Public Sector Demography

Catalog description

This course provides an analysis of selected public sector, non-profit, and public policy demography issues that draw upon knowledge, data, and methods associated with applied demography. The course begins with an overview of the goals of public sector demography applications, major public data sources and methods, and mega population trends that address practical problems in the public sector. The course addresses such topics as the following: Part 1 focuses on the impact of area population characteristics and change on the allocation of public program resources. Changes in current and projected target population groups in local, state, and national areas is a key factor in public infrastructure and program funding as well as human service program planning. Part 2 focuses on the impact of cohort population change for elementary, secondary, and college educational system planning. Understanding school enrollment population projection techniques is fundamental in this area of applied demography. Part 3 examines the demographic dynamics of agency client populations and within-organization work force size and characteristics. Worker population entry, turnover, and the flow of individuals through public sector and non-profit organization workplaces are topics of interest. Part 4 focuses on population data and trends that are the bases for apportionment of governmental representation among areas and population groups. Redistricting area populations for voting equity is an important local, state, national, and international applied demography issue. Part 5 examines the interface between area population characteristics and change and compliance with local, state, and national non-discrimination policy regulations related to public program activities, such as law enforcement, school administration, etc. This course covers a diverse set of topics related to public sector, non-profit, and public policy organizational activities. It provides students with a substantive understanding of key applied demography issues of interest to public sector administrators and governing boards. The course concludes with a consideration of possible newly emerging applied public sector demography issues and future public data challenges and opportunities.