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2023/2024  KAN-CPOLO1903U  Applied Policy Analysis

English Title
Applied Policy Analysis

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Full Degree Master
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Autumn
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for BSc/MSc i International Business and Politics, MSc
Course coordinator
  • Mads Dagnis Jensen - Department of International Economics, Goverment and Business (EGB)
Main academic disciplines
  • Political leadership and public management
  • Political Science
  • Strategy
Teaching methods
  • Blended learning
Last updated on 07-06-2023

Relevant links
Learning objectives
  • Explain models, theories, methods and policy areas/levels in the study of public policy.
  • Compare similarities and differences of models, theories, methods and policy areas/levels in the study of public policy.
  • Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of models, theories and methods in the study of public policy.
  • Justify and apply the use of models, theories, methods in analyzing one or more policy areas.
  • Evaluate the application of models, theories, methods in analyzing one or more policy areas.
  • Undertake a structured and coherent empirical study of a policy problem, its background, possible solution(s) and a recommendation for how to solve it based upon relevant data and evidence.
Prerequisites for registering for the exam (activities during the teaching period)
Number of compulsory activities which must be approved (see section 13 of the Programme Regulations): 1
Compulsory home assignments
One 3 page individual take-home assignment (48h) in terms of a policy note halfway into the course that students must pass to be eligible for the exam. The policy note should identify a relevant policy problem, provide sufficient background information, discuss relevant solutions and come up with a justified recommendation.

Collective feedback on the assignments will be provided in class.

If the mandatory assignment is not approved or there has been documented illness, a second assignment (3 pages, 48 hours) will be offered before the ordinary exam takes place.


Please note that to submit the retake mandatory assignment it is a precondition that the student has made a valid attempt in the set activity, unless it can be documented that the lack of submission/participation was caused by illness or similar circumstances.

More information on prerequisites for participating in the exam: compulsory activities can be found in the MSc IBP Programme Regulations §13.1-5.
Examination
Applied Policy Analysis:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Oral exam based on written product

In order to participate in the oral exam, the written product must be handed in before the oral exam; by the set deadline. The grade is based on an overall assessment of the written product and the individual oral performance, see also the rules about examination forms in the programme regulations.
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Size of written product Max. 3 pages
Students will have 48 hours to complete the 3 page case assignment.
Assignment type Case based assignment
Release of assignment The Assignment is released in Digital Exam (DE) at exam start
Duration
Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
20 min. per student, including examiners' discussion of grade, and informing plus explaining the grade
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) Internal examiner and second internal examiner
Exam period Winter
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
A new exam assignment must be answered. This applies to all students (failed, ill, or otherwise)

The only exception to this is when ill with a Doctor's certificate at the ordinary oral exam. In this instance the report from the ordinary exam must be resubmitted.
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

Public policies have a substantial impact on almost all aspects of human life. Whether you are a university student or a business owner, you are the subject of public policies that regulate the way you ought to behave. Understanding how these policies are made and applied is, therefore, of key importance. This course gives you an in-depth theoretical and hands-on understanding of policy processes that can be used in your future career to analyse public policies and how they are going to influence the organisation you work for. The course provides research-based teaching about the institutions and actors that shape the output of policy processes across different contexts. Participants will acquire valuable skills in examining diverse policy processes and how to influence them.

 

The teaching is divided into three parts. The first part introduces participants to key models, theories, and methods in the study of public policy. The second part teaches the participants how to apply these to specific policy areas and levels. The third part focuses on specific themes in applied policy analysis.

 

In relation to Nordic Nine

According to the Nordic Nine, Applied Policy Analysis equips students with a number of transformative capabilities. In this course, students learn how to modify the regulatory environment in terms of policy areas affecting enterprises and citizens. (NN1). The course assists students in identifying social problems within different policy areas (NN3) and proposing remedies through the analysis of data in a policy brief while taking into account ambiguity (NN2). Students are given the opportunity to identify and address ethical dilemmas in their policy briefs by recommending solutions to societal challenges (NN5). This is accomplished by providing students with a toolbox of analytical instruments, including concepts, models, theories, and methods of policy analysis, as well as the capacity to reflect critically on their relevance (NN6). This implies that students should be able to safeguard and build prosperity for future generations (NN7).
Description of the teaching methods
The teaching consists of lectures and exercises.
Feedback during the teaching period
The course seeks to offer feedback wherever feasible. Lectures and classes will provide extensive opportunities for questions and answers. Students are also encouraged to take full advantage of staff office hours. Collective feedback will be provided on the 3-page individual take-home assignment halfway through the course. The feedback will address the strengths and weaknesses of the tasks and the extent to which they address the learning objectives set for the course. There will be one multiple-choice quiz available on CBS Canvas to review key points from the course. Feedback will be given that explains why a certain answer was right or wrong and shows how or where to find more information on the topic.
Student workload
Lectures / class exercises 30 hours
Preparation time (readings, group work etc.) 157 hours
Exam (incl. preparation for the exam and actual exam period) 70 hours
Last updated on 07-06-2023