Policy Formulation, Analysis, Evaluation & Strategy Development Training

This hands-on course will cover the key aspects of policy formulation, analysis, evaluation, and strategy development. The course will have discourses on policy development principles, analysis techniques, strategic planning, decision-making, implementation and evaluation of policies.

Most Governments in Africa are still struggle with the issue of successful policymaking and implementation. Some of the common problems include rushing to solutions without thorough analysis, elegantly written policy documents without adequate implementation arrangements, lack of integration of policymaking into annual and medium-term budgeting leading to inadequate funding for new policies, lack of imagination on the choice of policy instruments and methods of implementation, formal evaluation processes that have no impact on policy on the ground. This course will endeavor to impact skills that will help organization better address the above challenges with practical case studies.

Broad Course Objectives

On completion of the course, participants should be able to:

• Understand policy formulation and development processes and procedures
• Clearly understand the context and definition of public policy analysis, formulation and implementation;
• Understand how best to perform policy analysis, formulation and implementation in the public sector environment;
• Enhance the skills for policy analysis, policy writing and the implementation
• Formulate, disseminate and manage policy as a development tool
• Identify and employ policy formulation and implementation best practices
• Undertake projects impact analysis and evaluation
• Design monitoring instruments in policy implementation
• Identify constraints in policy implementation and come up with solutions

 Main Training Modules

Introduction to Policy Development

• Overview of policy development processes and frameworks
• Role of stakeholders, institutions, and political dynamics in policy formulation

Understand Policy Development Processes

• Gain insights into the stages of policy development, including agenda setting, formulation, adoption, and evaluation.
• Understand the role of stakeholders, political dynamics, and institutional frameworks in policy processes.

Supporting Instruments/Sources to Policy Development

• Legislation and government policies and priorities
• Taxation
• Public pressure
• Inspection and audits
• Minutes of past meetings
• Legislative records
• Newsletters, media briefings and community meetings

Steps in Public Policy Development and Implementation

• Problem identification/agenda setting
• Public policy formation
• Public policy adoption
• Policy implementation
• Policy evaluation
• Policy termination

Factors Important During Policy Analysis

• Matter and aim
• Commitment to public
• Ability to sustain
• Related participants

Approaches to Public Policy Analysis

• Formal cost–benefit analysis
• Qualitative cost–benefit analysis
• Modified cost–benefit analysis
• Cost-effectiveness analysis
• Multi-goal policy analysis

Policy Analysis Dimensions

• Effectiveness
• Unintended effects
• Equity
• Cost
• Feasibility
• Acceptability

Quantitative Research Methods of Policy Analysis

• Survey research
• Statistical analysis
• Model building

Factors Influencing Policy Implementation

• Methods and processes
  • Project management methods
  • Strategic alignment and control
• Stakeholder and leadership issues
  • Sponsor and top management support
  • Expectations
  • Acceptance of failure
• Complexity and uncertainty
  • Political complexity
  • Organizational complexity
  • Resulting imbalance
  • Other uncertainties

Strategic Management Principles

• Strategic planning and organizational goal setting
• Developing mission, vision, and values statements

Strategic Planning Process

• Environmental scanning and SWOT analysis
• Developing strategic objectives and action plans

Leadership in Policy Development

• Leadership skills for effective policy advocacy and negotiation
• Leading change initiatives and managing stakeholders

Decision-Making in Policy Development

• Decision-making models and techniques in policy development
• Assessing policy alternatives and making informed decisions

Policy Implementation and Change Management

• Implementing strategic plans and policy initiatives
• Change management strategies for overcoming resistance

Policy Monitoring and Evaluation

• Monitoring policy implementation progress
• Evaluating policy outcomes and impacts

Way forward After the Training

Participants will develop a work plan through the help of facilitators that stipulates application of skills acquired in improving their organizations. ASPM will continuously monitor implementation progress after the training.

Training Evaluation:

Participants will undertake a simple assessment before the training to assess knowledge and skills and another assessment will be done after the training in-order to monitor knowledge gained through the training.