FESA Ch. 12 Terms

Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of case studies in public policy curriculums?

To analyze the financial performance of companies

To provide fictional examples of administrative challenges

To present new laws and regulations

To tell a story about an administrative issue, describing the failure or success of an administrative program (correct)

What does consensus building refer to?

A decision-making process that requires complete agreement among all parties

The process of determining a conclusion on an issue in a formal committee, which can range from a simple majority to complete agreement (correct)

A method to create new laws in government

A negotiation strategy used exclusively in business deals

What is the primary goal of a cost-benefit analysis?

To assess the social impact of a policy

To systematically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of alternatives by comparing their costs to their benefits in terms of economic outcomes (correct)

To create a budget for a new project

To estimate only the financial costs of a project

Which statement accurately describes case studies?

They provide a narrative framework illustrating administrative outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What misconception might people have about consensus building?

It defines success strictly as achieving unanimous agreement. Signup and view all the answers

In a cost-benefit analysis, which component is compared to derive insights?

Strengths and weaknesses of alternatives based on economic impacts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best characterizes efficient decision-making?

Maximizing resources while minimizing time and effort Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential challenge in performing a cost-benefit analysis?

Inability to collect relevant data on costs Signup and view all the answers

How is the effectiveness of a process determined?

By determining that a process results in a better outcome for the amount of input compared to others Signup and view all the answers

What best describes empowerment in the workplace?

Giving employees the authority, right, or ability to perform various duties without needing a supervisor’s approval Signup and view all the answers

What defines an incremental adjustment?

A method of implementation that involves making small changes and assessing the results Signup and view all the answers

In the context of organizational spending, what is an outcome?

A measured benefit to stakeholders, created as a direct result of dollars spent by the organization Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of performance measures?

To quantify and assess a person’s contribution to the organization or their achievement of specific job-related goals Signup and view all the answers

What does policy analysis aim to achieve in government and nonprofit organizations?

To examine and evaluate options to implement the goals of laws, regulations, and agency policies Signup and view all the answers

What encompasses program analysis?

A systematic process that examines alternative means, methods, or policies to achieve the goals and objectives of an organization Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes program budgeting?

A system that describes measurable outcomes and provides detailed costs for every activity to be carried out in a budget Signup and view all the answers

What is the core focus of strategic planning?

Identifying the department’s vision, mission, and strategies Signup and view all the answers

The field of statistics primarily involves which of the following?

The collection, organization, analysis, and presentation of data Signup and view all the answers

What do tactical plans represent within an organization?

The specific actions necessary to carry out a strategy Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Case Studies

Serve to narrate and analyze administrative issues, focusing on successes or failures of programs.

Consensus Building

Refers to a decision-making process that seeks to achieve agreement, ranging from simple majority to full consensus among committee members.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

A methodology that evaluates alternatives by comparing their costs and benefits to ascertain the most economically advantageous option.

Efficiency

Determined by the ability of a process to achieve better outcomes relative to the amount of input used, rather than just financial cost.

Empowerment

Involves granting employees the authority and ability to make decisions and perform tasks without requiring supervisory approval.

Incremental Adjustment

Describes a method of change that involves implementing small modifications and assessing their effects rather than making sweeping reforms.

Outcome

Represents a measurable benefit to stakeholders directly arising from expenditures made by an organization.

Performance Measures

Tools used to quantify and assess individual contributions and achievements of employees concerning specific job-related objectives.

Policy Analysis

Involves systematic examination and evaluation of options to pursue goals outlined by laws, regulations, and policies in governmental and nonprofit sectors.

Program Analysis

A thorough examination of various methods or strategies employed to fulfill an organization's objectives, ensuring resources are used effectively.

Program Budgeting

A budgeting framework that outlines specific measurable outcomes alongside detailed cost breakdowns for activities incorporated in a budget.

Strategic Planning

Entails defining an organization's vision, mission, and strategies to guide long-term direction and decision-making.

Statistics

Focuses on the methods of collecting, organizing, analyzing, and presenting quantitative data to enable informed decision-making.

Tactical Plans

Represents the specific actions and steps required to implement a broader strategy, ensuring focused execution of organizational goals.

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Description

Test your understanding of the role of case studies in public policy. This quiz focuses on the purpose and effectiveness of using real-life examples to illustrate administrative challenges and successes. Answer the multiple-choice questions to gauge your knowledge.