The scope of policy analysis can be divided into policy analysis and analysis for policy. It can be considered as follows:
(1) Policy Analysis
Policy analysis is a study to gain further understanding about the policy itself. The study approaches three areas:
(1.1) Study of policy content
This study describes and explains the origins and development of specific policies, examining how they came to be, how they were implemented, and what their outcomes were.
(1.2) Study of policy process
This study will focus on the policy process while also assessing the influence of various factors on policy development.
(1.3) Study of policy outputs
This study generally attempts to find an explanation for why there are differences in the level of expenditure or provision of services between different areas.
(2) Analysis for Policy
Analysis for policy is a study that goes hand in hand with policy studies. Policy studies are studies that focus on applying the knowledge gained to policy development. They are divided into:
(2.1) Evaluation studies
Studies in this area lie at the intersection between policy analysis and analysis for policy, sometimes assessing policy impact. This is a descriptive and prescriptive evaluation aimed at finding better measures.
(2.2) Information about policy making
This study focuses on information that will help policymakers make informed decisions, which may be derived from operational reviews, where government agencies monitor or apply knowledge to address practical problems.
(2.3) Process support
This study aims to improve the policy-making system by better delegating the functions of government mechanisms and considering criteria for selecting policy options through the development of new planning systems and alternative evaluation approaches.
(2.4) Policy support
This study involves seeking out or discovering specific alternatives and ideas in the policy process through individuals, associations, or pressure groups.