Educating Public Managers and Policy Analysts in an Era of Informatics

Abstract

In this chapter, two ideal types of practitioners who may use or create policy informatics projects, programs, or platforms are introduced: the policy informatics-savvy public manager and the policy informatics analyst. Drawing from our experiences in teaching an informatics-friendly graduate curriculum, we discuss the range of learning competencies needed for traditional public managers and policy informatics-oriented analysts to thrive in an era of informatics. The chapter begins by describing the two different types of students who are, or can be touched by, policy informatics-friendly competencies, skills, and attitudes. Competencies ranging from those who may be users of policy informatics and sponsors of policy informatics projects and programs to those analysts designing and executing policy informatics projects and programs will be addressed. The chapter concludes with an illustration of how one Master of Public Administration (MPA) program with a policy informatics-friendly mission, a core curriculum that touches on policy informatics applications, and a series of program electives that allows students to develop analysis and modeling skills, designates its informatics-oriented competencies.

Appendix A: University of Vermont’s MPA Program Learning Competencies and Capacities

NASPAA core standard	UVM-MPA learning capacity
To lead and manage in public governance	Capacity to understand accountability and democratic theory
	Capacity to manage the lines of authority for public, private, and nonprofit collaboration, and to address sectorial differences to overcome obstacles
	Capacity to apply knowledge of system dynamics and network structures in PA practice
	Capacity to carry out effective policy implementation
To participate in and contribute to the policy process	Capacity to apply policy streams, cycles, systems foci upon past, present, and future policy issues, and to understand how problem identification impacts public administration
	Capacity to conduct policy analysis/evaluation
	Capacity to employ quantitative and qualitative research methods for program evaluation and action research
To analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make decisions	Capacity to initiate strategic planning, and apply organizational learning and development principles
	Capacity to apply sound performance measurement and management practices
	Capacity to apply sound financial planning and fiscal responsibility
	Capacity to employ quantitative and qualitative research methods for program evaluation and action research
To articulate and apply a public service perspective	Capacity to understand the value of authentic citizen participation in PA practice
	Capacity to understand the value of social and economic equity in PA practices
	Capacity to lead in an ethical and reflective manner
	Capacity to achieve cooperation through participatory practices
To communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry	Capacity to undertake high quality oral, written, and electronically mediated communication and utilize information systems and media to advance objectives
	Capacity to appreciate the value of pluralism, multiculturalism, and cultural diversity
	Capacity to carry out effective human resource management
	Capacity to undertake high quality oral, written, and electronically mediated communication and utilize information systems and media to advance objectives

1. NASPAA Network of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration, UVM University of Vermont, MPA Master of Public Administration, PA Public administration