Module Plan: Stakeholder Analysis in Policy Development
Course Title: Introduction to Public Policy Analysis Module Topic: Stakeholder Analysis in Policy Development Target Student Level: Undergraduate, Junior Year
Week 1: Asynchronous Online Module
- Learning Outcomes (Online Component):
* Define key terms related to policy stakeholders. * Identify diverse stakeholders relevant to a given public policy issue. * Explain the importance of stakeholder analysis in effective policy development. * Differentiate between various methods for categorizing and prioritizing stakeholders.
* Reading: "Understanding Stakeholders in Public Policy" (Chapter 3 from Smith & Jones, *Policy Analysis Fundamentals*). (Approx. 60 min) * Article: "Mapping the Terrain: Stakeholder Identification in Environmental Policy." (Approx. 45 min) * Video: "Introduction to Power-Interest Grid Analysis" (University of Pennsylvania, 15 min). (Approx. 20 min) * Case Study Review: Brief synopsis of the "Pine River Dam Project" – identify potential stakeholders. (Approx. 30 min)
* Discussion Forum: Post initial response on Pine River Dam stakeholders' interests, then respond to a peer. (Due Sunday, Week 1). * Short Quiz: 5-question multiple-choice quiz on definitions and concepts. (Due Sunday, Week 1). * Reflective Journal Entry: "How might a policy maker's biases affect objective stakeholder analysis?" (Due Sunday, Week 1).
Week 2: 90-Minute In-Person Application Session
- Learning Outcomes (In-Person Session):
* Apply a stakeholder analysis framework to a complex policy scenario. * Critically evaluate stakeholder perspectives and influence. * Formulate strategies for engaging different stakeholder groups. * Collaborate effectively to present a concise stakeholder assessment.
- Opening Activity (5-10 minutes):
* Think-Pair-Share: "Most surprising/challenging aspect of identifying stakeholders from pre-work?" Share with partner, then group.
* Segment 1: Review & Clarification (15 minutes) * Instructor-led recap of Week 1 concepts, address misconceptions, Q&A. * Segment 2: Advanced Case Application Introduction (15 minutes) * Introduce "Urban Green Space Development Initiative" scenario. Explain active-learning task.
- Active-Learning Task (25 minutes):
* Small Group Stakeholder Mapping: Groups (3-4 students) map stakeholders for "Urban Green Space Development Initiative" onto a power/interest grid, justifying placement and identifying conflict/collaboration areas. Prepare for brief presentation.
- Concluding Assessment / Wrap-up Activity (15 minutes):
* Group Presentations & Peer Feedback: Each group presents their stakeholder map (2-3 min). Class provides feedback. Instructor facilitates discussion on balancing competing interests.
Overall Module Assessment
- Assessment Description: Student learning is assessed via:
* Completion and quality of online discussion posts and responses. * Performance on the online quiz. * Active and constructive participation in the in-person group activity and presentation. * Quality of the reflective journal entry.
- Suggestions for Follow-up Readings / Resources:
* Dahl, R. A. (1961). *Who Governs?* (Selected chapters). * "Participatory Approaches to Policy Making" (World Bank Institute). * Podcast: "Policy Unpacked" – Episode on "The Lobbyist's Perspective."