Let's Analyze

1. Why might the view of “other” groups be excluded from the policy agenda?
The policy agenda is made up of the requests that policymakers have agreed to take
into account. Leaders, interest groups, crises or disasters, mass organizations or
protests, media attention, and other persons or groups can all endeavor to get their
issues on the policy agenda. Nevertheless, there are "other" groups that are excluded
due to some reason that some issues do not require government actions. For instance,
private sectors are not involved or are not a portion of the government. Also, if their
demands threaten or conflict with the interests of the ruling elite, concerns may be
judged unclear or insignificant. Bias is also can be a reason, politicians can change
matters to fit their own needs. Some problems are supported solely by politically
powerless groups and can be successfully disregarded for a period of time.

2. Why might top-down approaches to social policy implementation appeal to decision-

makers but prove problematic in practice?
In a political process, policies are established at higher levels and then conveyed to
lower levels, who are responsible for the technical, managerial, and administrative
aspects of putting policy into implementation. Top-down approaches are clear and
logically consistent objectives, skilled implementing officials, interest groups, and
legislative support. However, the top-down approach is guilty of overlooking the
relevance of activities made earlier in the policy-making process which leads to delaying
the implementation into practice. Only considers the viewpoints of people in higher
levels of government, ignoring the involvement of other actors. Policies change as they
are implemented, also it is difficult to apply when there is no dominating policy or
agency involved. Top-down is an effective approach, but also has problems making
social policy implementation into practice.

3. What are the grounds for a policy to be terminated?

When the policies are being evaluated it is hard to terminate.
Termination can occur when the policy goals are reached. When the policies are
dismissed. When the policy is ineffective. A policy can be terminated, it is because the
policy is not reasonable, clearly, it failed to work, or it lost support among the interest
groups and elected politicians who put it on the agenda in the first place.

4. What is the importance of a pilot project in the policy cycle process?

The pilot project is crucial in the policy for monitoring the process and evaluation. To
avoid any dispute and find possible deficiencies. Through the pilot project, it will take the
policymaking into trial and see the possible outcome of the evaluation before the final
stage process.