SEM 640 LEC X01
Implementing Public Policy
Instructor: F.W. [Rick] Brick; MBA, CPHR, IPMA-ACP, SHRM-SCP, PMP
Office: 1-29 Term: Fall 2021
Office Hours: by appointment Classroom: BUS 3-10
E-mail: [email protected] Time: Tues 6:30 to 9:30 pm
COURSE OUTLINE Course Description:
Many policies succeed or fail, not because of the policy content, but because of the implementation process. All too often, there is inadequate attention to the problems and issues involved in implementation. In this course, we will investigate the process of policy implementation from an organizational and practical perspective. Topic areas will include: developing implementable policy; policy instruments; achieving desired
changes; all with a focus on the role of managers in effectively implementing policy.
There will be a strong focus on how public-sector managers can effectively design and implement change strategies that take into consideration the organizational structure, systems, leadership, culture and politics. The course will combine classroom discussion of theoretical concepts and practical applications.
Course Objectives:
1. Students will gain a basic understanding of theories associated with policy implementation.
2. Students will improve their knowledge of how policies are
implemented at government, organizational and work unit levels.
3. Students will be able to identify critical characteristics of the organizational context that are likely to influence the policy implementation process.
4. Students will improve their ability to manage the policy implementation process in public sector or not-for-profit organizations.
5. Students will improve their ability to make oral presentations.
6. Students will improve their ability to analyze and communicate their analyses through clear and concise writing.
Course Website:
Background Reading: This course is based on principles from organization theory. If you have not taken a course such as SMO 310, 321, or 500 – please find a general organization theory textbook to familiarize yourself with key issues. There are many textbooks that will suffice. One example is Daft, R. Organization Theory and Design.
The most recent edition is 2021 (4th Canadian edition). Earlier editions are fine. Please feel free to ask the instructor for further advice about textbook selection.
Required Readings: Readings will be identified as the course progresses.
Recommended Text: The following text is strongly recommended but is not mandated.
It is an excellent overview of Canadian public administration. “The concepts and models offered in this text are integrated with changing events in the real world, presenting the most recent thinking and providing an up-to-date view of organizations. Detailed Canadian examples and cases capture the richness of the Canadian experience, while international examples accurately represent Canada’s role in the world.” Amazon.ca Grading System
Your performance in this class will be assessed with a letter grade. Grades are
determined by the instructor’s judgement on individual and team achievements in class.
Policies about grades and grading procedures can be found here:
https://policiesonline.ualberta.ca/PoliciesProcedures/Pages/DispPol.aspx?PID=101 Marking Grievances
While all assignments and exams will be marked with due consideration and fairness, any dispute of marks must be brought to the attention of the instructor within one week of the assignment or exam marks being provided to the student. You may disagree with some assessments and I will respectfully reconsider my whole assessment and comments on the basis that the student provides a written explanation of the dispute. I will not reconsider grievances after that time. The whole reassessment may result in an increase, decrease, or no change in your mark. Please, note that your entire assignment or exam will be reassessed in case you have any grievance. No special make-up assignments will be granted nor will re-writes of examinations or re-marking of previous assignments/exams be considered.
Assignments will be accepted on a late basis only with exceptional cause and with prior approval, such as incapacitating illness, severe domestic affliction or other compelling reasons (including religious conviction).
Academic Integrity
"The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding
academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect. Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour (online at www.governance.ualberta.ca) and avoid any behaviour which could potentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University."
University Policy on Course Outlines
"Policy about course outlines can be found in Course Requirements, Evaluation Procedures and Grading of the University Calendar".
Code of Student Behaviour
Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behavior: https://www.ualberta.ca/governance/resources/policies-standards-and- codes-of-conduct/code-of-student-behaviour.html
The document outlines students’ rights and responsibilities. Students must avoid any behavior that could potentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism,
misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University.
