Question

Develop a policy analysis using the process outlined below. Use the literature to find possible solutions to the problem. This should be a paper of 4 to 6 pages in length, counting title page and references.

1. Policy description
   1. A clear, concise statement of the policy issue (define the problem)
   2. A brief history of the policy issue (provide background information to frame the issue)
2. Policy environment
   1. A description of the social, ethical and legal factors affecting the origin, development and implementation of the policy (describe influencing factors i.e. cost, resources, cultural barriers etc)

3. Effectiveness and efficiency of the current policy
   1. How well the existing policy does what it was designed to do (evaluate existing policy – where does it fall short of its intent)
   2. How well the policy performs in relation to the effort and resources committed to it (why does it fall short and fail to do what it is intended to do?)

4. Policy alternatives (what recommendation you have to address the policy issue – be sure to use the literature to support your recommendations)
   1. Possible options/alterations of the present policy with benefits of each (what is your recommendation to address the issue and how would it be beneficial)

5. Summary of your recommendations

Answer 1

Introduction:-

The Policy Framework defines the principles, scope and lifecycle for all of the policies, procedures and schedules.

Set of principles and long-term goals that form the basis of making rules and guidelines, and to give overall direction to planning and development of the organization.

This Policy Framework provides guidance for institutional policy development, including approval, implementation, publication, and review and is overseen by the Secretary’s Office. The Framework aims have consistent, relevant and up-to-date governance documentation.

This policy is intended to set a broad framework for development of policy and procedures and related governance documents within the University and to enunciate principles for consistency in the management of these throughout their lifecycle.

Individuals (usually members of the board of directors) who have the authority to set the policy framework of an organization.

Purpose

The Framework is designed to:

- Ensure that a clear and consistent governance and management approach is adopted in the development of all University policy that enables improved compliance with relevant legislative and regulatory requirements;

- Enable efficient and effective decision making, which incorporates quality assurance and risk management practices, where appropriate; and

- Establish clear accountabilities and delegated authorities for individual roles and groups.

The Policy Framework fits within broader governance framework that starts with the Act. Where documents conflict in the hierarchy the highest relevant document takes precedence.

A policy is a concise, formal and mandatory statement of rules that outline the University’s position on governance, academic or operational matters.

A procedure sets out the mandatory university-wide processes, practices or actions required to implement and comply with a policy. It specifies responsibilities for action and decision making.

Policy Categories

All policies, procedures and schedules are categorized as Governance, Academic or Operational, with category definitions for each indicated below:

Governance: - Policies that Council reserve for its own approval and for those that underpin the compliance with certain legislative obligations, such as audit and risk. Governing policy pertains to strategic positioning or investment, risk management, fiduciary responsibility, legislative and common law compliance. It gives effect to statutory or regulatory requirements and relates to the processes of decision making and the controls and behaviours that support effective accountability and performance outcomes.

Academic: - Policies that support the integrity and delivery of quality for education, and delivery of knowledge. Academic policy relates to the core academic business of the entity and covers matters of learning, teaching and research. This includes but not exclusively admissions; assessment; course and program approvals; discontinuation of courses and programs and student academic misconduct.

Operational: - Policies that support the management and administration of the Entity. Operational policy relates to policy designed to support strategic intent and articulates both operational imperatives and outlines principles for administrative activities.

The Policy Framework is guided by the principles set out in the Governance Framework – Governing Policy. The Policy Framework comprises of a standard model of concise high level policies and related detailed procedures, which are complemented with various levels of documentation as required. Additionally, the entity may draw these various levels together as overarching frameworks.

Principles for policy

(a) A policy is a statement of principles or position that is intended to direct decision-making and operations that supports the achievement of the University’s vision and objectives. Policies have a long-term focus and are applied across the entity as a whole. They form the foundation of the governance processes and the basis of the quality system.

(b) Policies support the achievement of quality outcomes, address compliance with legislative obligations, and reduce institutional risk by establishing standards and internal controls. The principles outlined in policy are shaped by:

· the legislation and regulations that govern the Entity

· national standards and community expectations

· the values and vision the articulates in its strategic plan

· a commitment to respecting human rights within a free, tolerant and inclusive society.

(c) Policy should be relevant, transparent in its intent and meaning and developed in consultation with the community and key stakeholders. It should comply with the requirements set out in the Policy Framework.

(d) The processes for drafting, approval, implementation and review of policy and procedures are outlined in the Policy Framework – Procedures.

(e) The latest approved version of all policies and procedures will be stored and managed through the Policy Repository and made available to the public on the USC website. The Policy Repository is considered the authority source for the policies and procedures.

(f) Policies are to be reviewed at least every five years, or more frequently if required.

Principles for procedures

(a) Procedures address processes and actions aligned with the policy principles. They outline the operational steps required to implement policy.

(b) Procedures will:

· provide clear instructions on the way policy will be implemented

· step through the actions required to implement policy principles

· assign responsibilities

· enable monitoring of policy implementation

(c) Procedures are to be reviewed at least every five years, or more frequently as required.

(d) Procedures may be further supported by additional operational procedures that relate to a specific area. These operational procedures must be followed and are maintained by the relevant organisational unit. Guidelines also provide advice which assist in the establishment and implementation of effective practices to achieve quality outcomes. Guidelines may be publicly available or limited to distribution.

Principles for frameworks

(a) The purpose of a framework is to draw together and integrate a range of policies and procedures and related plans and documentation.

(b) Frameworks may be public or internal documents, depending on the nature of the subject. Frameworks should be maintained as current, by annual review or as policies and procedures are updated.

A policy framework is document that sets out a set of procedures or goals, which might be used in negotiation or decision-making to guide a more detailed set of policies, or to guide ongoing maintenance of an organization's policies. Policy framework or specific frameworks may refer to Policy Framework.

A number of models have been developed to describe policy. Some are linear, while others capture the more complex and circuitous route of policy development. The linear model of policy was developed by Lasswell (1951) and modified by Meier (1991) to include four steps taken in policymaking (Figure 1). Policy practitioners make predictions/prescriptions about issues that need to be addressed through policy, policymakers make a policy choice, the policy is then implemented and has an outcome. This simple framework has no feedback loop or opportunities for the process to move backward as well as forward.

To capture the dynamic nature of policymaking, Grindle and Thomas (1991) suggest a more complex framework to describe policy development that includes an agenda phase, a decision phase, and an implementation phase. At each stage, the framework suggests that a decision can be made for or against the policy. For example, an issue can either be put on the policy agenda or not put on the agenda. At the decision phase, the decision can be for or against policy reform. At any of the three stages, a policy either continues to move toward successful implementation, or else it is derailed.

A third type of policy model is described in terms of policy streams. Kingdon (1984) suggests that policy change comes about when three streams—problems, politics, and policies—connect. Kingdon’s model shows that while the three streams may be operating independently of one another, all three need to come together in order for a policy to emerge. Each of the streams described by Kingdon has its own forces acting upon it and ultimately influencing it. The policy streams model focuses on the importance of the timing and flow of policy actions. The streams do not just meet up by chance but rather from consistent and sustained action by advocates.

Each of these models has common components—that policies emerge from perceived problems and acknowledgment of the role of policymakers and other stakeholders in proposing policies and acting on policy options. Two of the models build in the dynamic and complex nature of policymaking and the recognition that the process can get derailed or reversed at any time.

However, none captures all of the components of policy that need to be considered in policymaking.