Category: IPP 2024

Unpacking Complexity in Tunisia’s Waste Management: A Journey through PDIA

Aerial view of landfill

Guest blog by Lobna Jeribi, IPP ’24 Discovering the Power of Small Steps  Reflecting on my journey through the IPP program, I feel like I’ve been on a quest – not just for policy solutions but for clarity on how change actually happens. I’m no stranger to the messy realities of public policy. What the…Continue Reading Unpacking Complexity in Tunisia’s Waste Management: A Journey through PDIA

Insufficient Financing for Energy Transition in Africa

Solar panels with sky and clouds in background

Guest blog by Mekalia Paulos Aklilu, IPP ’24  The last 6 months have been truly insightful as I embarked on the ‘IPP journey’. I thought I knew sufficiently enough about public policy, but yet was keen on broadening my perspectives and reinforcing, fine-tuning and honing my expertise on the issue. IPP exceeded my expectations! It…Continue Reading Insufficient Financing for Energy Transition in Africa

Using Zoning to Reduce the Affordable Housing Crisis in Allentown, Pennsylvania, U.S.

A row of homes

Guest blog by Melissa Velez, IPP ’24 The experiences and learning within the Implementing Public Policy course helped me to look deeper into the problems faced within my city, gave me a step-by-step process to work through those problems with my team, and encouraged me to reflect on my personal leadership and time management skills….Continue Reading Using Zoning to Reduce the Affordable Housing Crisis in Allentown, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Changing Jobs and Changing Frameworks for Problem Solving

String following a non linear path

Guest blog by Brian Vandenberg, IPP ’24  When I first enrolled in the Harvard Kennedy School’s Implementing Public Policy (IPP) program, I had no idea how transformative the experience would be. At the time, I was working in Tallahassee, Florida, grappling with a particularly pressing challenge: how to make public transportation more financially sustainable within…Continue Reading Changing Jobs and Changing Frameworks for Problem Solving

Transitioning from a Planning and Control Approach to PDIA in Niteroi-RJ, Brazil

Aerial view of Niteroi-RJ, Brazil

Guest blog by Ellen Bonadio Benedetti, IPP ’24  For years, I have practiced the traditional approach of planning and control, which is crucial for supporting public agents in their daily responsibilities. However, public issues are often complex, marked by uncertainties and limited information, which can compromise the effectiveness of the planning process. The PDIA (Problem-Driven…Continue Reading Transitioning from a Planning and Control Approach to PDIA in Niteroi-RJ, Brazil

Addressing Imbalanced Sectoral Credit Growth and High Inflation in the Lao PDR

A temple in Laos

Guest blog by Phengphaivanh (Susan) Sitpraxay, IPP ’24  I attended the IPP course during one of the toughest periods over 14 years of my work life as a policy maker in the central bank of Laos-the Bank of the Lao PDR. This is my first course at Harvard University, a place I have long aspired…Continue Reading Addressing Imbalanced Sectoral Credit Growth and High Inflation in the Lao PDR

Building Resiliency and Sustainability in Providence’s Arts and Cultural Sector

Providence crowds walking through street with vendors

Guest blog by Joseph Wilson Jr, IPP ’24  I have spent 30 years of my professional life working as an artist.  After graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a BA in Government/Political Science, I had every intention of going to law school and some day running for political office. That was the plan,…Continue Reading Building Resiliency and Sustainability in Providence’s Arts and Cultural Sector

Trade and Labor Policy in South Africa: Shaping Policy Design and Implementation from the Outside

Shipping containers in Durban, South Africa

Guest blog by Vuyiswa Mkhabela, IPP ’24  Embracing my Role as an Outsider  Joining Harvard Kennedy School’s Implementing Public Policy (IPP) program was not just an academic pursuit for me—it was a professional and personal commitment to becoming more effective in my role as a consulting economist. For years, I have supported South African government…Continue Reading Trade and Labor Policy in South Africa: Shaping Policy Design and Implementation from the Outside

Proper Use of Pesticides in Ethiopia

Aerial image of agriculture fields in Ethiopia

Guest blog by Akalu Teshome Firew, IPP ’24 Crop production and productivity in Ethiopia remain very low. One of the major reasons for this low productivity is the damage caused by both regular and migratory pests. Pesticides are critical inputs for enhancing agricultural productivity within Ethiopia’s food system. However, the misuse of pesticides is a…Continue Reading Proper Use of Pesticides in Ethiopia

Tackling the Institutionalization of Fostering Services

Paper cut-out of family

Guest blog by Hiba Qutub, IPP ’24  Reflecting on my journey to enhance and institutionalize fostering services through the PDIA (Problem Driven Iterative Adaptation) framework fills me with a deep sense of discovery, growth, and above all, possibility. I think back to the initial online sessions, the emotions they stirred, and the knowledge—and friendships—that blossomed…Continue Reading Tackling the Institutionalization of Fostering Services