Lenses of Theory Analysis: Social Policy Analysis- Project Report Writing Assignment

Internal Code: TV653

Project Report Writing Assignment:

Task: Often social workers work with government, either directly or indirectly, on the development of policies that have significant impact on society. One common way of informing government decision makers is though briefing notes. A briefing note, also known as a ministerial briefing, is a short document prepared by an expert that keeps the decision maker informed about issues that they are responsible for. In most cases the turn-around time (from request to submission) for a briefing note is less than 12 hours.  Formats vary by jurisdiction, and sometimes departments, but generally a good briefing note contains the following sections: 1. Title 2. Purpose (issue, topic) 3. Background 4. Current status 5. Key considerations 6. Options 7. Recommendations It is important to be concise, focused, and persuasive. You will write a briefing note for 4 modules of your choosing (from modules 2 - 8) and submit all four as a single word document on the due date. Learning Outcomes to be assessed 1. Analyse contemporary social problems in the context of Australian social work practice 2. Describe Australian social policies which relate to particular social problems Task Overview The South Australian government has embarked on a social policy analysis project. All Ministers and their departments have been asked to provide information regarding the pressing social issues within contemporary South Australia. A senior public servant has approached you to provide a briefing note on an issue that you think is the most pressing from a social work perspective. 1. Decide on an issue relevant to the module that you are writing for. 2. Decide which department or Minister you are writing the briefing note for (a list of SA department can be found here). 3. Research your issue. (Remember that research for a briefing note should include academic sources, public sources and grey literature). 4. Write your briefing note.(remember to identify clearly the issue and department you are writing for) 5. Submit your briefing notes Presentation of Assignments The following format should be observed: 1. The essay word limit must be strictly observed. Markers will not read beyond 10% word excess of the assignments. 2. The work should be well presented and accurately referenced, using APA Referencing Style (see next section). 3. Papers should be written in a readable style with good syntax and spelling. 4. Submissions should demonstrate wide reading in social policy literature 5. Submissions should be well structured with an introduction, a logical development of the argument, supported by references from the literature, and appropriate sub sections, and conclusion. 6. Papers must be analytical and not merely descriptive. Academic essays are more than opinion pieces. They must refer to relevant studies. 7. Papers should be double spaced with 2 cm margins 8. The faculty requirements regarding plagiarism must be observed. 9. Papers must be submitted online (FLO)in PDF format on the required date. Please keep a copy of your assignment.