Course Description

Traditional policy analysis starts with a careful definition of the policy problem, proceeds through the set of steps listed below, and culminates with the policy report. The course will spend time on each of these steps.

1) Define and frame a policy problem.

2) Assemble evidence, identify the key stakeholders.

3) Identify or construct alternatives.

4) Identify and select the relevant criteria for assessment.

5) Project and assess the outcomes for each alternative.

6) Confront the trade-offs.

7) Recommend the best alternative.

8) Tell your story – communicate your recommendation and the reasoning behind it to a client/decision-maker.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

Policy analysis is the art, craft, and science of providing problem-solving advice to managers in public sector, policy-makers, or citizens. Policy analysis requires several distinct sets of skills: technical understanding of analytical tools, understanding the policy context, and the ability to produce and communicate practical advice. The overall aim of the course is to increase student’s capacity to contribute to identifying, analyzing and assessing policy problems and options and ultimately to generate arguments for alternative policy options.

Students will gain experience in:

Defining, assessing, and describing policy problems.
Identifying policy goals and criteria to assess possible strategies.
Crafting appropriate policy options by borrowing, adapting, and creating.
Analyzing and predicting the effects of alternative policy options.
Communicating policy advice in written and oral presentations.
Considering barriers to policy implementation.
Designing evaluation of policy/program impact.