Gathering information about the current state of a particular issue or topic gives decision makers insight into any potential problems and/or opportunities that exist within their jurisdiction. This type of data collection often involves conducting surveys, interviews, focus groups etc., and analyzing existing statistics that are available from other sources like government agencies or research institutions. Such insights can help inform initial problem identification as well as provide direction towards developing suitable solutions.

Developing projections of how a proposed policy may affect the future state of an issue requires taking into account numerous factors such as potential cost implications, expected outcomes related implementation/enforcement efforts, environmental impacts etc.; all which require careful consideration before making final decision regarding its adoption.

Finally measuring the effectiveness post implementation helps ensure accountability amongst those tasked with executing said policies while also helping detect any unforeseen issues that may have arisen due external influences not taken into account initially thus allowing more accurate fine tuning procedures going forward if necessary.

Using evidence-based analyses when crafting public policies allows decision makers create sound strategies backed by reliable facts rather than relying on biases/assumptions which could lead incorrect assumptions being made resulting costly mistakes down line if implemented unchecked