1. Identify Problems, Planning Objectives and Constraints

2. Problem Identification
Successful plans address real problems
Problem identification directs future activities and the allocation of resources

3. Common Understanding of the Problem Requires:
Common Vocabulary

4. Agreement on Appropriate Levels of Detail
Common Understanding of the Problem Requires:
Agreement on Appropriate Levels of Detail

5. Willingness to Learn About the Issues
Common Understanding of the Problem Requires:
Willingness to Learn About the Issues

6. The Process of Problem Identification

7. To Begin
Solicit input
Identify problems that currently exist, have been experienced in the past and are expected to recur, or could occur in the future
Identify the conditions under which these problems occur
Prioritize the problems identified

8. Importance of Goals and Planning Objectives
Goals are general concepts
Economic efficiency
Environmental quality
Fairness
Health
Happiness
Objectives are operational definitions of goals

9. Definition of Planning Objectives
A planning objective is a concise, formally structured statement which outlines
What a plan should accomplish
Where a plans influence should be felt
When a plan should be initiated
WHAT
WHERE
WHEN ?

10. Purpose of Planning Objectives
Planning objectives are developed to
Focus efforts on problems of greatest concern
Ensure that multiple goals are explicitly considered throughout the process
Provide a common vision
Allow evaluation of a plan

11. Importance of Planning Objectives
Without good planning objectives
Planning loses focus
Important interests ignored
Important problems not addressed
Effective alternatives not formulated
Plans cannot be evaluated
Implementation becomes impossible

12. Comments on Past Experience With Planning Objectives
Experience suggests
Poor planning objectives are difficult to overcome
Reframing planning objectives late in a study results in lost time and higher costs
The importance of planning objectives is not fully appreciated
Planners (as well as engineers) do not embrace innovative approaches to meet planning objectives

13. Strategic Versus Tactical Planning
Tactical plans
Contain effective responses that mitigate the adverse impacts of short term problems such as drought
Can be implemented quickly

14. Strategic Versus Tactical Planning
Strategic Plans
Contain long term responses related to resource availability, system management strategies, or legal frameworks
Requires time to implement

15. Elements of Well Defined Plans
Both tactical and strategic plans must include
Clearly stated policy objectives
Forecasts of future conditions
Evaluation criteria
Multiple alternatives
Comprehensive description of a preferred strategy

16. Strategic and Tactical Plans Are Interrelated
Both contribute to system sustainability

17. Formulation of Planning Objectives
1. Identify problems of greatest concern
2. Translate problems into achievable objectives
3. Identify where this objective is to be met
4. Identify under what conditions the objective is to be met
Objectives should be stated in a positive sense!

18. Examples of Poorly Defined Planning Objectives
Develop a drought contingency plan
Build a pumping station at the X reservoir
Evaluate instream flow requirements at the Y River basin
Avoid adverse effects to fish and wildlife during 50 year droughts
Enhance hydropower production

19. Examples of Well Defined Planning Objectives
Enhance the long term reliability of municipal water supply in the Y River basin
Ensure adequate instream habitat protection in the Y River basin during drought
Enhance fish and wildlife protection in the Z River basin during drought
Enhance annual hydropower production in the X River basin for the next 30 years
Maintain navigation on the X River during drought

20. Identification of Constraints

21. Definition of Constraints
Constraints are limits to the range of planned responses
Three types of constraints exist
Natural - bound by the laws of nature
External - enforced by outside agents
Perceived - assumed to be undesirable, prohibited or impossible

22. Role of Constraints in the Planning Process
Constraints are used in the planning process as
Situations that define the status quo
Screening criteria for alternatives
Guidelines for project evaluation

23. When Should Constraints be Challenged?
Constraints should be challenged if they
Obstruct planning objectives
Significantly reduce alternative effectiveness
Address external agents that no longer exist
Are unfounded x

24. Summary
Problems should be identified and prioritized so that planning objectives can be properly formulated.
Planning objectives focus planning efforts and provide a framework for evaluating alternative solutions and formulating effective strategies.
Tactical and strategic plans, although inter-related, address different time scales and responses.
Planning objectives are essential elements of any tactical or strategic plan.
The impact of constraints, real or perceived

25. Exercise