The nature of a contemporary policy issue
The Task
The Policy brief is a short paper intended for a minister that outlines the nature of a contemporary policy issue, problem or opportunity, and presents a brief
background of the societal and institutional dynamics of the case.
Module Learning Outcomes Assessed
o Ability to critically appraise concepts of the policy process in their application to a range of policy issues;
o An understanding of the different frameworks that can be used to examine the various 'stages' of the policy process;
o An ability to apply core concepts to the practice of policy-making;
o An understanding of how the key concepts of instruments, institutions, actors and strategies are used in public policy-making;
o An appreciation of the importance that context has on the public policy-making process;
o An ability to undertake an advanced critical analysis of the theory and practice of public policy design.
o Ability to write concise and compelling public policy ideas
Assignment Details and Structure
You should use the theory and practice that you have learnt in this module to inform your brief, it should be properly referenced and use the policy-making
literature where relevant. I have put one good past example of past policy briefs on Keats to give you an idea of what I am looking for. But these should not
be used as templates, as they could still be improved further but it gives you an idea of what we are looking for. In this assessment The brief should include
ALL the following:
a. The nature of the problem and causal theory including a descriiption of those for whom the problem is a problem.
b. The background to the problem, including how the government and other relevant institutions currently act in this field.
c. The key research and/or data sources already available on the issue.
d. Two or three possible policy options that could be developed, outlining their strengths and weaknesses.
e. The criteria to be used to judge the success of any future policy development.
Examples of possible policy briefs may include: human trafficking; inner city traffic congestion; knife crime; flood risks.