Policy Memo PPT_Pilar Berse.pdf

Towards an Evidenced-Based Policy Advice: Short Lecture on the Basics of Writing a Policy Brief Pilar Preciousa P. Berse, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science...

Towards an Evidenced-Based Policy Advice: Short Lecture on the Basics of Writing a Policy Brief Pilar Preciousa P. Berse, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science Ateneo de Manila University 25 October 2022 (last updated July 2022) “[Public policies] confer advantages and disadvantages, cause pleasure, irritation, and pain, and collectively have important consequences for our well-being and happiness.” James E. Anderson, 1984: 1 What is public policy? Public policy is whatever governments choose to do or not to do. - Dye, 1984, as cited in Anderson, 1984 T. Birkland’s Definition Policy – “A statement by the government of what it intends to do with a particular problem.” Public Policy Making – “Is essentially public; the public is the source of political authority.” Part II: Policy Papers What is a policy paper? “A decision-making tool to provide a comprehensive and persuasive argument justifying the policy recommendations presented in the paper” Source: OSI, 2002 Part II: Policy Papers What can a policy paper do? A. A policy paper aims to persuade a target audience that the position you are taking in your paper is the best one there is, based on a thorough discussion of all the options you’ve presented. A disciplined policymaker will make sure that this position is hinged on science or scientific evidence. B. Given the possibility of what a policy paper can do, it is important that it is well-researched and wellwritten. How does a policy paper look like? A. It must have an introduction, identification and explanation of the problem, viable options with corresponding evidence-based explanation and workable criteria in assessing/judging the same options, and a recommendation that is persuasive enough to sway the decision of decision-makers (Congressmen, Senators, stakeholders, other individuals who can decide on the policy recommendation). B. Must finish with a short but sharp conclusion. How does a policy analysis look like? Part III: Policy Brief Scenario: “Imagine that you’re an elected official serving on a committee that sets the standards face shields must meet to pass a national government inspection. You know that this is a complex issue, and you’d like to learn more about policies you could benchmark with, the utility of face shields in fighting the the COVID-19 virus, the overall impact on people’s public health, the sustainability and economic consequences to users and suppliers, and more–you want to make an informed decision. But you don’t have time to research all of these issues! You need a policy brief.” Inspiration: (https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/policy- briefs/) What is a Policy Brief, what does it do, and what are its important elements? “A policy brief presents a concise summary of information that can help readers understand, and likely make decisions about, government policies. Policy briefs may give objective summaries of relevant research, suggest possible policy options, or go even further and argue for particular courses of action.” (https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/policy-briefs/) What is a Policy Brief, what does it do, and what are its important elements? A Policy Brief is a short document that any concerned individual (particularly those who have access to policy- makers) prepare and present to decision-makers with the intention of providing information about a policy and proposing categorical and detailed recommendations to improve the same. A Policy Brief must be informative, detailed, and persuasive. It must include enough details, as if to assume that policy-makers do not have sufficient knowledge of the complex issue at hand. The content must be backed-up by valid arguments, and must be sharp and straight-forward. How is a Policy Brief organized? A policy brief should have the following elements: – Title – Introductory paragraph – Description of the problem – Description of the policy – Analysis of the policy in terms of its weakness and strengths – Recommendations that you wish to propose and be adopted (This is the heart of the Policy Brief) – Conclusion (This must be sharp so as to persuade the policy-maker) How long should a policy brief be? A usual policy brief should be approximately 3-5 single-spaced pages. Must address and discuss all points necessary to educate and persuade your policymaker readers, straightforward and has no unnecessary information not directly relevant to your analysis. Other important details Title Writing style Evidence  Sample policy briefs (Take home) Activity Example of a policy brief Some useful links with policy brief samples: https://iris.wpro.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665.1/13435/9 789290617815-eng.pdf https://cpbrd.congress.gov.ph/images/PDF%20Attachments/C PBRD%20Policy%20Brief/PB2020- 07_Tax_Plastic_Revised.pdf https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---asia/---ro- bangkok/---ilo- manila/documents/publication/wcms_330265.pdf