Planning and development of programs are essential to any organization. They assist in defining objectives and determine the best course of action as well as distributing resources efficiently. However, defining and executing planning for development isn’t a simple task. It requires careful consideration of the specific requirements and expectations of each participants. The best method can result in a successful development plan that maximizes impact and ensures that everyone is happy with the result.
A logic model is a common tool that guides these efforts. It is an illustration that shows how the day-to-day activities of a programme are linked to the desired outcomes. It helps to plan out the way your program works including how it will result in change for whom and when. The model is constructed left to right and may include arrows to show the chronological sequence of steps.
The first step is identifying all the required inputs. The next step is to determine key activities that will use the inputs. Then, you should map the expected outputs, and ultimately, the intended outcomes (both short-term and long-term). Then the model should describe the impact these outcomes will affect the target audience.
Another aspect of the process is to determine the potential risks or issues your program may face. Tools like environmental scanning techniques can help you identify external and internally based factors that could impact the success of your program. This is a great opportunity to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your organization. Using these insights, you can design strategies to better position your team for future success.