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Policy Analysis and the Modeling of Complex Problems

Professor: Davis
Units: 1.0
Elective Course
Concentration: Quantitative Methods

This course addresses advanced methods and examples of addressing uncertainty, risk, and choice in complex policy problems. It includes modeling, simulation, and the development of decision-support tools for helping policy makers understand the implications of their choices, which typically reflect not only "objective" analysis, but also subjective values and judgments. Students use the Analytica modeling system, as well as the RAND program DynaRANK and some RAND-developed tools to facilitate use of Analytica and Excel.