Relevance of Data Analysis in Public Policy

Evidence-based policy making is the foundation for a holistic public policy. Today all policies must be grounded in data and analysis of that data, in order to be successful, efficient, effective and impactful policies. However, before we make the leap of incorporating data to make a people centric policy, it is imperative to understand how ‘evidence’ is introduced at each level of a Public Policy Cycle. To create a successful public policy one cannot simply rely on ideological or impulsive responses. 

It is in this context that the course on Data Analysis in Public Policy is presented, to teach the art of ‘Research Planning’, its significance and ‘Measuring the concepts derived from the Research Planning’. The course is aimed to help learn the building blocks of Data Analysis in Public Policy. Resource material will also be provided during the course, which will be of aid when working on the  assignment and on future public policy projects you all will be engaged in. 

Course Objective

​Evidence-based policy making relies on research based evidence to produce desired outcomes. We recognise that however well researched and managed a policy might be, research and conclusions are value laden. ​This is why public policy must be developed skillfully through participatory processes which take into account multiple concerns, some of which might militate against each other.

Data Analysis is successfully undertaken in public policy when it is acquired by implementing various exercises. There are various layers of data and policy making, we have to spend adequate time on each of these layers, we have to find these layers and gather evidence in relation to the policy in discussion. The DAPP course will aid individuals in acquiring the tools and skills to help gather, inspect/monitor, evaluate and analyse such data. The course will entail basic statistical and inferential methods. Instructors will engage the participants with live examples and current work undertaken by them, so as to develop practical skills and techniques in policy related projects.

The course will be beneficial for:

• Students pursuing a degree in Social Sciences, Economics, Statistics and other related subjects.
• Policy research interns.
• Policy researchers working with corporate consultancies and/or public policy think tanks.
• Nascent PhD Scholars
• Anyone entering the analytical side of public policy.

Course Details

• Online sessions on weekends only.
• Assignment completion is mandatory to get certification. The assignment is to be submitted two weeks after the final session is conducted.
• 50% attendance in the course is mandatory to get certification.

Eligibility

• Undergraduate or Graduate or mid career professionals.
• Must have knowledge of research methods, intermediate research skills, basic understanding of data when studying public policy and types of data (qualitative and quantitative).