Policy Analysis Paper

In about 5-6 pgs. Double spaced not including references; you will take a deep
dive into a specific policy that is of importance to you. The sections will include:

Executive Summary (Abstract): The executive summary must, therefore, be able

to communicate the report’s key points in two or three pages. A good executive
summary will:

 Provide a brief description of the current situation and issues

 Offer a few compelling examples or statistics
 List your findings and recommendations for future action.
 Introduction: The opening section is important to clearly set the scene. It
will:
 Explain the question or topic and why it is important
 Identify the research objective (eg "this report aims to evaluate the
effectiveness of current policy ... and to recommend …")
 Give an overview of how the report is structured
 Provide any definitions needed of terms or concepts (eg "in this report,
‘low-socioeconomic status’ means …")
 Identify the scope (eg "within Texas")

Background (or "Context"): This covers areas such as:

 The sources or origins of the issue

 The history of the law or policy in the area
 The factors which have influenced government, community or industry
responses.

Body of report: Using headings, the main body of the report sets out your
research in detail. Crucial aspects of the topic are discussed, and you might
consider:

 Extent and impact: the scale of issues and who/what is affected

 Findings from previous studies
 Scientific evidence, data and/or modelling
 Stakeholders or interest groups
 Case studies
 Trends and implications
  Options for the future. These could be evaluated, for example by
considering benefits, risks, costs, and likelihood of success.

Conclusion – a summary of your findings.

 Recommendations: These are your proposals for change.

 Recommendations should be numbered. You also indicate how the
recommendations will resolve issues.
 Referencing and bibliography

All sources used, including all figures, maps and data, should be fully referenced.
Referencing should use the APA 7TH edition conventions.