Policy position papers
Policy Position Papers
You will write a position paper on a specific public policy or current management issue of your choosing. The paper length is 6-8 pages, double-spaced (not including appendices). You can write on any issue related to one of the seven policy chapter (9-15), but if it is one that was specifically covered in class or in Peters American Public Policy: Promise and Performance, then it needs to be something more specific. It is also much easier to write on something narrow and specific. For instance, instead of something broad like health policy, it could be a position paper on childhood obesity or something even more specific like nutrition policy in schools. You will upload the papers on Blackboard and bring a hard copy to class.
Any policy issue related to these chapters may be addressed in a policy position paper. A policy position paper addresses a social problem facing policy-makers. The objective of a policy position paper is to bring the reader round to your way of thinking so the argument needs to be clear, succinct and persuasive, backed up with appropriate evidence.
A policy position paper should summarize the proposals for which you wish to advocate. In the real world it is based on the research you have undertaken and where you provide detailed evidence for your arguments. Bear in mind that the content will depend on the point at which the policy has reached in the policy formulation process. If a public policy already exists, and you want to change it, then you will need to look at the policy, and its impact. If it is a proposal for a new public policy, then you need to have some more background information so you can propose policy solutions.
