Writing Policy Papers for MS&E 290

1. Writing Policy Papersfor MS&E 290 Tuesday, January 13, 2003

2. Overview • Objective • Structure • Analysis • Clarity

3. Objective is NOT to write… • An opinion piece: • (e.g. Op-Ed, editorial, personal opinion, etc.) • One-sided or unbalanced analysis • Inconclusive analysis • i.e. costs and benefits of each policy  now you decide

4. So what is the objective… Present a clear, comprehensive, structured, and unbiased analysis which provides valuable insights into a policy decision.

5. Structure (see Example)

6. Structure (see Example)

7. Appendix + 2-3 pages Structure breakdown 4-5 lines Analysis Introduction 1/2 page Background 3-4 lines Policy Objectives 4 pages 1 line Recommendation

8. Sensitivity analysis Note: For those who have not studied sensitivity analysis, Professor Shachter will be reviewing it in his lecture on Jan. 22 Each paper will have a slightly different focus Foreign Health Environment Energy

9. Suggestion… Do your analysis before you start writing your paper

10. Paper should be easy to read (I) • Analysis should be easy to understand for someone with no probability or decision analysis background • Make your assumptions clear. • Don’t spend a lot of time rehashing the instructions.

11. Paper should be easy to read (II) Use Tables and Charts… … and Headings and Subheadings Note: Place most tables and charts should in the appendix

12. Quality of writing is important • Write as clearly as possible, avoid long and complex sentences if they detract from the clarity of your argument • No typos • No grammatical errors Get somebody to proof read your paper!

13. Follow instructions • Make sure to stay within 1500 word/ 5 page double-spaced limit • Turn in your paper on time (1/2 letter grade per late day)

14. Review Present a clear, comprehensive, structured, and unbiased analysis which provides valuable insights into a policy decision.

15. Any questions?