Postgraduate Module Descriptor

POLM008M: Policy Analysis and Evaluation (MPA ONLY)

This module descriptor refers to the 2017/8 academic year.

Overview

NQF Level	7
Credits	20	ECTS Value	10
Term(s) and duration	This module ran during term 1 (11 weeks) and term 2 (3 weeks)
Academic staff	Professor Oliver James (Convenor)
Pre-requisites	This module is available to students on the MPA Programme only.
Co-requisites	None
Available via distance learning	No

Effective policy making requires that decision-makers are well placed to understand what has worked in the past. Consequently, the policy process has become increasingly quantified and analysed using sophisticated statistical models. But the measurement, analysis and interpretation of performance data can be controversial. Care needs to be taken to avoid crude and misleading conclusions being drawn from poor analysis. Knowledge of the analytical and evaluative techniques used in this activity is increasingly important for decision making at senior levels across many parts of the public sector. In the module you will also explore how the techniques are put to use.

Module created	01/10/2009	Last revised	06/05/2014