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Policy Brief Assignment
Overview
Population problems have rendered different approaches by governments and organizations on the best way to solve them. In many instances, investment into the most suitable policies or action plans has not always been pursued due to a number of challenges or in, some cases, shifting priorities. Informed policy recommendations require extensive research supported by evidence and should be formulated with the next steps clearly outlined and a feasible implementation plan.
For this assignment, you are expected to write a maximum 4-page policy brief on a topic relevant to population geography providing a critical evaluation of the topic and offering recommendations..
Learning Objectives
In completing this assignment, you will:
Develop research skills using different types of data sources and literatures to explore a policy issue relevant to population geography
Examine the problem the policy brief is meant to solve – the causes of the problems, and the impacts of the problem
Critically discuss current policy approaches analyzing the limitations of the approaches taken and why they are ineffective at solving the problem
Offer policy recommendations for solving the problem and present clear next steps that are feasible for implementation
Use a graphical layout to enhance interest in your brief for the reader and to support your argument
Instructions
Choose a policy topic you are interested in examining. Some general themes you might consider for developing your topic could include but are not limited to education, health, urbanization, economics, migration, and the environment. Ensure population is a major and relevant issue within the theme. For example, a topic might be “Canada’s aging population and the increasing demand for workers” or “human mobility in response to climate change in Bangladesh.”
Do your research on the topic to make sure there is enough data available to complete the assignment.
The policy brief should be around 1500-2000 words and a maximum of 4 pages. Marks will be deducted for going over 4 pages.
Use credible sources including the range of links and resources on the Library Resources page. Remember Wikipedia is not an academically reliable source. The Library Resources page has some great resources on how to write a policy brief.
An important part of a policy brief is its graphical layout, so you want to ensure it is visually appealing to readers. I highly encourage you to submit your brief in pdf format to ensure the layout remains intact, as things can shift around in word format.
The first page of your assignment should have your name, student number, course title and number. Use Calibri or Times New Roman and a font size between 11-12.
Be sure to properly cite your references. It is important to note that in some of the examples of policy briefs from IDRC and FAO, there are minimal citations/references provided because these organizations are conducting their own research but you must properly cite all data that you use.
Structure and Grading
Title (5 marks) – Select a title that adequately describes the issue the policy brief focuses on. You want to catch the reader’s attention and demonstrate a sense of urgency with the title.
Executive Summary (10 marks) – Include a summary (paragraphs or bullet points) of your brief conveying the main points. The summary should be engaging and helps the reader understand the main argument quickly.
Introduction/Overview of the Problem (20 marks) – Include relevant information to set up the argument. This section explains the purpose of the brief describing the importance of the topic. It is expected to describe the problem the policy brief is meant to solve, the causes of the problems, and the impacts of the problem. It should also entice the reader to continue reading.
Discussion of Policy Limitations (20 marks) – Provide a critical discussion that interprets the data of current policy approaches. This section is expected to clearly describe current policy approaches, explain why the approaches were taken, and analyze the limitations of the approaches and why they are ineffective at solving the problem.
Policy Recommendations (20 marks) – Present policy recommendations for solving the problem. Recommendations must be supported by evidence from your research. You want to convince the reader that your recommendations are the best options. Recommendations are expected to provide clear and precise next steps and be credible and feasible options for implementation.
References (minimum 5) (5 marks) – Provide a list of sources used in the policy brief. To save space, use endnotes. Include a minimum of 4 credible and reliable sources, including 1 scholarly source. Provide a list of references at the end of the policy brief.
Graphical Layout (5 marks) –
expected to be legible and enhance the readability and presentation of the brief.
15 marks will be allocated to writing and organization. Marks will be awarded to the quality of writing, the selection of data to present a clear and compelling argument, and organization. The policy brief is expected to a be maximum of 4 pages. You are expected to use headings to organize the brief. Font size must be easily readable.
(I can’t still think of a topic but I want something related to healthcare access and affordability)
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