7/28/2019 Althea Poster Presentation

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RESEARCHPOSTERPRESE NTATIONDESIGN 2012

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The first half of the semester,we have been focusing on basic methodsof policyanalysis and planning where we learnedmethods andconcepts. The toolsthat we have been using so far,A PracticalGuidefor PolicyAnalysis writtenby EugeneBardach which bringsto life the

eightfold path to more effectiveproblemsolving and Basic MethodsOf PolicyAnalysis and Planning writtenby Patton et al. These

instrumentshave been veryinformativeand give good directionsof how to, which are includedin the first three chaptersof Patton et al

and Bardach,Appendix C, Understanding Public and Non-ProfitInstitution: Asking the right Questions.

Patton et alstretches the mind and challengesthe imagination. Throughout the first half of the semester myintellectualcurios ity,creativity

and independent thinking hasbeen stretchedthroughout the chapters that we have done so far,namely,The Need for Simple Methodsof

PolicyAnalysis and Planning,ThePolicy AnalysisProcess and Crosscutting Methods. These chaptersare handson,quick, basic, and practical

for beginnerspolicy analysisas can be seen illustrated asfollows.

Introduction

Practical Principles for Beginning Policy AnalystPatton et al stated in chapter 2 that the quality of the analysis depends on the identification and exact stated problem so that relevant datacan be collected. Understand that this chapter deals with the frame work for thinking about the policy analysis process for conducting policy

analysis, which involves feedback and iteration among the six steps instead of a rigid lock-step approach. Also, these steps can be broken

down into smaller components. The policy analysis (6) six basis steps are:

(1) Verify, define and detail the problem, (2) Establishing evaluation criteria; (3) Identifying alternative policies; (4) Evaluating alternative

policies; (5) Displaying and distinguishing among policies; (6) Monitor the implemented policy

Ideally, these steps are ways to think about the problems, organizing data and present findings. Policy analysis also focuses on craft and

creativity as each policy analysts develop their own styles and personalized ways of getting information.

The Policy Analysis six(6) Basic Steps

In Chapter 3 Crosscutting Methods- Patton et al focus on a number of methods that can be used at different points during the policy analysis

process. As a researcher, these methods are important and maybe as critical to the accuracy and success of an analysis. However, in selecting

methods Patton et at al suggested that an analyst follow the guide of, what c lients want to know, the time available for analysis, the professional

knowledge of the factors affecting the policy decision, the complexity of the issue and the data available. From the crosscutting methods listed

by Patton et al such as the procedures for identifying, gathering and analyzing existing data, conducting specialized interviews and quick surveys,

for producing basic analysis and for communicating the results, I find communicating the analysis or results as an attention getter. Patton et al

stated that the best analysis is irrelevant if it is late and useless if it is not understandable (p. 123 para 1). What makes a good report is

simplicity. As a researcher or an analyst one must convey clear, and concise report and without jargon. Also, the report must also be well

documented, accurate and fair.

As a researcher I have realized that I can communicate the analysis by getting it on paper, by using graphics to communicate, by organizing thereport and in-person communication. By using graphics to communicate, a picture is worth a thousand words according to Patton et al. Graphics

include graphs and charts such as pie and bar charts, histograms etc., tables which can be numerical or text, maps, and pictures such as photos

and drawings. The pictures illustrates or document actual conditions, adding interest while the drawings illustrates how something works, or what

a proposal would look like.

In organizing the report as a researcher or an analyst I will g ive the readers a road map which consists of a summary, problem definition, evalua

tion criteria, alternatives, analysis and comparison, conclusion and next steps.

Communicating the Analysis

Conclusion

I am half way through the semester and it is still challenging every

time I am to complete an assignment, but I would not change this

experience at all. Patton et al stretches the mind and challenges

the imagination while Bardach explores effective problem solving.My intellectual curiosity, creativity and independent thinking has

been stretched throughout the chapters that we have done so far

not to mention the assignments. Not knowing what to expect from

this class in the beginning I am surprised at what I am learning now

and looking forward to see what is in store at completion.

References

1. Bardach, Eugene Agenda C Understanding Public and non-ProfitInstitutions, Asking the right questions. A Practical Guide for

Policy Analysis, The Eighth Fold Path to More Effective Problem

Solving, 3rd Edition, CQ Press A division of SAGE Washington DC.

2. Patton, Carl V., David S. Sawicki and Jennifer Clarke. Basic

Methods of Policy Analysis and Planning, 3rd Edition, Upper

Saddle River, NJ: Pearson 2013 43-55, 68-89Print

Acknowledgements

I would like to acknowledge Professor G. who made possible the

different publishing software accessible for me create this project.

It was scary at first working on this project but once into it one

become relaxed.

In chapterone which givesan overviewof the rationale for using simple methodsfor analyzing policiesand plansPatton et al pointedout that

decision makersneededanswers quickly,and willmake decisionsfrom available data,but policyanalyst and plannerscan help improve the

qualityof decisionsby providing accurate,timely and quickanalyzes. On page 9under the heading PracticalPrinciplesfor Beginning policyanalystsPatton et al listed 11practical principlesfor beginning researcher or policyanalyststo apply when we reflect on the dailyproblems

that confront our governmentwhichwill help develop a habit of looking at policyproblems analytically,gain confidence,and provide

accurate data for decision makersin a timelyfashion. The practicalprinciplesare:

(a)Learn to focus quicklyon the centraldecision criterion of the problem

(b)Think about the typesof policy actionsthat can be taken

(c)Avoid the toolbox approach to analyzing Policy(ideallythe problemshould dictate the methods)

(d)Learn to dealwith uncertainty

(e)Say it with numbers

(f)Make the analysis simple and transparent

(g) Checkthe facts;

(h)Learn to advocate the positionsof others

(i)Give the client analysis,not decisions

(j)Push the boundariesof analysisbeyond the PolicyEnvelope

(k)Be awarethat there isno such thing asan absolute correct,rational,a nd complete analysis

Althea Thompson

APractical Guide For PolicyAnalyst Appendix C

Bardachtalked about understanding public and non profit organization byasking the right questions.He draws attentionto the variedaspectsof the organizational structuresuch as itsmission Bardach suggested that in order to understanding public and non- profit

organizationwe as researchersand analyst need to askthe right questions.He suggested that the right questionsto asked can be

drawn fromgiving attentionto the variedaspects of the organizationalstructure such asits mission,its environment,its performance

measurement,its technology,its productiondeliveryprocess, itsfront line workersand co-producers,partners and other outsiders,

centralizationand decentralization,cultureand communications,politics, leadershipand change.However the structure that drawsmyattention isthe politicswithin the organization.I believethat there are factionswithin everyorganization whether public or non-

profit organization.Ialso believe that politicscan be ideologicalas wellas professionalsince everyonewho entersan organizationto

workhave a preconceiveidea what theyare looking for in an organizationeven if it isa preconceive one. Likewise,professionalism

withinorganization differsso it isincumbent on analyststo askthe right questionsfrom a structuralperspective.

PAD 739: Introduction to Policy Analysis

Masters in Public Administration: John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Policy Analysis