chapter 9 The Program Plan Russell & Jamieson

Purpose of Planning Planning provides documentation that others involved in the implementation of the program service can use as a guide. Planning outlines the specific details to accomplish in order to implement a program. Planning provides accountability. Program’s intended design

Decision Making Decisions made at the program planning stage are crucial. Decision making is the deliberate act of selection, by the mind, among alternative ways to accomplish certain goals (Russell, 1982). Rational thinking is at the core of decision making.

Rationality As a programming decision maker, rationality means that you do the following: Set high standards for decisions. Search as broadly as possible for alternatives from which to choose. Investigate alternatives in order to have control of the outcome.

Group Decision Making Groupthink is a disadvantage of group decision making. In groupthink, group members overemphasize achieving agreement.

Brainstorming Brainstorming is a way of producing many ideas to choose from in deciding the best design for a program. Here are some important brainstorming principles: Deferred judgment Quantity produces quality Multiplying effect

Criteria for Decision Making Is there adequate staff, money, and facilities for this idea? Does the broader community and your agency support this idea? Is this idea safe? Is this idea suitable? Is it likely to lead to goal accomplishment? Is it easy? Is it timely? Does it fit well with other program services offered?

Creativity Creativity in developing the program plan means assembling new ideas from old, familiar, unrelated ones. Creativity is important because the programmer faces the dual challenge of offering programs that meet the needs and interests of their patrons as well as establishing new ideas.

Enhancing Creativity Read about a wide range of topics. File your ideas. Watch what is going on around you. Listen to what is going on around you. Meet people and mimic their originality.

Types of Program Plans Long-range plans Comprehensive plans Detail programming design for extended periods of time, such as five years Typically focus on future goals Comprehensive plans Establish the design for all programming responsibilities of an organization Individual participant plans Daily, weekly, or monthly programmatic approaches for individual patrons

Program Plan A program plan is a plan for a specific program or event. It outlines how a single program service should be carried out.

Elements of a Program Plan Title Goals and objectives Activities and events Marketing Pricing Budget Facilities Materials and supplies Safety Staffing Registration procedures Policies Cancellation strategies Required reports Program evaluation plan Structure of the program

Program Life Cycle The natural process of a program’s duration is known as the life cycle. Program plans must account for “shelf life” and indicate how changes will be made or how and when programs will be eliminated. (continued)

Program Life Cycle (continued) Program life cycles are a program management tool. You will need a plan for addressing the maturation, extension, and elimination stages of the program.

Stages of the Program Life Cycle Implementation The program is initially offered. Rapid growth This is the takeoff phase. Maturation Interest has reached its plateau. Extension Interest begins to decline. Decline It is no longer feasible to continue the program.