PP 650: Public Policy Analysis

Unit One Seminar

Kris R. Foote, J.D., M.P.A., M.S.W.Kaplan University

Your Final Project• For your Final Project, prepare a Policy Paper using

the current “Green Revolution” as the Policy topic, prepare a policy paper for submission to a Think Tank. One section of your paper must include the application of cost benefit analysis to policy prescriptions and or examples of assessments. In this section, you should not only apply cost benefit analysis to the Green Revolution, but you should also evaluate the value of cost benefit analysis in assessing green policies and/or programs. The paper should adopt a specific position and prescribe or advocate the case for the policy initiative that you are proposing. The paper should include data research, analysis of the evidence, and an appendix designing the strategy and procedures for having the policy proposal, initiative, or program adopted and implemented.

Final Project Continued…

•Your Cost Benefit Analysis Sections should:• Identify 10 principles of Cost Benefit

analysis.•Describe the application of these principles

to Green Revolution policies.•Analyze the principles to assess proposed

Green Revolution policies and/or programs.•Evaluate the cost benefit methodology as a

tool for assessing Green Revolution policies and/or programs.

Final Project Continued…The balance of your Policy Paper should focus

on:• Alternative policy assessment tools that would be

used to identify problems that would support or oppose Green Revolution policy initiatives.

• Models of public policy analysis that would be used to develop and formulate the strategy for influencing the adoption of your advocacy position.

• Determining the expected outcomes and values to be derived from the initiative.

• Providing a recommendation for or against the initiative, based on the models used to perform the analysis. Describe what you have discovered and support your recommendation with examples from your research.

PP 650: Public Policy Analysis

Welcome to the Unit One Seminar!• Review of the course syllabus.• Review of this week’s seminar.• Review of this week’s Unit One course work: Basic Concepts of Policy Analysis and Program Development

This Week’s Assignments:• Introduce Yourself to your Classmates• Read Chapters 1-3 in Policy Analysis • Discussion - Respond to the Discussion Board- 20 Points • Seminar - Attend the weekly Seminar- 10 Points • Extra! Extra!

Take a look at additional resources• Learn

Unit 1 Overview

Basic Concepts of Policy Analysis and Program Development

• Unit 1 is an introductory excursion into the world of policy analysis. This unit covers the objectives and components of Policy Analysis and also focuses on a consideration of professional ethics as part of the formulation and design process

Introduce Yourself• Throughout this course, you will have many opportunities to

discuss class material with your professor and classmates and you will be expected to respond with your own opinions and comments. To get this dialogue started, please take this opportunity to introduce yourselves and become acquainted. Be sure to address the following questions:

• Tell us who you are (What state or country do you live in? What are some of your hobbies? Interests?)

• Do you have a nickname you prefer?• What is your AIM name?• What are your educational and career goals?• How do you think this course will help you?• What prior knowledge, if any, do you have about Public Policy

and Health Administration?• If you could interview one person in the past, present, or

future, who would it be, and why?

Purpose of Unit 1

•Identify and define policy problems •Understand the goals of public policy•Clarify and provide examples of policy

problems and dilemmas•Understand the relationship between law

and policy

Discussion 1Rational Behavior and Competitive

Markets• As James Madison said in 1788, “If men were

angels, no Government would be necessary” (Federalist, no. 51). That is, if all men were angels. But in a world in which all resources are limited, a single non-angel in the commons spoils the environment for all.

• Define the problem of the tragedy of the commons and provide at least one example illustrating the concept. Explain how market failures relate to human behavior.

Unit 1: ReadingChapters 1-3 in Policy Analysis

• The course reading materials begin with an example of the summary of fishery alternatives in terms of policy goals. The following terms are defined: Equity, Efficiency, Feasibility, and Status quo. Policy Analysis is defined and the process is conceptualized. Professional ethics is discussed in terms of the role of analysts, not the specific policy alternative or initiative offered for consideration. Three values are discussed: analytical integrity, responsibility to clients, and adherence to a unique conception of the definition of the good society.

• Students should consider the following questions when studying the materials: What is the purpose of policy analysis and how does one enter the field? How does one prepare to professionally establish policy proposals and analysis? What are the goals of policy analysis and how does integrity and ethics constrain the policy professional?

Additional Resources•Almanac of Policy Issues- Searchable

repository of background information, archived documents, and links on major U.S. public policy issues.

•Public Agenda- A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that conducts public opinion research, runs public engagement programs, and maintains a repository of materials related to important issues.

•National Center for Policy Analysis - http://www.ncpa.org/