1. PAC Seminar Introduction SUP-150Y 2015-16
JOSHUA GOODMAN
SyLLABUS
SUP COURSE SHEET
ATTENDANCE

2. What is a PAE?
Customized product for specific client addressing specific challenge
Clear statement of the challenge
Clear statement of the goals
Analysis of alternative strategies to reach those goals
Policy recommendations
Recommendations for implementation and performance assessment
May take form of a traditional consulting report or a briefing book
A PAE is also a process
Working with and managing a client
Working with and managing an advisor
Working with and managing a partner

3. Guidelines for Muddling Through the PAE
Decide what you want out of the PAE (skills, client).
Pick a topic you can live with for a year.
Identify your client:
Who is responsible for you?
How much of their time you will get?
Define problem as clearly and quickly as possible.
I can not stress this point enough.
Really, I can’t.

4. Guidelines for Muddling Through the PAE
Make sure you and client each understand your roles.
As early as possible, identify where the data will come from and who is responsible for providing it.
Take initiative.
Remember you have advisors and peers in the seminar to provide support and guidance.
Be prepared for changes.

5. “Working in PAE Pairs” (Jieun Baek and Laila Matar)
“If partners are chosen well, there are tremendous benefits in working in pairs for the MPP PAE.”
“The pair could potentially cover a broader research question... and deliver a more substantial product.”
“The pair could give each other constructive and honest feedback… that could help hone research, writing, and interview skills.”
“A good partner will be a much harsher and more effective critic than almost any other MPP friend.”
“Working in pairs is good training for co-authoring reports in the future.”

6. PAE Timeline Topic selection: September 25 Prospectus: October 26
Progress report: December 2
Presentations: January and February
First draft: February 11
Final draft: March 29

7. The PAC Seminar
Meets most Thursdays early on, then lots of office hours
In class, we’ll:
Read great past PAEs so you understand what one looks like
Help each other clarify the central problem being solved in our PAEs
Discuss a variety of research designs
Learn how to write a prospectus
Learn about the requirements of human subjects research
Present your PAEs to each other
In office hours, we’ll:
Address your individual needs and challenges
Read syllabus for details about assignments

8. In the next week(s) Check the PAE database
Read past PAEs in the library to identify potential clients
Call potential clients
Talk to faculty
Talk to classmates

9. The Rest of Today
Tell us where you are in this process (1 minute tops!)
Name
Topic area of interest
Type of client desired
Interest in working with a partner
Connect with faculty and classmates (if useful)