Read “What Good Data and Good People Can Accomplish” and “Pete Buttigieg Was An Effective Mayor-With A Gaping Blindspot”, and listen to the following podcasts:
All Podcasts From:
Podcast: Podcast: Data Driven Decision Making in Kansas City, MO – ELGL https://elgl.org/podcast-data-driven-decision-making-in-kansas-city-mo/?msclkid=9480691abad011ecb0c5422c02670626
Podcast: Podcast: Data & Procurement in Boston, MA – ELGL https://elgl.org/podcast-data-procurement-boston-ma/?msclkid=a7dc4e08bad011ecb68c992f72613f23
For each article and podcast: Given the information above, and for each article and podcast:
1. What did you find most interesting related to the use of data and
2. Royse, Thyer, and Padgett talk about the “threat” of program evaluation in the chapter on Pragmatic issues. How would you go about using program evaluation and data so as not to make people in the organization feel threatened?
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Title: The Power of Data and Program Evaluation: Embracing Transparency and Collaboration
Introduction: In the age of information, data-driven decision making has emerged as a crucial tool for organizations to achieve their goals efficiently and effectively. However, the utilization of data and program evaluation can sometimes be perceived as a threat by individuals within an organization. To overcome this challenge, it is important to create an environment that fosters transparency, collaboration, and a shared understanding of the benefits of data-driven decision making. This essay will explore the most interesting aspects related to the use of data from the provided articles and podcasts and propose strategies to implement program evaluation without creating a sense of threat.
What did you find most interesting related to the use of data?
a) “What Good Data and Good People Can Accomplish” highlights the success story of Kansas City, MO, where data-driven decision making transformed the city’s services and improved residents’ lives. The most interesting aspect was the creation of a dedicated team that collected and analyzed data, leading to evidence-based decision making. This not only enhanced the efficiency of services but also allowed the city to identify and address community needs more effectively.
b) “Pete Buttigieg Was An Effective Mayor-With A Gaping Blindspot” raises an important point about the limitations of relying solely on data. While data can provide valuable insights, it is essential to consider diverse perspectives and engage with the affected communities. Buttigieg’s blindspot demonstrates the need for a balanced approach that integrates data analysis with empathy and understanding.
c) The podcast “Data Driven Decision Making in Kansas City, MO” provides insight into how Kansas City embraced data-driven decision making. The most interesting aspect was the adoption of an open data policy, which made government data easily accessible to the public. This not only increased transparency but also empowered citizens to participate in shaping policies and programs.
d) The podcast “Data & Procurement in Boston, MA” discusses how Boston utilized data in procurement decisions. The most intriguing aspect was the use of data to eliminate bias in contractor selection, ensuring equal opportunities for all businesses. This innovative approach not only improved efficiency but also promoted fairness and diversity within the procurement process.
How to use program evaluation and data without creating a sense of threat?
a) Build a culture of transparency: Foster an organizational culture that values transparency and open communication. Encourage employees to share their insights and perspectives regarding program evaluation and data utilization. By promoting transparency, you can alleviate concerns about hidden agendas and create an environment where employees feel valued and included.
b) Provide training and support: Offer training programs that enhance employees’ data literacy skills and understanding of program evaluation methodologies. By equipping individuals with the necessary tools and knowledge, you can alleviate anxiety and resistance towards data-driven decision making. Additionally, provide ongoing support to address any concerns or challenges faced by employees during the implementation process.
c) Foster collaboration: Involve employees at all levels in the decision-making process. Encourage cross-functional teams and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure that different perspectives are considered when analyzing data. This collaborative approach can help individuals feel valued and reduce any perceived threat from program evaluation.
d) Communicate the benefits: Clearly communicate the benefits of using data and program evaluation within the organization. Emphasize how these practices can lead to improved performance, increased efficiency, and better outcomes for both the organization and its stakeholders. By highlighting the positive impact, you can help employees see data as a tool rather than a threat.
Conclusion: The utilization of data and program evaluation holds immense potential for organizations seeking to make informed decisions and achieve their goals. By embracing transparency, collaboration, and effective communication, organizations can overcome resistance and create an environment where data-driven decision making is welcomed rather than feared. When implemented successfully, program evaluation can empower organizations to address challenges head-on, adapt strategies effectively, and ultimately improve their performance and impact.
