Question Description
Overview
The final project for this course is the creation of a solution
proposal. The final product represents an authentic demonstration of
competency because you must present an analysis, defend a proposed solution,
and illustrate a plan for communicating a proposal to both internal and
external audiences. The project is divided into two milestones, which
will be submitted at various points throughout the course to scaffold learning
and ensure quality final submissions. These milestones will be submitted in Modules
Five and Seven. The final product will be submitted in Module Nine.
In this assignment, you will demonstrate your mastery of the
following course outcomes:
? Determine patterns and trends present in criminal justice
data that inform data-driven decision making regarding contemporary criminal
justice issues
? Determine appropriate research that supports decision
making regarding contemporary criminal justice issues
? Employ strategic methods used by leaders in the field of
criminal justice for informing the decision-making process of data-driven
solutions
? Propose data-driven solutions that address contemporary
issues in criminal justice agencies
? Communicate to diverse audiences data-driven
recommendations that address contemporary criminal justice issues using best
practices of the field
Prompt
For your final project, you will assume the role of a leader
within a criminal justice organization of your choice. Based on your chosen
scenario, you will be presented with a specific challenge faced by your
organization that is emblematic of wider issues in contemporary criminal justice.
Your task is to develop an evidence-based solution for the problem, which will
be articulated in a formal solution proposal to be presented to your
organizations leadership team. You will be given information (including this data
set) for your scenario, but you must also conduct your own research on
comparable organizations and trends in the field to determine opportunities and
external threats. You will use the data, your research, and your knowledge of
theory to develop an informed, data-driven solution to the issue. Finally, you
will conclude your solution proposal by identifying internal and external
audiences for your solution and creating examples of targeted communications
for disseminating your ideas.
Based on the best available data and research, what is the
ideal solution for addressing the challenge facing your organization?
Specifically, you must address the critical elements listed
below. Most of the critical elements align with a particular course outcome
(shown in brackets).
I. Introduction: In this section, establish a context
that provides your audience with any background information that is necessary
for understanding your proposal.
II. Theory and Methods: In this section, explain the
theoretical frameworks that underpin your analysis and proposed solution.
a) Identify foundational criminology theories that
apply to your chosen organization and the challenge it faces. Draw connections
between the theories and the specific context that will ultimately support your
analysis and your proposed solution.
b) Examine the strategic methods used by leaders in
the field for approaching problems such as yours. For example, what do the
current best practices in the field suggest in terms of researching and
investigating the issue? Highlight methods that support your proposal.
c) Similarly, identify best practices in the field
for communicating with diverse audiences. Illustrate these practices
with specific examples that will ultimately support your communication plan.
III. Literature Review: In this section, present all
of the evidence that you have analyzed (including the provided data and your
independent research)and that will support your proposed solution.
a) Data Analysis: Using the provided data, determine
any patterns and trends that are present. What meaning and significance can you
glean from the data?
b) Research: Present your research on the issue that
builds on the patterns and trends you identified in the data. For example, are
there prior solutions that similar organizations have implemented in addressing
this type of issue? What meaning and significance can you glean from your
research?
c) Root Causes: Based on your data analysis and
independent research, explain what you believe to be the root causes of the
issue. Logically justify your conclusion using the evidence.
IV. Proposal: In this section, present and defend
your plan for solving the issue facing your organization.
a) Solution:
i. Based on your theoretical framework and your analysis and
research, propose a solution that effectively addresses the issue.
ii. Illustrate your proposal with the specific steps that
the organization would need to take in order to properly execute the solution.
iii. Recommend strategic methods that leadership of the
organization could apply in effectively implementing your proposed
solution.
b) Defense:
i. Explain how your solution will improve the
situation for both your organization and the community that is affected by the
issue. Use specific examples to illustrate.
ii. Explain how the data you analyzed and the trends
you identified have guided you to this solution. In other words, how did your
analysis of the data inform your decision making? Use specific examples to
illustrate.
iii. Explain how your research led you to this
solution. In other words, how did the evidence in your research inform your
decision making? Use specific examples to illustrate.
V. Communication Plan: In this section, explain how
you will disseminate the key ideas of your proposal.
a) Determine who the key internal and external audiences for
your proposal are, and explain how you would present the information to
them. Your communication plan should reflect the best practices in the field,
as discussed in your Theory and Methods section.
b) Choose one internal audience and develop a sample
communication for them regarding your proposed solution. Be sure that your
communication is appropriate for this audience and is aligned with best
practices in the field.
c) Choose one external audience and develop a sample
communication for them regarding your proposed solution. Be sure that your
communication is appropriate for this audience and is aligned with best
practices in the field.
VI. References: In this section, cite all of your
sources using APA formatting and guidelines.
Guidelines for Submission: Your solution proposal should
be 1012 pages in length (plus a cover page and references) and should be
written in APA format. Use double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, and
one-inch margins.
