Quiz 2 Flashcards
The Eightfold Path
- Define the problem
- Assemble some evidence
- Construct the alternatives
- Select the criteria
- Project the outcomes
- Confront the trade-offs
- Make a decision
- Tell your story
Generic Report Format
- Executive summary
- Introduction
- Background
- Goals
- Alternatives
- Evaluation
- Recommendation
BLUF
bottom line up front; idea that you want to get your most important information in early
Tables
contains lots of complex data; Descriptive title, Accurate labels, Source information, Notes describing any variations in the data
Line Graphs
Used for time series data
Bar Diagrams
used for cross-sectional data
pie charts
Used for data that is a fraction of a total
maps
Geographic data; good to have compass and scale on the map
Components of Problem Analysis
- Define the problem
- Measure the problem (operationalize)
- Determine the extent or magnitude
- Set goals or objectives
- Determine what can be done
Dimensions of Problem
- Causation: What causes a problem?
- Scope: How big a problem?
- Tractability: How difficult to fix?
- Severity: How serious a problem? How serious of consequences?
Sources of Evidence
Surveys, Library, Books, Journals, Magazines, Newspapers, Internet, Think tanks and academic sources, Government agencies, Private firms, Newspapers, Interested individuals, Stakeholders, people affected by public policy, lobbyists, bill sponsors on legislation related to the topic, academics,
Criteria
- Efficiency
- Equality
- Equity
- Adequacy
- Effectiveness
- Political viability
- Administrative operability
- Legality
Cost-benefit Analysis
If able to put dollar amounts on costs and benefits over time, about just adjusting future values on today’s dollars
Cost-effective analysis
compares the relative costs and outcomes of different courses of action
Risk assessment
Assignment dollar values to the probabilities
Single Factor Projection
What you’ll probably use if you’re going to track a trend across time if have sufficient number of years and pretty linear and not expecting shock to disrupt trend and if don’t have resources to do more or understanding of causal factors
Intervention Points
Each opportunity to apply a solution is an intervention point
Efficiency
Output for dollar; How much you’re getting for what you’re spending
Equality
Treating people the same? Equal opportunities? - Usually refers to equality of outcomes
Equity
Fairness (process, outcomes, outputs) (Subjective term)
Adequacy
Doing enough, Solves problem
Effectiveness
Is it doing what we wanted it to do? Doesn’t necessarily solve the problem
Political Viability
measure policy or program outcomes in terms of impact on relevant power groups; whether one or more alternatives is acceptable or can be made acceptable to the relevant groups of decision makers
Administrative Operability
Is the current administrative system capable of delivering the policy or program?
