KEY PARTS OF THE PLANNING PROCESS

by Dr. Neil Chadwick


1. PRESSURE.

The planning process begins when it is realized that something is not as it should be. There is pressure exerted to have things different than they are. Without this, there would be no need for change, and little motivation to do so.

2. GOAL SETTING.

Envisioning and communicating. The statement of conditions or states of being that one wishes to have exist at some time in the future (a state in which the need is being met). The people who feel the need should be involved in the creating of the goal.

3. PROBLEM SOLVING.

Identifying and overcoming obstacles that stand in the way of the achievement of the objective. (Be careful to note that the problems which are tackled relate to the goal.)

    a. Problem stated. The determination of what is wrong, what is the obstacle to the achievement of the desired goal, distinguishing between symptoms and underlying problems.

    b. Information collected and organized. Care taken to discover the 'relevant' information. This includes the discovery of resources.

    c. Determining possible alternatives and strategies. i.e. possible solutions. Not, "What is the best solution?' but, "What are the various solutions to be considered?" Care taken to enumerate several possible alternatives, not just a hastily compiled two or three.

4. DECISION MAKING.

Selection of the best alternative or strategy. Criteria taken into account.

5. PROGRAMMING.

Implementing. Working through the plan.

6. FOLLOW UP.

Evaluating. At the goal setting stage measurements need to be in place so that a determination can be made as to whether or not the goal was reached.

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