COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT DISCUSSION/POLICY PAPERS

Table of Contents

Introduction

Background /History

Statement of Problem/Issues

Current Policy

New Directions

Assessment/Conclusions

Recommendations

...

Question: What is the difference between “Current Policies” and “Alternative Solutions?”

Current Policies primarily refer to official laws/policies/practices. Alternative Solutions primarily refer to reforms/recommendations/action plans to help rectify a perceived problem in the current policies.

Question: What is the difference between the section on “New Directions” and “Recommendations?”

New Directions are current policies and current organized thinking/perspectives about the issue under examination in your discussion paper. Recommendations are what you are left with after you deconstruct them (take the new directions in policy and proposals apart/ measure for strengths and weaknesses). Some of the new directions you may support and they become your recommendations (also) {substantiated and/or tweaked}. Others you may critique and therefore offer up other alternatives (supported by your data).

Question: What is the difference between the section on “History” and “Background?”

History usually refers to and involves the significant and past chronological events and organized perspectives that have had an impact on the public issue and policy under examination in your discussion paper. Background usually refers to and involves the current policies and public debate that have caused an issue to become a matter of public interest, and placed it on the “front burner” of public discussion.

Question: Do I have to follow the Compulsory Format?

Yes. You must use the format as a “template” to organize your research. Since not all

public policy issues are the same the emphasis accorded to each section will be different. For example, some discussion papers may be about issues that do not have a long history in the public arena but are currently of intense importance. In this case, the sections on History and Background can be combined {into e.g., Background}, or the material can be incorporated into the sections Background and Issue. The point is, within the assigned format, you can (are required to) customize your topic into subject areas for the best and most effective presentation of your research.

Question: What am I suppose to be assessing in the “Assessment” section?

The Assessment section is target at policy makers, activists/NGO's, and other stakeholders. You are to assess current initiatives in public policy regarding the topic under investigation; the current proposals and activities of significant NGO's; and the impact of public policy and proposals on stakeholders. You might refute or confirm some policy elements and proposals researched. The purpose is to set the stage for your contribution.