1. Define the problem. For a policy analyst, a “problem” typically
implies some state of the world that is and will remain
unsatisfactory or undesirable without government intervention
(Mohr 1995, 14).
2. Identify alternative courses of action. This means generate a
series of policy options that will have a desired impact on the
problem. Linking alternatives to problems implies a causal
link—if government does X, Y will happen. Rationalists draw
heavily on social science theories to understand such causal
links.