Programme Design

Upon induction, the fellows will undergo the orientation programme and it will be intensive, and fellows will be put through different modules, and assignments in various forms will be given for each module.  This orientation 

Before this orientation, selected fellows will be required to complete Harvard Business Publishing Education Foundation Courses including Quantitative Methods, Spreadsheet Modeling, and Financial Accounting.

BIM Orientation Modules

Module 1: Statistical Methods and Data Visualization

This is a rigorous introductory statistics and data analysis module, and fellows undergoing this module will be able to use statistical Reasoning and methods in their projects, department assignments, and careers.

Introduction and Causality – Randomized Studies – Observational Studies – Descriptive Statistics – Visualizing Univariate Distribution – Survey Sampling – Summarizing Bivariate Relationships – Clustering – Prediction – Linear Regression – Regression and Causality – Probability – Conditional Probability – Random Variables and Probability Distributions – Large Sample Theorems – Unbiasedness and Consistency – Standard Error – Confidence Intervals – Hypothesis Testing – Linear Regression with Uncertainty – Interpret results of Data Analyses and Statistical Inferences – Visualization and Dashboard Building – Report writing

Module 2: Economics for Public Policy

This module gives an introduction to the basic concepts of microeconomics. It is also designed to provide the fellows with a broad understanding of applying these concepts in different sectors.  Microeconomics studies how individuals and firms make choices and how these choices interact in society.  The distinguishing feature of the economic approach is the emphasis on rational decision-making under conditions of scarcity.  They will study how markets work with a focus on analyzing the effects of public policy on the welfare of society.  Fellows will also learn to apply microeconomics concepts to critical issues and sectors such as healthcare, trade, agriculture, employment, and climate change.  Topics covered include Demand and Supply, Consumer Theory, Production and Costs, Market Structure, Externalities, and Taxation.

Module 3: Public Finance

This module intends to introduce the theory and practice of how government finances itself from both positive and normative points of view.  It reviews rationales for government intervention in the marketplace, analyses methods of resolving conflicts over the size of the public sector’s budget, extensively researches the causes and issues of various sources of public revenue and reviews the effects of public sector spending and taxes on the economy.  Topics include National and State Debt, Public Sector: Functions and Institutions, Public Goods, Taxation, Tax Incidence and Burden, Individual and Business Taxation, Social Security and Transfer Programs, Tax Administration, Fiscal policy and federalism, Revenue Sharing, and Stabilization Policy.

Module 4: Essential Writing Skills

Written communication is an integral element of being a public policy practitioner.  Writing government agencies and departments, public sector undertakings, advocacy groups, industry associations, and other contexts in the scope of public policy differs from academic writing. Thus, this module anticipates fellows to convey critical thinking by anticipating readers’ needs and stakeholders’ perspectives in the practice of shaping public policy. The writing skills essential to this process include developing necessary and persuasive content, communicating complex ideas, organizing information, targeting diverse audiences with varying levels of expertise and roles, ensuring clarity, controlling tone, and designing a document for readability.  Fellows analyze real-world documents relevant to careers in public policy, craft strategic quotes for news releases, and write policy one-pagers as well as policy memos.  In addition, writing samples and guides specific to public policy will be provided.

Module 5: Cost-Benefit Analysis

As public policy practitioners, they are often presented with making economically efficient decisions – that is, how does one gain the most benefit for society, given the limited resources.  Cost-benefit analysis (CBA) is an analytical tool used to determine the worth of a project, program, or policy.  It identifies and attempts to quantify the costs and benefits of the project or program and provides decision-makers with manageable information to find the “best optimal” outcome.  Topics include Overview of Cost-Benefit Analysis – Economic Foundations, Valuing Benefits and Costs, Time Preference and Discounting, Non-market Valuation, Risk and Uncertainty, and Limitations and Alternatives to CBA.

Module 6:

Sustainable Development (SD) is defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” The most critical resources for the survival of future generations are climate stability and biodiversity. Therefore, we have to respect the planetary boundaries of economic activity today. However, today many people are still far from meeting their basic needs, especially in developing countries.  This module provided a basic understanding of these challenges, introduced strategies and instruments for sustainable development.  Topics include basic concepts, strategies, measurement, Efficiency and Innovation, Green Growth and Rebound, Sufficiency, Income and Labour, Consumption and Lifestyles, UN Sustainable Development Goals, Poverty and Inequality, Instruments for SD, Governance, Education and Science System, Climate Change, and Biodiversity.

Module 7: Program Evaluation

Globally, various government departments, funding agencies, organizations, and individuals are involved in activities meant to improve some aspect of people’s lives: providing drinking facilities, building schools and hospitals, and child nutrition schemes are a few examples.  The needs addressed by these programs are often compelling, and the programs themselves can be innovative and inspiring.  Topics covered in this module include Context of Program Evaluation, Needs Assessment, Probability Sampling, Program Theory Evaluation – Logic Models, Process Evaluation, Outcome Evaluation – Identifying and Measuring Outcomes, Development of KPIs – Assessing Program Impact, Regression Discontinuity, Quasi-Experiments, Interpretation and Presentation of Program Evaluation Evidence.

In addition, modules on Gender and Development, Urban Economics, Rural Development, Energy Economics, Environmental Policy, Food, and Agricultural Policy may be covered on a need basis.

These modules will be delivered by a mix of faculty from institutions of national and international repute with domain expertise in the areas of public economics, policy and analysis, and empirical methods.

In addition, the fellows are expected to submit a comprehensive report (at least three major projects) with respect to their attached departments during their first year of the programme.

Year – II

Each fellow must submit a thesis before the end of their second year to be eligible for the Post-Graduate Certificate offered by BIM.

The thesis is a major research project that is conducted under the supervision of their academic mentor at BIM. The completed thesis must be presented and successfully defended in an oral examination administered by a formal thesis committee comprising BIM Faculty, Bureaucrats, and External Experts. Thesis credit is awarded when a final draft is approved by this evaluation committee. It is important to note that a thesis must contain original work and cannot be submitted as a paper in other courses.

Upon satisfactory completion of the course modules, first-year project report, comprehensive viva-voce examination, and successful completion of thesis, BIM will award Post-Graduate Certificate in Public Policy and Management to eligible fellows.