University of Belize
Faculty of Management and Social Science
Public Sector Management Program
Public Policy and Analysis .PSMG. 302 Course Outline
Instructor: Dr A. Ifeanyi Ifedi.
Credit Hours: 3
Class Schedule: TU 7:00-8:45 pm RLC Conf. Room
Office Hours:
Text: William N. Dunn. 2004. Public Policy Analysis : An Introduction 3rd Ed. Upper
Saddle River, NJ: Prentice- Hall.
Introduction:
“Policy analysis is a process of multidisciplinary inquiry designated to create, critically
assess, and communication information that is useful in understanding and improving
policies.”
-- William Dunn, 2004, Public Policy Analysis: An Introduction, 3rd Ed. Pp. 1-2
Policy analysis is an applied social science discipline that uses multiple methods of
inquiry and argument to produce and transform policy. This course is designed to
explore various theoretical and conceptual approaches to the analysis of policy issues and
provide opportunities to apply the tools, techniques, strategies used in policy analysis.
Each student will have the opportunity to select a substantive policy area and axplore in
depth a particular aspect through a policy analysis project. The student will engage in
individual and team exercises and explore the ethical components of analytical research...
Exercises
The class will engage in two (2) exercises during the course of the semester. These
exercises are designed to train students in useful policy analytic techniques. All exercises
will be individual and team exercises. Students will evaluate team performances at the
end of the semester.
The exercises could cover the following techniques:

Policy arguments

Problem structuring – hierarchy analysis, synectics, brainstorming,
assumptional analysis.

Forecasting – Time series, regression or casual analysis, and
Delphi

Recommending – Cost-benefit analysis

Monitoring – Interrupted Time-series, Control-Series, RegressionDiscontinuity Analysis

Evaluation – Any of the above techniques.
Grading Summary
Test
Midterm
Research Paper
Final Exam
20%
25%
25%
30%
Chapters 1 and 2
Chapters 8, 3 and 4
Chapters 5, 6, 7 and 9
Policies:
1. I will assign no points for participation in this class. However, the value of
attendance and participation should be understood. All reading assignments will
be completed by the class period for which they are assigned and all written
assignment will be completed on or before their submission date.
2. Requirements not completed on time will automatically receive a grade off
unless: a) there is sufficient reason for the lateness, b) I have been consulted prior
to the time that the requirement is due, and c) I agree to the lateness and the time
the requirements will be fulfilled. All three conditions must be present.
3. The examination will draw upon the text, lectures, class discussions,
presentations, and cases. Everything that is read or mentioned in the class is fair
game for final examination. You are also responsible for everything in the texts,
even if it is not discussed in the class.
4. Examinations cannot be made up. If you cannot take an examination at the
regularly scheduled time, you must contact me in advance to make arrangements
to take the examination early.
5. Students must adhere to the University of Belize academic honesty policy.
Topics and Reading Assignment
1. Introduction to Policy Analysis
Policy Models
Dunn, Chapter 1 and 2
2. Policy Arguments
Dunn, Chapter 8
3. Policy Structuring
Dunn, Chapter 3
4. Policy Forecasting
Dunn, Chapter 4
5. Policy Recommendations.
Dunn, Chapter 5
6. Policy Monitoring
Dunn, Chapter 6
7. Policy Evaluation
Communicating Your Findings
Dunn, Chapter 7 and 9
8. Review