The Policy cycle

Purpose

To determine the precise phase of the policy cycle the dialogue participants are aiming to influence with a view to defining a target for the dialogue that is adapted to the real circumstances of the political context and, consequently, the type of recommendations to be included in the Roadmap for Reform.

Inner logic (rationale)[LZ1]

Explanation of the way in which the tool works

Diagram

Visual representation of the tool (not always available, but we should see…)

Inputs

Resources and skills needed

Outputs

In terms of: 1) knowledge, 2) capacities, 3) trust-building and 4) advocacy

References

ODI’s Rapid Outcome Mapping Approach?

[LZ1]Can we simply copy paste what already written at pp. 33-34? And then the typologies of roadmap will be the outcome in my understanding

Draft:

The purpose of policy cycle analysis is to determine the precise phase of the policy cycle the dialogue participants are aiming to influence with a view to defining a target for the dialogue that is adapted to the real circumstances of the political context and, consequently, the type of recommendations to be included in the Roadmap for Reform.

The main outputs of the exercise are in terms of:

  • Knowledge production;

  • Capacities' assessment;

  • Trust-building;

  • Advocacy planning.

The policy cycle provides a useful tool that can help civil and political society actors to better understand at which moments they should advance their interests. In this respect, shifts between different stages of the policy cycle can be seen as specific entry points for multi-stakeholder dialogue. Each entry point implies a different focus as well as a specific set of activities, as outlined below.

1. Deliberation
2. Policy adoption
3. Monitoring
4. Advocacy
1. Deliberation

If a public problem is recognised as such and has entered the political agenda, the dialogue should focus on determining the objectives of the related policy and analysing alternative options for policy design.

2. Policy adoption

Once there are several policy alternatives under discussion in the political arena, the final choice can be influenced through ‘outside track’ advocacy or by collaborating in coalitions of stakeholders – including policymakers - with a common interest in a given alternative.

3. Monitoring

During the implementation phase, stakeholders can assess the efficiency (connection between inputs and outputs) and effectiveness (link between the outcomes and the final impact on the beneficiaries) of the policy.

4. Advocacy

Based on the evaluation of the policy’s implementation, stakeholders can push for related problems to be included on the political agenda, which can lead to the launching of a whole new policy cycle or the introduction of corrective measures targeting the initial policy.