Graduate Practitioner’s Course: Scientific Evaluation Methods for Robust Policymaking Studies

A Practitioner's Roadmap for Policy Problem-Solving: Lecture Series

Scientific Evaluation Methods for Robust Policymaking Studies

Washington, DC.

Arushi Sharma Frank, Esq.

Copyright: Luminary Strategies, LLC - 2024

Course Description

This graduate-level course provides students with practical tools and methodologies for effective policy problem-solving. Drawing from scientific experimental methods and strategic roadmap techniques, students will learn to approach complex policy issues systematically. The course culminates in applying these methods to real-world federal energy policy scenarios.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Set up policy problems using a scientific experimental approach

2. Develop and utilize strategic roadmaps for policy problem-solving

3. Apply learned techniques to real-world policy scenarios

4. Understand the complexities of implementing major federal mandates

Course Outline

I. Introduction to Policy Problem-Solving

A. Overview of the course B. Importance of systematic approaches in policy-making

II. Setting Up Policy Problems as Experiments

A. Sizing the experiment: Bounding the problem statement B. Selecting a timeframe for testing hypotheses/policy solutions C. Internalizing positive and negative externalities D. Defining potential successful outcomes without confirmation bias

III. Strategic Roadmap Exercise for Policy Problems

A. Components of a policy roadmap setup:

1. Policy initiative/mandate

2. Implementation strategies (Implement, Reverse, Strengthen, Sustain, Substitute, Troubleshoot)

3. Desired outcomes

B. Identifying primary venues for resolution

C. Develop comprehensive list of available resources and desired timeframes

D. Accounting for externalities and variables E. Establishing points of accountability

IV. Expanding the Roadmap: Beyond Primary Venues

A. Role of state governments and regional institutions B. Non-federal stakeholders and power centers C. Non-federal regulatory processes D. Commercial practices as tools or targets E. Impact of non-US government or private sector entities

V. Case Study: Executive Order 14057 (2022)

A. Overview of the mandate: 100% Carbon-Free Electricity in Federal Facilities by 2030 B. Applying the experimental approach C. Developing primary and secondary roadmaps D. Analyzing complexities and potential challenges

VI. Interdisciplinary Skills in Policymaking

A. Legal knowledge: Federal, state, and local jurisdictions

B. Communication skills: Advocacy writing, public speaking, executive briefings

C. Research methods: Data analysis, utilizing academic databases

D. Economics Concepts: Macroeconomics, government funding, privatization, public goods, social goods, tragedy of the commons, externalities (positive, negative)

E. Political analysis: Assessing political impacts on policy outcomes

Assignments and Evaluation

1. Policy Problem Experiment Design (25%)

2. Strategic Roadmap Development (25%)

3. Case Study Analysis: Application to a Current Federal Policy (30%)

4. Class Participation and Discussion (20%)

Required Reading

A comprehensive reading list covering policy analysis, experimental design in social sciences, and case studies in energy policy will be provided.

Guest Lectures

The course will feature guest lectures from experienced policy practitioners and subject matter experts in relevant fields.