Discussion 1

Communicating Policy Analysis" Please respond to the following:

· Assume you are a candidate for a director of communications for a major metropolitan county. The job will require you to communicate to the public about public policy regarding transportation, environmental issues, education, taxes, as well as economic development.

Explain at least three reasons and ways written and oral communication are important, and should be used to ensure public policy analyses are promoted and accepted by the general public.

· Use the same scenario to explain at least two ways you would ensure public policy analyses are read and accepted by key stakeholders. Provide two reasons and an example to support your response.

Discussion 2

"Translating Policy Arguments" Please respond to the following:

· Explain at least two key factors policy makers use when evaluating and using information provided to them in policy reports. Explain why it is important for an analyst to know how policy makers evaluate and use information.

Discussion 3

"The Challenges of Succession Planning in Turbulent Times" Please respond to the following:

· Analyze this scenario: The Department of Social Services has lost 25% of its federal funding for the next fiscal year, leaving the budget at a $128,000 deficit. Within the agency, there are 125 full-time employees; the average pay for all employees is $39,000, 75% female and 25% male. In addition, 25% of employees have been with the agency for over 20 years, 20% are near retirement age in three years, and 50% are under the age of 30. Recommend three innovations to implement a succession plan for the agency.

Discussion 4

"Obstacles and Opportunities due to Retirement of Employees" Please respond to the following:

· From the eActivity, discuss at least two of the eight obstacles and opportunities that best address an agency's challenge of 45% of its workforce retiring in the next 36 months. Provide a rationale for your views.