Which of the following best describes the primary limitation of the policy cycle model in accurately reflecting real-world policy development?

The primary limitation of the policy cycle model lies in its linear and sequential depiction of policy development, which fails to accurately reflect the often iterative, messy, and non-linear nature of real-world policymaking. The policy cycle model, traditionally presented as a series of distinct stages – agenda setting, formulation, decision-making, implementation, and evaluation – suggests a neat progression from problem identification to policy outcome. Agenda setting involves getting an issue onto the government’s list of concerns. Formulation is the process of developing potential policy solutions. Decision-making refers to the selectio....