunity. When the three streams meet, changes to existing policy can occur.

Question 5

2. describe what constitutes a public policy “problem” and the ways in which problems are defined

Answer 5

1. What constitutes a problem? A classic definition in the field is that a problem is a “substantial discrepancy between what is and what should be” (Dery, 1984, p. 17), or to put it another way, policy problems “are unrealized needs, values, or opportunities for improvement”
2. Problem recognition, according to Kingdon (1995), is often stimulated by widely agreed-upon indicators and routine monitoring that turns up discrepancies or patterns that hint that something is amiss
3. Problem definition or structuring is the arduous process of taking some indicator that a problem exists—such as lagging productivity or average income—and answering three fundamental questions.

Question 6

3. explain how issues emerge.

Answer 6

1. While public pressure plays an important role in bringing problems to the attention of government, problems often become visible through routine monitoring of existing and widely recognized indicators.
2. If we interpret these cases as being caused by a personal attribute, then we might respond by attempting to simply ignore the problem. We might also attempt to correct the flaw by ensuring that individuals living in poverty receive job training, leading to job placement. If we perceive the problem as external in nature, we might seek to create safer and healthier environments for those living in poverty.
3. Values, priorities, political stances, time pressure for a decision, professional interests and a host of other factors intertwine when decisions that involve making choices in health care are made. Because making choices means that some groups will benefit from a decision (e.g., a policy to increase funding for cardiovascular surgical services), it simultaneously means some other groups will suffer (e.g., home care services). Such decisions cannot be made on the basis of scientific information alone and, in fact, values play a prominent role, explicitly or implicitly, in the process.