The policy brief is an innovative method to individually assess MPA students after the completion of the APP. As a pedagogical tool it evaluates the key learning outcomes - such as research and analytical skills, argumentation to justify policy options, and formal policy writing, that are integral parts of the applied component of the MPA Program. The thematic basis of the Policy Brief should emerge from the Applied Policy Project and respond to a specific request from the client (policy maker or advocacy group) to promote a particular policy option. Please note due to credit requirements the Optional MPA Thesis does not substitute the mandatory Policy Brief.
The Policy Brief should be a 5000 word document that includes the following four-section
(front-loaded) structure:
- Executive Summary
- Key conclusions and concise outline of the policies the brief advocates for
- Situation brief
- Background material providing the signifi cance of the topic explored and the stakeholders representing interest in the outcome of the debate.
- Policy options/recommendations
- Identifying and outlining the potential policy alternatives
- Evaluating these alternatives by providing supporting empirical evidence
- Identifying specifi c policymaker and their existing positions and tailor policy
- recommendations to suit their pragmatic or normative preferences/functions/identities.
- Key sources
- Providing the sources where more detailed information on the topic can be accessed.