Decision making and strategy formulation processes in the pu…

please describe and analyze the following question.

QUESTION 1

Describe the decision-making process in Los Angeles County Public Works

Introduce Decision-Making in Public Works

briefly explain that lacpw operates within a hierarchical and bureaucratic structure, mention accountability, legal mandates, public oversight, state that decision-making is often formal, rule-based, and centralized

How Decisions Actually Flow (structure + authority flow)

Explain the step-by-step process:

• issues identified at frontline or division level
• Review by supervisors/managers
• Escalation to division heads or executive management
• For major infrastructure projects Board of Supervisors approval

Mention

• Multiple layers of review
• Budgetary review
• Legal compliance checks
• Risk and safety considerations

Types of Decisions/ distinguish:

• Routine operational decisions (handled at lower levels)
• Strategic or financial decisions (handled at top levels)
• State that the process reflects a traditional public sector hierarchical model

QUESTION 2

Analyze the Process and Its Efficiency

Strengths (Why the Process Works)

• Ensures accountability
• Reduces risk
• Promotes consistency
• Aligns with legal and policy mandates
• Protects public funds
• Public sector prioritizes accountability over speed
• Centralization improves control

Weaknesses / Limitations

• Multiple approval layers create delays
• Slower response to urgent issues
• Possible bottlenecks
• Limited flexibility for frontline innovation

Mention

• Centralized systems may reduce responsiveness
• Excessive formalization may lower adaptability

Overall Efficiency Assessment

Is it efficient?

• Efficient in terms of compliance and risk control
• Less efficient in terms of speed and adaptability

State:

The system reflects the public sectors priority on accountability over rapid decision-making.

Make sure:

add 1 extra source to each question additional to the attached material.

Define the process

Use lecture concepts (centralization, hierarchy, formalization)

Connect theory to LACPW

Provide strengths AND weaknesses

Clearly answer efficiency

Please Do NOT:

• Just describe without analyzing
• Forget to mention accountability
• Only criticize