Potential Solutions After a thorough investigation results in the identification of gaps or deficiencies that impact program or policy effectiveness, it is important to consider what alternatives or solutions may result in improved program or policy outcomes. May (2019) proposes five key steps for generating solutions: 1. Figure out the problem you are trying to solve: what’s missing from the program or policy that would make it better? 2. Analyze the problem: Focus on how often the problem occurs, how severe it is, potential causes, and what if any special circumstances impact it. 3. Classify the decision criteria: Identify any and every decision that factors into the decision-making process. Which of these criteria is most important? 4. Come up with more than one solution: Don’t stop at the first solution you come up with. Instead, evaluate several alternative scenarios as objectively as possible, assessing the pros and cons of each to ensure that the solution you’re pursuing is the best one for your program or policy issue. 5. Select the best solution: After reviewing steps one through four, select the best solution based upon your information collected. By following the above five steps, you can effectively identify and compare potential solutions to determine the best course of action for program or policy change. Simple, right? Not usually. Often, figuring out what is wrong with a program or policy or what circumstances may impact results is not an easy process. Similarly, the decision-making process can be vague, and multiple solutions may be difficult to generate. Just as the program or policymaking process is often limited or unclear, so is how to fix it. Now is the time to develop potential solutions for your program or policy. You have been asked to present your findings at an upcoming meeting with leadership. Formulate two to three potential solutions for your selected program or policy issue. Prepare a PowerPoint presentation with audio of your own voice in which you outline each solution. Each solution should include a brief description of the following information: Solution Benefits and challenges Possible effects Associated costs Next, identify the best solution and justify your choice with supportive resources. Support your presentation with at least five scholarly resources. In addition to these specific resources, other appropriate resources such as agency or government documents may be included. Be sure to include citations for quotations and paraphrases with references in APA format and style. Save the file as PPT with the correct course code information. Length: 12-15 slides (with a separate reference slide)
