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Purpose:
The goal of this assignment is to allow you to research and analyze a policy problem. You will then
create a persuasive memo that makes recommendations to a target audience to address the policy
problem you have researched.
Skills:
This assignment will help you practice the following skills essential to your success in this
course/school/and professional life: Research, Analysis, Persuasion, and Synthesis.
Knowledge:
This assignment should expand your knowledge of a policy problem and the ways in which that
problem impacts your community. In addition, you will learn how to discuss the complexities of the
problem in a condensed and accessible way and present an argument for a particular policy solution.
A policy memo is a practical and professionally written document that can vary in length. It provides
analysis and/or recommendations directed to a predetermined audience regarding a specific situation
or topic. A well-written policy memo reflects attention to the research problem. It is well organized and
structured in a clear and concise style that assumes the reader possesses limited knowledge of, as
well as little time to conduct research about, the issue of concern. The focus is on describing one or
more specific policy recommendations and their supporting action items.
Tasks:
1. This is an individual assignment.
2. Students will choose a policy problem and audience.
3. Students will write a 2-page (1-inch margins, 12-point font, 1.5 space) policy memo and
include the following information:
a. Title of memo (problem you are addressing)
b. Author’s Name
c. Intended Audience (this should be clear)
d. Expected sections:
i. Introduction: a summary of the problem on which the issue is focused and the
context of the problem
ii. Analysis: a review of the pros and cons of the major alternative policy choices
that are feasible
PAD3034 Policy Development and Implementation
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iii. Recommendation: your suggested policy (choice) and the explanation of
why this would be the best one.
iv. Implementation: some of the necessary implementing steps that would be
needed to achieve the recommended policy, including anticipation of unintended
consequences.
v. References: this is a separate page, in addition to the 2-page memo. You
should have at least 5 outside sources.
4. Students will post the memo into the Canvas assignment tool via text entry or upload a Word
document by the due date.
Criteria for Success:
Clearly explain your problem and policy recommendations.
Meet the required length.
Use appropriate and credible resources and citation format (APA 7th).
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