ClarityAnalysisStructureObjective

Writing Policy Papersfor MS&E 290

Tuesday, January 13, 2003

ClarityAnalysisStructureObjective

Overview

• Objective

• Structure

• Analysis

• Clarity

ClarityAnalysisStructureObjective

Objective is NOT to write…

• An opinion piece: – (e.g. Op-Ed, editorial, personal opinion, etc.)

• One-sided or unbalanced analysis

• Inconclusive analysis– i.e. costs and benefits of each policy now you decide

ClarityAnalysisStructureObjective

So what is the objective…

Present a clear, comprehensive, structured, and unbiased analysis which provides valuable insights into a policy decision.

ClarityAnalysisStructureObjective

Structure (see Example)Introduction:

-brief opening introducing the decision at hand.

Background:

-factual information you deem the decision-maker should know.-Beware! Don’t state the obvious - your audience is probably somewhat familiar with the subject at hand.

Policy Objectives:

-criteria by which you measure success of decision.

ClarityAnalysisStructureObjective

Structure (see Example)

Analysis: -Will be discussed shortly…

Recommendation:

-“I recommend policy option A, B or C.”

Appendix:

-Include all calculations/charts…

ClarityAnalysisStructureObjective

Structure breakdown

Analysis

Background

Policy Objectives

Introduction

Recommendation

4 pages

3-4 lines

1/2 page

1 line

4-5 lines

Appendix+ 2-3 pages

ClarityAnalysisStructureObjective

Each paper will have a slightly different focus

Foreign Health Environment Energy

Sensitivityanalysis

Note: For those who have not studied sensitivity analysis, Professor Shachter will be reviewing it in his lecture on Jan. 22

ClarityAnalysisStructureObjective

Suggestion…

Do your analysis before you start writing your paper

ClarityAnalysisStructureObjective

Paper should be easy to read (I)

• Analysis should be easy to understand for someone with no probability or decision analysis background

• Make your assumptions clear.

• Don’t spend a lot of time rehashing the instructions.

ClarityAnalysisStructureObjective

Paper should be easy to read (II)

A B

E(casualties) 20 50

E(cost) $1,000 $9,000

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr

EastWestNorth

Use Tables and Charts…

… and Headings and Subheadings

Note: Place most tables and charts should in the appendix

ClarityAnalysisStructureObjective

Quality of writing is important

• Write as clearly as possible, avoid long and complex sentences if they detract from the clarity of your argument

• No typos

• No grammatical errors

Get somebody to proof read your paper!

ClarityAnalysisStructureObjective

Follow instructions

• Make sure to stay within 1500 word/ 5 page double-spaced limit

• Turn in your paper on time (1/2 letter grade per late day)

ClarityAnalysisStructureObjective

Review

Present a clear, comprehensive, structured, and unbiased analysis which provides valuable insights into a policy decision.

ClarityAnalysisStructureObjective

Any questions?