Assessment3: Major policy report Due date: Length: Value: 4 June (5:00 pm) 3,000 words (+/- 10%) 50% of your marks for the subject Task: The major policy report provides you an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and skills in policy analysis, policy development and policy advocacy, although the relative balance between each element might vary depending on the topic. In this assignment you will need to demonstrate an understanding of the following areas: familiarity with major state, national and international institutions and arrangements that influence and shape the selected policy; familiarity with the contemporary policy environment within which this field of health policy is located; and familiarity with the evidence, leading arguments, and main political forces associated with this particular policy. You will choose a policy issue of interest to you, and identify an institutional/a stakeholder’s perspective from which you will be undertaking the exercise. Ideally, you will: define the problem, quantify − be specific about problem’s scope and magnitude, affected group(s), and specify the nature of the problem; examine the historical development of the policy issue; analyse the factors which have influenced the course of policy development and implementation (including the institutions and the actors); consider the strengths and weaknesses (or benefits and costs) of current and/or proposed policy positions; and propose realistic policy improvements based on evidence and analysis. Recommendation for selecting a topic for Assessment3 Please see the following table and use this as a recommendation for selecting a topic for Assessment3. The aim of this recommendation is to encourage you to select a fresh topic so that you can be familiar with another topic of public health policy. Name of the student Assessment1 topic Assessment2 topic Workshop/tutorial topic What topic should the student select for Assessment3? AAA BBB Sugar tax Closing the Gap Essential drug policy Medicinal cannabis My health record (MyHR) Something other than the following five topics: Sugar tax Closing the Gap Essential drug policy Medicinal cannabis My health record (MyHR) CCC DDD Prescription drug monitoring program Breastfeeding Essential drug policy Medicinal cannabis My health record (MyHR) Something other than the following five topics: Prescription drug monitoring program Breastfeeding Essential drug policy Medicinal cannabis My health record (MyHR) Presentation: The assignment should follow an essay-style format with an introduction, body and conclusion. Sub-headings may be used but are not mandatory, and will contribute to the word count. References: In-text referencing must be used, according to a recognised referencing style such as APA6 (see the Library's Academic Referencing Tool at http://www.lib.latrobe.edu.au/referencing-tool/) The list of references will not be included in the word count. References acknowledge that part of your work is based on the work and material of others. Failure to acknowledge that some of your opinions and information have come from others may be regarded as plagiarism. References show your reader the range and nature of your source materials. It is important that any reference you give to published sources provides sufficient detail to enable anyone to find the book or article you are citing. You can lose marks if the content, quality and layout of your references are of a poor standard. For further information about referencing and academic integrity, see http://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/learning/academic-integrity/referencing-help Style requirements: The paper must be written in Times New Roman, 12 font. Use 1.5 line spacing. Please insert a cover page that includes your name, student number, title of assignment and word count. Also ensure page numbers are included in the paper. Submission: Submission will be via LMS in .doc or .docx format, and submitted assignments will go through Turnitin (which is set up within the assignment submission link, not as a separate link in LMS). Assessment criteria: 1. Demonstration of knowledge relevant to the topic, including the institutional and policy environment and policy history 10 marks 2. Clarity and strength of policy analysis: current situation, policy positions, and alternative perspectives 10 marks 3. Use of evidence to support arguments, options and recommendations 10 marks 4. Logical and convincing arguments 10 marks 5. Writing: clarity of expression, spelling/grammar and referencing 5 marks 6. Structure: clearly and logically set out 5 marks Re-submissions: Your Subject Coordinator may invite you to resubmit a work requirement. Any such resubmission will only then be eligible to be marked to a pass grade (if the resubmitted work is in fact worthy of such an amended mark).