POLS328-BriefingNoteInstructions
Military Funding In Canada
POLS328 Public Policy Analysis
BRIEFING NOTE INSTRUCTIONS
I. DESCRIPTION (from syllabus with a few adjustments):
· Policy issue; Military Funding in Canada
· Type: Written assignment (500-1,000 words, excluding sources).
· Description: You will prepare a technical briefing to a minister or senior official on the policy issue you have selected in your policy paper worksheet. The note will outline the issue, provide background information, and state the current situation/status. This document will be written in accessible language. While the briefing note will not include citations, you will append to the briefing note a list of sources consulted.
Rationale: Something has happened that information is needed on. It needs to be factual.
· A concise representation of the facts, regarding and issue
· Timely, relevant
· A management information tool
· A public document–internally and externally
*Could be on the front page of a newspaper.
Please use simple language, avoid jargon, and explain terms.
Ex: Briefing Note for the Minister: Standing Committee Report on Raising Adult Literacy
II. REQUIRED COMPONENTS
TITLE: Military Funding in Canada
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Issue:
· Point form can work—be precise; one good point is better than lots of small issues.
· Should answer why this? why now?
· First point is the highest priority (X,Y,Z is/is not doing the following)
· Why/Why not X,Y,Z is/is not acting as required.
· Potential risks – this one can include political risks.
Current status:
· Point form could work; but use full sentences.
· What actions are currently occurring?
· Actor one is …Actor two is ….
· Nothing confidential should be included.
Assessment:
· Can be point form.
· Lesser points are indented.
· What, if any, corrective actions will be taken without any explicit new decision?
· Direct impact on primary actors.
· Impact on secondary actors (consumers, general public etc.)
· Do not ask for decision.
Background:
· History leading up to the issue – only what is needed to contextualize the issue.
· Includes regulatory and legal considerations.
Recommended response (optional):
· Provides the readers with suggestions on how to respond to the issue rather than a recommendation on how to solve the problem.
· Should flow logically from the assessment section.
· Should be sensitive to political realities.
References
· Include 4-10 references.
· Written assignments must conform to Chicago Manual of Style ‘notes-bibliography’ style guidelines.
