PHE5POL: Public Health Policy- Major Policy Report- La Trobe University- Report Writing Assignment

Internal Code: 1HFID

Report Writing Assignment:

Task: The major policy report provides you an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and skills in policy analysis, policy development and policy advocacy, although the relative balance between each element might vary depending on the topic. In this assignment you will need to demonstrate an understanding of the following areas: • familiarity with major state, national and international institutions and arrangements that influence and shape the selected policy; • familiarity with the contemporary policy environment within which this field of health policy is located; and • familiarity with the evidence, leading arguments, and main political forces associated with this particular policy. You will choose a policy issue of interest to you, and identify an institutional/a stakeholder’s perspective from which you will be undertaking the exercise. Ideally, you will: • define the problem, quantify ? be specific about problem’s scope and magnitude, affected group(s), and specify the nature of the problem; • examine the historical development of the policy issue; • analyse the factors which have influenced the course of policy development and implementation (including the institutions and the actors); • consider the strengths and weaknesses (or benefits and costs) of current and/or proposed policy positions; and • propose realistic policy improvements based on evidence and analysis.