Directions
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| One of the ways we will examine and apply the
concepts discussed in the readings is by analyzing
several of the cases contained
in Part II (Chapters 10 – 16) of Patton and Sawicki’s Basic Methods
of Policy Analysis and Planning: |
 | Chapter 12: Solid-Waste Collection Methods |
| Chapter 13: Campus Parking Policies |
| Chapter 14: Emergency Aid for Home Fuel: Developing
an Allocation Formula |
| Chapter 15: A Tax on Diapers |
|
| Since case analysis is essentially self-learning through simulated
experience, its success depends on the lively exchange of information,
ideas, and opinions during case discussions.
Students must come prepared to discuss all aspects of the case,
apply the concepts in the readings to the case, and be able to answer the
questions at the end of each case study or those posed on the class web
site or it will adversely affect your class participation grade.
|
| Students enrolled in this class should understand that case
analysis executed as a team is a key element of your course responsibility
and you should be available outside of classroom time to meet with your
group members. Your
individual grade on these assignments will be the group grade.
Groups are free to allocate responsibilities in any way you want;
however, groups are not expected to carry free riders.
A peer evaluation form will be used when you complete your second
group case memo and an individual grade may be adjusted lower if the team
reports that one of its members did not contribute to the group memos.
|
| |
Memo
Assignment
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| At the beginning of the semester, you will be assigned
to a team. Each team will be
responsible for preparing a memorandum that analyzes each
of the
cases. You should ignore the directions
at the beginning of each chapter, although they often
highlight important issues in the case. Instead, your
memos should describe the problem,
summarize each alternative and
evaluative criteria, systematically compare
the alternatives, and include a recommended course of
action that is supported by your analysis.
Since everyone will have read the case, your presentation
should focus on your analysis of the alternatives and your recommendation.
Your memos are limited to 3 single-spaced
pages with 1 inch margins and 12 point
font. This doesn't include any
attachments such as a table comparing the alternatives or information
related to your calculations. Additional instructions and guidance
for preparing case memos is included on the web site. See
this interesting article for soem
advice on making good
presentations. |
|
|
Presentations
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| Each
team will present 2 cases
to the class. Your presentation
should be professional and be designed as if you were briefing the
decisionmakers who commissioned the analysis. Your
presentation is limited to 10 minutes to present your analysis.
Accordingly, your presentation should be brief, well organized, and
professional. You should rehearse the presentation to ensure that
you complete it in the time allowed. You should also use appropriate
audiovisual aids. |
