The goal of scenario papers is to make you think of how to conduct policy analysis and evaluation. You will be introduced to a problem and you will be asked to engage in problem definition, to propose alternative responses to the problem, to create criteria for analyzing each alternative, to project the outcome of each policy alternative, to identify and analyze trade-offs between alternatives, and to report findings and make an argument for what you deem the best alternative.
Mintrom: Contemporary Policy Analysis ISBN 978-0-19-973096-4
p116:
1. Engage in problem definition.
2. Propose alternative responses to the problem.
3. Choose criteria for evaluating each alternative policy response.
4. Project the outcomes of pursuing each policy alternative.
5. Identify and analyze trade-offs among alternatives.
6. Report findings and make an argument for the most appropriate response.
Please remember, these assignments are not simple opinion pieces. (If you provide an opinion that is not supported with data and evidence, your paper will come under heavy scrutiny) I am asking that you find data, facts, and the opinions of experts who can help you craft your argument.
Please use the steps found on page 116 of Mintrom to help assist you in the general layout of this assignment. Pages 82-86 are also very useful!
The first completed draft is due Thursday, September 23rd as your discussion post. The final completed draft is due in the Dropbox on Sunday, September 26th by 11:59pm. Refer to the Scenario Paper Rubric in the Getting Started Module for detailed grading expectations. This assignment is worth 20 points.
The Scenario:
I am a member of the Georgia General Assembly and you work for me as a policy analyst. I have a large number of citizens who are very concerned about the opioid crisis in the United States and they are very concerned that it could become an even larger issue in the state of Georgia. Because my constituents are very concerned about this issue, I too am becoming very concerned. I am turning to you to create a plan to help prevent or mitigate the opioid crisis in the state of Georgia.
