Instruction
1. You are a program manager in the public sector whose department has just received funding to address one problem within your community. It is your responsibility to select the problem and justify your selection to department leadership. A partial listing of community problems includes, but is not limited to growing unemployment, increased poverty, deteriorating education, transportation issues, homelessness, inadequate nutrition in infants or children, obesity, deteriorating tax base, increased crime, businesses leaving the community, or aging population.
Consider how you will define the problem and purpose as well as what research question you would be interested in studying (based on potential future research, work, or personal interest). You will also explore why it is important to critically examine what others have done before beginning your own analysis.
In a paper, investigate the problem. Prepare a PowerPoint presentation that briefly articulates key considerations. Consider one slide per bulleted item, although final bullet regarding what has been done in the past may be 2 or more slides if needed. This should include:
• Problem to be addressed
• Justification: why the problem should be studied
• Purpose for evaluation
• Research question
• What should be measured to show change (potential variables)
• Desired outcomes
• Description of what has been done in the past and what has/has not worked
• Lessons learned: How can understanding what others have done in the past to address this problem assist you in combatting it now?
In addition to these specific resources, other appropriate resources such as agency or government documents, may be included.
Length: 7-slides, not including cover and reference slides
2.You further consider the problem you identified in the Week 1 Assignment. Your supervisor does not understand the important link between theory and research. Your supervisor has asked you to briefly present at the next staff meeting. Now, prepare a speech that articulates the following:
Offer a brief description of the problem. (1 paragraph)
Explain why the problem should be addressed. (1 paragraph)
Identification of link between research problem and what characteristics should be measured (2-3 paragraphs)
Discussed importance of link between theory and research (2-3 paragraphs)
How this information can fill a current gap regarding what is known about the problem and why this is important (2-3 paragraphs)
Length: 2-pages, not including title and reference pages
References: Include a minimum of 5 scholarly resources