Course Description

Introduction

Benefit-cost analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, and risk analysis are quantitative techniques used to support the assessment of effectiveness, efficiency and equity in the policy analysis process.  More than any other analytical technique they are critical in policymaker decision-making as benefit-cost is required by executive orders or regulations and risk-based regulations and enforcement activities -- particularly those related to the environment, health, worker safety, transportation, privacy/security, and energy policy.

Educational Outcomes

In this “learn by doing” class, students will enhance their understanding of:

·What are benefit-cost analysis (BCA), cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), and risk analysis (RA) and why are they important to program evaluation and policy analysis

• The steps and methods used to conduct BCA, CEA, and RA, including sources of information, and sensitivity analysis.

• Communicating the results of BCA, CEA, and RA, and how this related to policymaker decisions.

• Understanding the difference between a good and poor BCA, CEA, and RA

Schedule

Class Hours: Class will meet virtually from 10AM to 4PM Eastern Time.

Office Hours (Optional): At students' option, they may participate in office hours, which will be scheduled at a day/time convenient for students. During office hours, students may receive feedback on the work they developed during the class, ask for advice about applying the lessons learned to their work, and request career advice about working in science and technology policy. The plan for the office hour activity will be discussed with students at the end of each class day.

Day 1

• What are benefit-cost analysis (BCA), cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), and risk analysis (RA) and why are they important to program evaluation and policy analysis?
• What is the different between a BCA and a CEA?
• What are the steps in conducting a BCA?
• What are the steps in conducting a CEA?
• What are some applications of BCA and CEA?

Day 2

• What are the differences between risk analysis, risk assessment, risk management, and risk communication?
• What are the steps in conducting an RA?
• What are some applications of RA?
• What are the principles for risk communication?
• What are the differences between a good and poor BCA, CEA, and RA?

Related Public Policy Workshops

This series of workshops on science and technology (S&T) policy will enhance your understanding and analysis skills that can enhance your ability and eligibility for policy-related fellowships, positions and promotions.  For those already in policy-related positions, they will enhance the analytical tools you have to address both the needs of your programs and asses the programs your organization funds.

You will receive a digital badge for each class and an additional digital badge if you complete all workshops in the series.  This digital badge can be placed on your LinkedIn profile, personal webpage, and resume/CV.

The workshops will be taught by Dr. Deborah D. Stine, who has conducted public policy analysis for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; the Congressional Research Service; the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy; and Carnegie Mellon University. She is the founder and chief instructor for the Science & Technology Policy Academy.

PPOL 071 | The Role of the White House, Congress, Federal Agencies, and Judiciary in Science & Technology Policy

PPOL 072 | Public Policy Analysis for Scientists, Engineers, and Health Professionals: A Systematic Process for Analyzing and Developing Policy Options to Respond to Societal Challenges

PPOL 074 | Program Evaluation for Scientists, Engineers, and Health Professionals

PPOL 075 | Equity Analysis and Science and Technology Policy

Credit
Although no grades are given for courses, each participant will receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs) based on the number of contact hours.   One CEU is equal to ten contact hours. Upon completion of the course each participant will receive a certificate, showing completion of the workshop and 1.4 CEUs. Attendees will also earn a digital badge that can be displayed on a digital resume or CV, LinkedIn and other social media.

Refund Policy
100% tuition refund for registrations cancelled 14 or more calendar days prior to the start of the workshop.

50% tuition refund for registrations cancelled between 4 to 13 calendar days prior to the start of the workshop.

No refund will be issued for registrations cancelled 3 calendar days or less prior to the start of the workshop.

Notification
All cancellations must be received in writing via email to registrar@faes.org.

Cancellations received after 4:00 pm (ET) on business days or received on non-business days are time marked for the following business day.

All refund payments will be processed by the start of the initial workshop.