Competency 3 Critical Thinking

Competency 3: Critical Thinking and Decision Making    5steploop2

NASPAA Competency: To Analyze, Synthesize, Think Critically, Solve Problems, and Make Decisions This competency means that students should be able to demonstrate the ability to do the following:

  1. Identify a problem or research questions
  2. Collect and analyze data or information related to that problem
  3. Draw meaningful conclusions from that analysis that informs decision making or solutions

Artifact: {Link to paper or project which demonstrates knowledge of this competency. You will upload your paper and link it here} PADM 7602 Research Paper (2)

1) How does this artifact demonstrate your ability to identify a problem or research questions? (100-200 words)

Research was conducted for this paper on the need to increase funding for Early Head Start programs in Shelby County.  Through Literature Reviews on funding for Early Childhood Education, interviews with leaders in this area, and personal experience from employment in early childhood programs, I was able to identify that the lack of adequate funding for these programs is a major obstacle in providing Shelby County families with the services they need to prepare themselves and their children for not only future education but life and social skills that will assist them in being successful and productive citizens.  There are numerous public organizations both under government entities and through non profits that rely on grants and other publicly funded dollars that share funding needs.  As a Public Administrator, it is a difficult task to decide which entities will benefit from the limited dollars available.  Leaders in Public Administration must rely on updated research, available literature, and experience, both personal and knowledge obtained from other trusted individuals.  As with most of my classes taken in PADM, I chose this problem to research and write about because of my personal and work related experiences.  Each of our Instructors has encouraged us to choose topics for our Final Papers that were of interest to us.  

2) How does this artifact demonstrate your ability to collect and analyze data or information? (100-200 words) The first step of writing research papers is the review and collection of data and information.

 Before settling on a topic of interest, I have found it useful to make sure there is enough credible data and information to complete a paper that meets all of the criteria established by the instructor.  Without enough subject matter and data, writing a good research paper is impossible.  In the process of collecting data for analysis, I have also learned that all data is not useful.  Much information that is found is duplicate and therefore time consuming to process.  As with many topics of interest in Public Administration, I have often times found what I refer to as “data overload.” I have learned that sometimes I must narrow my topic down or be more specific in choosing what criteria I am going to address.   I have also developed excellent skimming skills that have enabled me to look deeper into articles and information highlighting the most important data.     In addition to these skills,  I have also strengthened other research abilities such as using internet search engines and usage of the systems in place at the university’s library both on line and  on site.   For this particular paper, I focused on the need for additional funding for this grant funded program in order to provide services to additional clients that need the services and to enhance the services in existence already.  There is a large amount of data available on the need for early childhood programs and the difference they make as well as on the opposite viewpoint.  With each paper I have composed in this program, I have developed and strengthened my abilities and skills including collection and analysis of data.

3) How does this artifact demonstrate your ability to draw meaningful conclusions from that analysis that informs decision making or solutions? (100-200 words)

Decision making involves critical thinking skills.  In order to draw meaningful conclusions research collection and analysis must also involve critical thinking.  This paper is evidence of my ability to conceptualize, apply, analyze, and evaluate the data that was collected to prove the need for additional funding.  The data collected and information analyzed was data driven and evidence was provided through charts and graphs as well as written analysis.  In developing the meaningful conclusion for the paper, I asked myself several questions such as: Why is this important? Who will be affected by the conclusions found? How can the data be used and by whom? What are the next steps needed?  In Public Administration outcomes are of great importance.  Most projects I have dealt with and papers I have written have focused on outcome measurement.  When developing criteria for projects or in decision making in general I have found that incorporating outcome measurement into each step sets the pace and allows stakeholders to view progress enabling informed analysis and decision making. The ability to draw meaningful conclusions from analysis to me means that the analysis is useful and can make a difference or provide a solution to a problem.  In this paper is a compilation of my research, analysis, and suggestions to encourage the stakeholders to seek additional funding for a very important early childhood program. 

4) Discuss three ways in which your coursework in the MPA Program has enhanced your abilities to Analyze, Synthesize, Think Critically, Solve Problems, and Make Decisions (100-200 words)

The coursework in the MPA program has broadened my knowledge base in leadership and management in multiple ways.  I now apply critical thinking skills to projects I am involved with more readily and with confidence.  I have learned to be more analytical in researching and developing solutions.  These courses have enhanced my decision making abilities by providing me with fresh outlooks on everyday problems or concerns I am faced with in the workplace.  Attending the MPA program while currently employed in public administration has been helpful in that I have been able to relate to the coursework from a workplace viewpoint.  This has in turn given me addional knowledge that I am able to actually incorporate into my daily routines.  I believe I am now a stronger, more confident, and assertive manager.  Looking back to when I first started the MPA program to this my final semester, I am able to see the growth in my leadership ability and my overall personality on top of the useful knowledge I have gained along the way.

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