Exploration

Start Right Exploration lets you identify and confirm the most important dimensions of a policy project at the start, to assist with scoping, focus, direction and project efficiency.

It is also known as policy analysis, policy scoping or policy commissioning.

On this page:

Why you should use it
What it involves
What you will get out of it
Ideal circumstances for use
Limitations
References, guides and key readings
Resources

Why you should use it

• Start Right Exploration is a lightweight guide that can be customised to different policy circumstances and project types.
• Exploration covers the dimensions that are known to improve quality and efficiency in policy projects.
• Exploration is designed for use within the Start Right approach, but can be used on its own with minor modifications.
• The Start Right Exploration stage has been co-designed by experienced policy practitioners from across the New Zealand public service.

What it involves

• Exploration is the initial analysis performed after a Commissioning Conversation to consider all the main dimensions of a policy project before starting.
• Exploration covers both analysis and project management. It can ensure that the policy project is managed efficiently and meets its agreed outcomes and objectives.
• Exploration should be customised in depth and scope to fit each policy project.

What you will get out of it

In the Start Right approach, Exploration generates the project information and parameters that are required for a Green Light to proceed.

Ideal circumstances for use

• You are in the early stages of a policy project and want to improve policy quality and reduce rework.
• You are developing a culture of policy quality, including coaching and mentoring functions, or as part of developing policy commissioning approaches.

Limitations

For very large or complex policy processes, a more formal and bespoke approach may be required.

References, guides and key readings

Start Right

Resources

Start Right Guide - The Start Right guidance covers the Exploration stage in detail, including links to further additional resources.

 

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