Description
Instructor(s)/Supervisor(s)/Coordinator(s): Alvin LIThis course explores the complex intersection of crisis management and public policy. Through intensive case discussions and analysis, students will examine how different levels of governments, types of organizations, expert advisors, and policy implementers navigate context-specific challenges while developing and implementing effective policy responses. The course bridges theoretical foundations with real-world applications, focusing on the unique dynamics of policymaking under pressure, strategic decision-making processes, and institutional responses to various types of crises under contextual constraints. Using carefully selected cases that span public health emergencies, natural disasters, economic upheavals, and political crises from all over the world, each session will center on in-depth case discussions, requiring students to assume the role of decision-makers and critically analyze the challenges, constraints, and strategic choices faced by policymakers during crisis situations. Using the case method as the primary pedagogical approach, this course emphasizes active learning through case preparation, group discussions, and real-time decision-making exercises. This approach is complemented by theoretical readings that provide frameworks for understanding crisis management in the public policy domain. The course adopts an interdisciplinary approach, drawing from public policy, management and leadership, behaviour science, and communication studies. Special attention is given to emerging challenges in crisis management, including the impact of social media/A.I., low levels of trust in government, and the use of innovative technologies on crisis response capabilities. For MPP and MPM students only.