Systems Synthesis - The Capstone Project
Tackling Real Problems
The projects change every year, but the intent remains the same—utilizing skills developed at the Heinz School to tackle a real public interest problem.
“Very few public policy schools offer this type of experience - structuring a real-world problem and developing a solution. It also is a great way for students to develop team and consensus building skills that are so critical to their future success,”
said Heinz School Associate Dean Brenda Peyser. It’s estimated that our students and faculty in Pittsburgh and Adelaide contribute over 16,900 hours of service to the community through systems projects over the course of a year!
Systems Synthesis is the capstone project for MSPPM students. This course embraces four educational goals that "synthesize" the Heinz School experience and apply it to the analysis of complex public policy issues:
- Develop problem structuring and solving skills;
- Develop project management, teamwork, and communication skills;
- Provide a capstone experience that integrates and synthesizes "core" coursework;
- Provide a "real world" organizational experience.
Recent projects have included comparing homeland security risks to other federal risk management initiatives, operational analysis of a medical center, and developing a strategic plan for a new science and technology high school. For an example of project results, see Pittsburgh 2008, The Science and Technology High School.
