EOH 555:

Seminar in EOH Programs and Standards

A. Course Information

B. Course Objectives

C. Suggestions for analysis: tractability

D. Suggestions for analysis: statutory variables

E. Suggestions for analysis: non-statutory variables

F. Hints for using the web

             

 

 

 

 

                               

A. COURSE INFORMATION

     	     	               
     Instructor:   Tom Hatfield, R.E.H.S., Dr.P.H.            
     Office hours: W 4-5     (Room Eng. 2101-H) 
     Phone:        Office:   677-4708
                   FAX:      677-2045
                   Internet: TOM.HATFIELD@CSUN.EDU
 
     Classes:      M 4-7    (Eng. 2115)
 















B. COURSE OBJECTIVES

     
 
     1) use library resources to access the environmental health 
        literature (minimum of 10 references in final paper),
 
     2) prepare an introductory pre-paper (about 5 pages) and
        comprehensive final paper (about 20 pages) that 
        summarizes, analyzes, and critiques the literature on a 
        selected problem in environmental health,
 
     3) deliver a clear oral presentation of the analysis in an 
        interdisciplinary setting (30-45 minutes), and 
 
     4) ask effective questions about presentations by 
        colleagues (about 5-15 minutes for each presentation).
 







 

 

 

 

 

 

C. Suggestions for analysis: Tractability

     
1.  Technical problems:  is the underlying problem filled with    
    technical uncertainties and difficulties?                
 
2.  Diversity of behavior: programs and standards usually 
    regulate some kind of behavior.  Are the underlying behaviors 
    highly diverse?  If so, it is usually more difficult to 
    manage. 
 
3.  Target group as % of total population:  if a program or 
    standard focuses on a small, well-defined population, it is 
    usually more successful.  How large is the target group 
    in relation to the total population?
             
4.  Behavioral change required: small changes in behavior are 
    easier than fundamental and sweeping changes.  How much 
    behavioral change is required?

                                                 
                                                 
                                                 
                                                   
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 
                                                   
                                                 
                                                     

D. Suggestions for analysis: Statutory Variables

     
5.  Clear, consistent objectives:  sometimes a program or standard  
    has dramatic rhetoric but vague objectives.  How clear and  
        consistent are the objectives?
                           
6.  Adequate causal theory:  is the law or program clearly based 
    on adequate scientific theory?
                           
7.  Financial resources:  is there enough money to carry out the 
    standard or program?                                                   
 
8.  Hierarchical integration:  if a program or standard is 
    implemented by a combination of agencies (or offices), it 
    will be less consistent, unless the law or policy addresses 
    problems in variation.  Does the standard or program 
    adequately integrate the activities of different agencies?
 
9.  Clear decision rules:  how do you decide if a standard is 
    violated, a program is successful, or which actions to take 
    in implementing the program or standard?
 
10. Commitment of officials:  Do they people carrying out the 
    program or enforcing the standard have appropriate training 
    and motivation (i.e., adequate pay)?
                        
11. Formal access by outsiders:  can watchdog groups and affected 
    constituents help keep the program or standard "honest"?

                                                 
                                                   
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 
                                                     

E. Suggestions for Analysis: Nonstatutory Variables

      
12. Socioeconomic and technical conditions:  general political 
    and economic conditions (election years, recessions, etc.) 
    can affect how well a program/standard is implemented. 
             
13. Public support:  public support helps the implementation 
    of a program or standard (all other things being equal).
                                     
14. Attitudes and resources of constituency:  a program or 
    standard always has a constituency that benefits from its 
    implementation.  If their support wanes over time, 
    implementation is likely to suffer. 
 
15. Support from sovereigns (elected officials, etc.):  support 
    from elected officials and CEOs is usually crucial to 
    successful implementation.          
 
16. Leadership skills of officials:  how effective are the 
    leaders who must implement the programs and standards? 
 
*** These guidelines were developed by Daniel Mazmanian and 
    Paul Sabatier in Implementation and Public Policy.
 
 

Page updated: 3/7/99