Teaching Computer and Policy Analysis Skills in a Case Study Course

The ability to assess the impacts of alter native policy formulations in a timely man ner is an essential skill for a policy analyst The time available for analysis is often severely constrained Low priced com puters with existing software which is inexpensive and easy to use can dramat ically increase the ability of a policy analyst to evaluate very large numbers of alternatives. The article illustrates the use of mainframe computers, microcomputers, and spread sheets in a case study-oriented policy analysis course Ethics and the political role of the computer-trained planner/policy analyst are also discussed.