Planning and programs development are crucial to any organization. They aid in defining objectives and determine the best course of action, as well as allocate resources efficiently. But defining and conducting planning for program development isn’t an easy task. It requires careful consideration of the requirements and expectations of all participants. A well-planned method can result in an effective plan for development that maximizes impact and ensures everyone is happy with the outcome.
An effective tool for guiding these efforts is the logic model. It is an illustration that shows how the daily activities of a program are connected to the desired outcomes. It helps to think through how your program should function including how it will result in change for whom and when. The model is constructed from left to right, and may also include arrows that show the temporal order of the steps.
The first step is to determine all the inputs that are required. The next step is to identify the most important activities that require the inputs. Then, you can draw out the expected outcomes of these activities, and then the outcomes you want to achieve (both short-term and long-term). Your model should also incorporate the effects these outcomes will affect the target audience.
Another crucial aspect of this process is to identify any potential risks or obstacles that your program could face. Tools such as environmental scanning techniques help identify external and internal factors that may impact the success of your program. This is the ideal time to identify your organization’s strengths and weaknesses. These insights will aid in the development of strategies that will prepare your team for the future success you want.
