Covers the fundamentals of accounting and financial management for public and nonprofit organizations. Through course readings, case studies, and short assignments, students will learn how to understand and use public sector financial information to inform decision making. The first half of the course will focus on: operating budgets, cash budgets, tools for evaluating capital budgeting decisions, and an introduction to accounting principles. Topics in the second half of the course include financial reporting, financial condition analysis, and unique aspects of accounting for public and nonprofit organizations. Along the way, students will gain familiarity with spreadsheet applications and financial calculations. By the end of the course, students should be able to read and interpret financial information and perform straightforward financial analyses. 
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Prerequisite(s): PLCY688R recommended

Restricted to PLCY majors or permission of instructor.
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Applies intermediate microeconomic theory to public policy issues: resource allocation by firms and consumers; the response of economic agents to changes in incentives; market allocations in competitive and non-competitive environments; and market failures and government remedies. Uses extended case studies of particular issues in such areas as the environment (acid rain), international trade (tariffs), industry regulation (cable TV), and the provision of public goods (highways).
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Study of a series of problems and the development of quantitative techniques to describe or evaluate the problem. The organization and interpretation of complex data and its use for prediction and inference about casual effects. The definition of objectives, trade-offs among objectives, and allocation of resources to meet objectives. Sensitivity of outcomes to changing conditions
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Introduces statistical methods needed for evaluating and choosing among policy options. Topics include probability; decision-making under uncertainty; the organization, interpretation, and visual display of complex data; prediction and inferences about causality; hypothesis testing; and linear and multiple regression. Develops analytical skills and the ability to apply theory to complex, real-world problems.
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An integrative course that allows policy students to explore the complexities of the policy-making process from the perspective of specific policy topics. They will learn about and discuss subject- based issues in a seminar format led by faculty and policy experts. Site visits to federal agencies, guest speakers, and round table sessions ensure that students receive a variety of real-world perspectives on their chosen policy area. Restricted to students who have earned a minimum of 90 credits.
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Public policy students will take the skills and knowledge gained through their curriculum and apply them through their senior capstone course. Students will work in teams on problems and issues presented by outside clients, with guidance from faculty facilitators and interaction with the clients. Each team will work with the client to address a particular problem and produce a mutually agreed upon outcome. These hands on projects will advance students' understanding of the analytical, leadership, communication and problem solving skills necessary to address today's policy problems while allowing them to gain professional level experience that could contribute to their success in their post UMD endeavors. The course will conclude with an event that allows all teams to present their findings and outcomes to their client while being evaluated by faculty and public policy professionals. Restricted to students who have earned a minimum of 90 credits. Permission required.
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Today's most pressing problems do not stop at national borders. Meeting these challenges requires a range of state and non-state actors to work together. Students gain familiarity with key actors in the global system and how they approach today's most intractable problems. How do countries, international organizations, multinational corporations, and nongovernmental organizations find ways to cooperate when their interests and capabilities sometimes differ drastically? And, what are the key barriers to cooperation? We will examine a set of global policy issues requiring a transnational response including violent conflict, nuclear non-proliferation, human rights, migration, international trade, climate change, infectious disease, and humanitarian relief.
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Introduces major public policy challenges in Africa today and includes a brief review of African history from 1600 through the post-colonial period to provide critical background. Catalyzing economic growth, promoting democratic governance, and reducing armed conflict will be discussed. Also covered are the role of African diasporas and migration in national development, managing the continent's rapid urbanization, and improving service delivery in key areas such as health and education.
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Students will focus on studying the major eras of US immigration policy and will dive into understanding the various actors, reforms, policy tools and enforcement methods that have been implemented. The course consists of two modules. Module 1 dives into readings about immigration, immigrant policies, policy actors, and enforcement tools. Module 2 integrates social science methods for collecting and evaluating quantitative data to study the local implementation of immigration enforcement operations by learning the nuts and bolts of data collection, documentation, management and analysis.
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