"Without choice there are no mistakes; without mistakes there is no learning, and without learning there is no development." - R. L. Ackoff

TEACHING

Policy Analysis & Evaluation Seminar

This seminar in public policy analysis and evaluation has a single objective: to develop a critical thinking of theoretical frameworks developed to analyze several dimensions of public policy. This class will focus on theories and perspectives across specific policy areas since our objective is to get used to analytical lenses not a specific policy area. This class requires the ability to analyze critically a body of literature as a prerequisite for advancing that literature.

Syllabus: Fall 2014


Complexity in Public Policy & Management

The objective of this seminar is to examine complexity in public enterprises. The course will cover the key properties of complexity sciences, especially those that provide insights for public policy and management. Students will have an opportunity to develop alternative perspectives that are necessary to define and critically analyze complex problems right now.

Syllabus: Spring 2015


Public Policy Capstone

The purpose of this course is to be the culminating experience for students enrolled in the Master of Public Policy program at Arizona State University. The expectation is that students will prepare a detailed, sophisticated policy analysis for a public sector or nonprofit client on a contemporary public policy problem. The intention is that this will be "live" work, not merely a classroom exercise but something that could be published as a piece of applied research and/or used by a real decision maker in choosing among courses of action or evaluating current programs.

Syllabus: Fall 2014


Program Evaluation

The course involves students in consulting teams, conducting evaluation research for actual non-profit and government agency clients. The combination of real-world experience with course readings, lectures and discussions aims to educate course participants in both the theoretical and practical realms of program evaluation. Throughout the course, just as I will share from my own experience as an evaluator of welfare and public health policies and programs, I encourage students to relate the general material to their own experience and specific policy interests.

Syllabus: Spring 2013


Public Policy Analysis

This course is designed to help you develop the skills required to define and critically analyze policy issues and problems, articulate relevant decision making criteria for policy analysis, and evaluate alternative policy options. You are expected to learn: (1) what frameworks are available for policy analysis, (2) how a particular framework is relevant in a given context, and (3) the strengths and weaknesses of each framework. These frameworks, skills, and techniques will be applied to a wide range of substantive public policy issues.

Syllabus: Spring 2011