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The Theory Of Planning, Policy Formulation And Decision Making Essay

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OVERVIEW The article is aimed at clarifying and formalizing the Successive Limited Comparisons (Branch) method, which has been neglected by authors (in the literature) for a long time. This long neglected method is contrasted with the Rational-Comprehensive (Root) method, which has been widely covered in the books (literatures) of planning, policy formulation and decision-making. The author examines and describes how some administrators approach complicated social problems as the root method fails when applied to difficult social problems because people have different views and sometimes they disagree on certain issues. Under such complex situations, the administrators switch to the branch method to resolve convoluted social predicaments or crises. In addition, five (5) characteristics of each method are provided in a comparative manner. Under the Rational-Comprehensive method, comprehensive analysis is made and all significant, relevant factors are considered. This approach mostly relies upon the theory. Again, administrators approach policy-formulation by using means-end analysis. Lastly, for the empirical analysis, alternative policies to be made, distinct objectives and values have to be clarified. Conversely, the Successive Limited Comparisons approach applies intertwined empirical analysis when action is needed after the value goals have been selected. This means they are not different from each other. This method disregards overreliance on theory. Because of lack of

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