Public Policy Analytical Methods for Scientists, Engineers, and Health Professionals: Understanding and Evaluating Benefit-Cost, Cost-Effectiveness, and Risk Analysis
  • Type Learning
  • Level Foundational
  • Time Days
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Public Policy Analytical Methods for Scientists, Engineers, and Health Professionals: Understanding and Evaluating Benefit-Cost, Cost-Effectiveness, and Risk Analysis

Issued by Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES)

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 -- particularly those related to the environment, health, worker safety, transportation, privacy/security, and energy policy.

  • Type Learning
  • Level Foundational
  • Time Days
Additional Details

Skills

Earning Criteria

  • Students learn the principles of each of the following methods and apply them to a societal problem of their choice.  Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) is used to provide information to support the "efficiency" portion of the 4E's of public policy analysis (effectiveness, efficiency, equity, and ease of political acceptability.) Cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) is a partner to BCA focusing on health policy. Risk analysis is used to assess "equity" -- when a policy helping one group may harm another.