MGT 340X: Budget Analysis Paper

This project involves selecting a budget and writing a 10-15 page analysis. The purpose of the project is to provide an opportunity for students to analyze a "real" government budget process. Examples of past budget analysis papers are provided for you in a seperate link in Angel. Students should select a government budget of personal interest and perform an analysis using some of the tools and methods covered in the class. You many choose any local, state or federal agency. Your choice needs to be emailed to the instructor before the start of Week 2. Typically, papers contain an analysis of sources of funding (revenues) and expenditures. Additionally, papers often contain a description of the politics of the budget. Students are encouraged to examine the past papers here on Angel. Those agencies listed in the sample papers are NOT available for you to use. The project will be due the sunday night of week 10.

Papers are graded using the following criteria: thoroughness, sophistication of analysis, organization and logical development, clarity of expression, grammar, and overall evaluation. The format used is a 1 through 5 scale - with 5 the highest score - for each of the criteria.

Thoroughness 

High quality papers address the subject with sufficient detail to demonstrate that the policy topic is fully understood.

Sophistication of analysis 

In high quality papers, the author does more than just explain or describe. The author shows evidence of having thought about the subject in depth. The subject is analyzed from many angles and assessed critically.

Organization and logical development 

High quality papers show evidence of prior planning, as if they had been outlined in advance. The paper has a purpose that is introduced in the introduction, developed in the paper, and returned to in the conclusion. Paragraphs are well constructed and linked to each other in a logical sequence using transitional sentences. Arguments, examples, opinions, evidence, and details explain the main points and lend credibility to each point being developed.

Clarity of expression 

In high quality papers, words are chosen carefully and sentences are constructed purposefully so that each point the author makes is expressed as exactly, precisely, and clearly as possible.

Grammar 

Poor grammar, punctuation, and spelling detract from the substance of papers. High quality papers are characterized by consistently correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Verbs agree with subjects, there are no single-sentence paragraphs, etc.

To receive an "A" one must write an excellent paper. In short, excellent papers explicitly demonstrate an understanding of the relevant terms and concepts, utilize illuminating examples, provide penetrating analysis, are gracefully but succinctly written, and build to clear and compelling conclusions.