Crafting Great Analysis
Build the skills and knowledge required to conduct a robust, multi-criteria analysis of an issue. In partnership with FrankCapability.
Course overview
This course builds the skills and knowledge required to conduct a robust, multi-criteria analysis for an issue. Engaging and practical, the course uses real-life examples to guide participants through the policy development process, including defining a problem, identifying solution options, selecting criteria, conducting analysis, confronting trade-offs and risks, and coming to a decision. It includes how to effectively use AI in this process as appropriate.
This course is best suited for graduates, subject matter experts and anyone new to government advisory roles, policy analysts and teams who wish to establish a shared view of quality advice.
In partnership with
What you'll learn
By attending this course, you will learn:
- How to complete a multi-criteria analysis by creating a workable problem definition
- How to develop solutions and select criteria for analysis
- How to address trade-offs and identify risks
- How to effectively use AI for policy analysis
- How to integrate analysis into advice for senior leaders to support decision making
Course modules
Module 1: problem definition and evidence use
Learn the basics of good problem definition and evidence for analytical purposes
- The value of initiating the policy process with a good problem definition.
- Approaches for creating a workable problem definition.
- Evidence that will be useful and choose where to focus your research effort.
- Useful prompting technique for effective research.
Module 2: solution options and criteria
Learn the key elements to develop solutions to a defined problem and to select criteria for analysis
- Potential solution options for policy problems
- AI to explore additional solution options
- Key considerations for choosing solution options to include in analysis
- Identify relevant criteria to use in analysis when advising decision makers.
Module 3: trade-offs and risks
Apply a multi-criteria analysis framework to identify outcomes, trade-offs and risks
- Multi-criteria decision matrix.
- AI to supplement your own analytical thinking.
- Relative and absolute scoring methods to clarify trade-offs across options and recommend a solution to a policy problem.
- Identify, prioritise and manage risks.
Further Information
Format
This practical and engaging facilitator-led, live learning session is delivered either in-person in one day or online in three two-hour sessions. Learners can ask questions, share experiences and work through real challenges together. We provide all the supporting resources needed.
Here's what others are saying
“This policy analysis course set out a very accessible framework to approach policy problem.”
Upcoming Courses & Delivery Options
03 Mar 2026 | Wellington
Duration: 6 hours
$NZD 950
excl. GST
04 Mar 2026 | Online
Duration: 6 hours
$NZD 895
excl. GST
26 May 2026 | Online
Duration: 6 hours
$NZD 895
excl. GST
27 May 2026 | Wellington
Duration: 6 hours
$NZD 950
excl. GST
25 Aug 2026 | Wellington
Duration: 6 hours
$NZD 950
excl. GST
26 Aug 2026 | Online
Duration: 6 hours
$NZD 895
excl. GST
27 Oct 2026 | Online
Duration: 6 hours
$NZD 890
excl. GST
28 Oct 2026 | Wellington
Duration: 6 hours
$NZD 950
excl. GST
Can’t make these dates or want a private course?
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