in short, policy analysis represents an attempt to dissect problems and solutions in what is usually described as a rational manner. By this practitioners mean that they bring information and systematic analysis to bear on policy issues and try to show how a given set of goals and objectives might be achieved most efficiently. Public policy goals and objectives are usually determined in a political process-for example, how much the government is willing to pay for health care services for the elderly-but analysis can help policymakers weigh competing ideas about how best to deliver such services.