Audio or Video Recording
Audio or video recording, digital or otherwise, of lectures, labs, seminars or any other teaching environment by students is allowed only with the prior written consent of the instructor or as a part of an approved accommodation plan. Student or instructor content, digital or otherwise, created and/or used within the context of the course is to be used solely for personal study, and is not to be used or distributed for any other purpose without prior written consent from the content author(s).
All assignments are listed below with the associated points:
ASSIGNMENT POINTS DUE DATE
Lead class discussion (in
groups) 5 On assigned date at
beginning of specific classes other than when guest speakers are present Group Project – Written
Report – Should London Police Arrest Prostitutes or Help Them
15 October 19, 2021
Papers and PowerPoints are due
Group Project – Presentation – Should London Police Arrest Prostitutes or Help Them
15 October 19th or 26th, 2021
Participation 5 On-going
Individual Presentation –
Term Project 30 PowerPoint and Paper to
be submitted on November 23rd.
Presentations will be on November 23rd or 30th, 2021
Major Assignment – Term
Paper (project) 30 November 23, 2021
Explanation of Assignments:
Lead class discussion on current topic: (5 points)
Each individual will be expected to lead class discussion[s] on an assigned course topic[s]. In order to carry out this assignment they will need to research the topic, prepare a lesson plan/approach and then present the material to their fellow class
members. Following the presentation, they will lead a class discussion on the topic. The number of available dates and topics will depend on the number of students registered in the class. This assignment is worth 5% of the overall grade. We will discuss this in detail on the first day of class.
Group Project: (30 points)
You will need to purchase the following Ivey Business Case – Should London Police Arrest Prostitutes or Help Them? – Product Number: 9B14C033. Students will be assigned to groups which will need to develop and present solutions as outlined in the assignment provided on the first night of the course. The rubric is outlined on the assignment.
Class Participation: (5 points)
Since this is a discussion/seminar class, participation is critical! Students are expected to attend all classes and complete all assigned readings before class so that they can be prepared for class discussions. Participation points will depend on your contribution quality, i.e. how well you bring in concepts from readings; build on others’ ideas; add new insights to readings; offer a different, unique, and relevant perspective on an issue; extend rather than repeat others’
comments; demonstrate reflective thinking; or expand understanding by asking clarifying and/or thought-stimulating questions.
TERM PROJECT: (Consists of Individual Presentation and Final Paper) – The rubric is outlined on the assignment.
Class Presentation: (30 points)
Oral presentation on November 23rd and November 30th, 2021 [December 7th is a possibility only if class is too large to be fully accommodated by the prior two dates].
PowerPoint is due on November 23rd Final Paper: (30 points)
Due – November 23rd, 2021
Course Schedule [rough guide – subject to change]
Class 1 – September 7, 2021 Introduction to SMO 640 Expectations
Guest Speakers
Introduction – Instructor and Class Assignments
Course Approach
Implementing Public Policy Class 2 – September 14, 2021
Discussion of Assigned Case Westminster Model
Decision Making Problem Identification Analysis
Class 3 – September 21, 2021 Policy Formulation
Options/Solutions Determination Consultation
Change Management
Class 4 – September 28, 2021 TBA
Class 5 – October 5, 2021 Guest Speaker –
Stakeholder Identification and Management Political Reality
Resourcing Issues and Elements
Class 6 – October 12, 2021 Guest Speaker –
Risk Management and Mitigation Policy Writing
Laws and Regulations Enacted Class 7 – October 19, 2021 Group Assignment is Due Group Presentations Class 8 – October 26, 2021
Guest Speaker –
Group Presentations [if needed]
Overview of Individual Assignments Class 9 – November 2, 2021
Guest Speaker – Communication
Developing Policy Arguments Class 10 – November 9, 2021 No class – Reading Week Class 11 – November 16, 2021
Evaluation
Adjustments and Moving Forward Class 11 – November 23, 2021
Individual Assignment is due Individual Presentations Class 12 – November 30, 2021 Individual Presentations Class 13 – December 7, 2021
Individual Presentations [only if needed]
