Planning and programs development are the most important part of any business. They help define objectives and determine the best course of action, as well as allocate resources efficiently. But defining and conducting planning for development isn’t a simple task. It requires careful consideration of the particular needs and expectations of all stakeholders. The right approach can result in a successful plan of development that maximizes impact and ensures everyone is happy with the outcome.
A logic model is an essential tool that guides these efforts. This is visual representation of how the activities that occur every day relate to the outcomes you want to achieve. It can help you think through the way your program should function including the way and time it will bring about changes. The model is built from left to right, and can include arrows to show the temporal sequence of steps.
The first step is identifying all the inputs that other are required. The next step is to identify the primary activities that will require those inputs. Then, you can sketch the expected outputs and, ultimately the expected outcomes (both long-term and short-term). Your model should also reflect the impact these outcomes will have on the audience you are targeting.
Another aspect of this process is to identify any risks or issues that your program may encounter. Tools such as environmental scanning techniques aid in identifying external and internally based factors that could impact the success of your program. In addition, this is an excellent opportunity to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your business. Using these insights, you can develop strategies that can better prepare your team for future success.