Lead/Prob Solving Digital Age

1.5 Credits · Level: Graduate

The structures of most state, local, federal governments and many non-profits were developed over a century ago and are struggling to adapt and deliver services in the age of big data, digital platforms and hyper-connectivity. This course introduces students to the challenge of public-problem solving in the digital age and dives deep into key leadership and problem-solving tools, methods and skills necessary to deliver for the public in a changing environment. Students will focus on: putting humans at the center of public policy-making (user-centered design), using data (big and small) to assess challenges and monitor progress, and delivery/implementation. The course draws on case-studies and theoretical concepts in public problem solving with selected guest lectures from practitioners working in non-profit and public sector management (Mayor’s teams/White House staff/agency leaders/social entrepreneurs). Students will leave this course with a familiarity with the pioneering ways some nonprofits and governments deliver services along with a concrete understanding of the tools necessary for policy ideation and implementation.