Final answer:
A procedure is a specific set of instructions ensuring standards are consistently met through a prescribed series of actions. It contrasts with policies and project plans, focusing on repeatable outcomes and adhering to a structured approach, similar to how public policy processes are conducted.
Step-by-step explanation:
A procedure is the step-by-step method followed to ensure that standards are met. It is essentially a set of instructions or rules that dictate the process by which a person or team must do a certain task to achieve a consistent and repeatable outcome. This is in contrast to a policy, which would be a set of guiding principles, or a project plan, which lays out the tasks and goals for a specific project. The SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle) is another process-oriented model used specifically in software development. In the context of public policy, the policy process also follows a procedural approach with phases such as identifying the problem, setting the agenda, implementing the policy, and evaluating the results.