Case Studies: Sample Assignment

Case Study: Improving Public Transportation in City Government

Overview

You have been hired as a consultant by the city government of Greenfield, a medium-sized urban area with a population of 500,000. The city is facing growing public dissatisfaction with its transportation system, including complaints about inefficiency, high costs, environmental concerns, and lack of accessibility for certain neighborhoods. Your task is to analyze the current state of the public transportation system, identify key issues, and recommend strategies to improve the system in a sustainable and equitable manner.

Case Study Instructions

Objective:
Analyze Greenfield’s public transportation system and propose improvements that address the city's challenges while promoting sustainability, cost-efficiency, and accessibility for all residents.

Case Background

The public transportation system in Greenfield consists of buses, a light rail network, and bicycle-sharing stations. Despite ongoing efforts to upgrade the system, the city government is struggling to meet the demands of its citizens. Traffic congestion has worsened, and the current fleet of buses is outdated and inefficient. Additionally, certain lower-income neighborhoods lack sufficient access to public transportation, making it difficult for residents to commute to work or access city services.

The city is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and meeting the goals of its sustainability plan, but budget constraints limit the government's ability to make large-scale investments in new technology or infrastructure. Recent community feedback has indicated that residents are willing to pay higher taxes or fees if the transportation system is significantly improved and made more efficient.

Your Task

As a consultant, you will provide a report to the City Council with a detailed analysis and recommendations. Your report should cover the following key areas:

1. Current Transportation Issues:

   • Identify and analyze the primary challenges facing Greenfield’s public transportation system (e.g., inefficiency, budget limitations, environmental impact, accessibility gaps).
   • Use any available data (e.g., ridership statistics, operational costs, environmental reports) to support your analysis.

2. Stakeholder Analysis:

   • Identify the key stakeholders affected by the current system, including city residents, the city government, local businesses, and transportation employees.
   • Discuss how different stakeholder groups are impacted by the transportation issues, focusing on equity and inclusivity.

3. Sustainability and Environmental Impact:

   • Evaluate the environmental impact of the current transportation system.
   • How can Greenfield reduce emissions and promote eco-friendly alternatives (e.g., electric buses, green infrastructure)?

4. Recommendations for Improvement:

   • Propose at least three recommendations to improve Greenfield’s transportation system. These recommendations should address the following aspects:
     • Efficiency: Reducing congestion and improving operational efficiency.
     • Cost-effectiveness: Balancing budget constraints with the need for upgrades and expansion.
     • Accessibility: Ensuring equitable access to transportation for all neighborhoods.
     • Sustainability: Aligning with the city’s environmental goals and reducing emissions.

5. Implementation Strategy:

   • For each recommendation, outline an implementation strategy. Consider the following:
     • Short-term vs. Long-term Actions: What can the city government implement immediately, and what requires long-term planning and investment?
     • Budget Considerations: How will the city finance these improvements? Consider funding options such as government grants, public-private partnerships, or new tax initiatives.
     • Public Engagement: How will you involve citizens and stakeholders in the decision-making process to ensure that improvements reflect their needs and priorities?

Assignment Requirements

• Format: Write a report of 1,500–2,000 words in PDF format. Your report should be clear, well-organized, and professionally written.
• Supporting Data: Use relevant research, data, and examples from other cities that have implemented successful transportation reforms. Be sure to cite all sources using APA style.
• Submission: Upload your completed report to the Brightspace assignment portal by [Due Date].

Grading Criteria

Your case study analysis will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Understanding of Issues (25 points):

   • How well do you identify and explain the transportation challenges in Greenfield?

2. Depth of Analysis (25 points):

   • Have you critically analyzed the issues and used supporting data effectively?

3. Feasibility and Creativity of Recommendations (25 points):

   • Are your recommendations realistic, innovative, and aligned with Greenfield’s goals?

4. Clarity and Structure (15 points):

   • Is the report clearly written, well-organized, and easy to follow?

5. Research and Support (10 points):

   • Are your recommendations supported by appropriate research and examples?

Resources

To help you complete this case study, the following resources are available:

• Greenfield City Government Public Transportation Reports (Linked)
• Greenfield Sustainability Plan 2023 (Attached)
• Case Study Examples: Public Transportation in Mid-Sized Cities (Linked)
• APA Citation Guide (Linked)

By examining the public transportation system of Greenfield, you will gain insights into the challenges city governments face when balancing operational efficiency, environmental sustainability, and equitable access to services. Your analysis and recommendations will help the city plan for a better, more inclusive transportation future.

Good luck with your analysis!