Planning and development of programs are crucial to any business. They help define the goals and determine the best option, and allocate resources effectively. But defining and managing planning for program development isn’t an easy task. It requires careful consideration of the requirements and expectations of all stakeholders. The best method can result in an effective development plan which maximizes the impact of the program and ensures everyone is satisfied with the result.
A logic model is a standard tool used to guide these efforts. This is an illustration of how day-to-day program activities are connected to the desired outcomes. It can help you think carefully about how your program should function as well as how and when it will impact changes. The model is constructed from left to right and may also include an arrow to illustrate the chronological sequence of steps.
The first step is to identify all the inputs needed. The next step is to determine the primary activities that require those inputs. From there, you’ll be able to determine the expected outputs of these activities, and eventually the desired outcomes (both short-term and long-term). Your model should also reflect the impact these outcomes can affect the target audience.
Another important part of this process is to identify any risks or challenges that your program might face. Instruments like environmental scanning techniques help identify external and internally based elements that could affect the effectiveness of your program. Additionally, this stage provides an excellent time to assess the strengths and weaknesses of your organization. Using these insights will help you devise strategies that will help position your team for future success.
