'Collection of information' is a key initial stage involved directly in:

Which of the following statements correctly describe the defining characteristics of 'Policy Sciences'? I. They are problem-oriented, seeking to address real-world issues rather than purely theoretical concerns. II. They are strictly empirical and exclude normative value judgments about what policies ought to achieve. III. They are multidisciplinary, drawing upon various fields to provide comprehensive solutions. IV. A defining feature is the integration of knowledge and action, making them highly relevant for practical governance. Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Which of the following statements correctly reflect the characteristics of public policy? I. It is interdisciplinary in nature, drawing upon insights from economics, sociology, political science, and management. II. It is future-oriented, focusing primarily on achieving immediate short-term gains rather than long-term societal outcomes. III. It has a contextual nature, meaning policies vary across different political systems and cultural environments. IV. It is complex and multi-dimensional, involving multiple actors such as government agencies, political leaders, experts, and citizens. Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below: