Project Planning- Identify, Explore and Select Options
From Norfolk RCC
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There is always more than way to crack an egg. The first stage is to generate different options that could achieve your aim. However this is often done badly as it is often far too easy to start scribbling grand designs on the back of envelopes.
The flow of thought needs to be focused on a specific issue, then generate ideas to solve that issue and then work out the practical requirements (facilities, money, skills etc.) to make those ideas a reality. Not, 'lets build an extension and then work out what to do with it'. There are a number of different approaches to generating options you may like to use:
- Examples from other areas, it is unlike that the challenges faced by your community are unique.
- Advice and ideas from a development worker or other professionals
- Your own creativity
At the start nothing should be thrown out, 'the impossible', or 'it would never work here', can turn out to be very possible and sometimes the ideal solution for an area. Often just brainstorming ideas quickly with a group of people can be the best approach but try and make sure you a good mix of people or it is all too easy to get stuck within your own frame of reference.
After you've got a few ideas you'll need to explore them in more detail, do a bit a research see if you can find some examples of where its worked or hasn't. At this point some options can be discounted as impractical or inappropriate but you should be able to identify two or three potentially viable solutions.
After you've got to this stage you'll need to work out which option you are going to pursue this is known as an options appraisal. Whenever you undertake an options appraisal you should always include 'doing nothing' as an option so that you can see the actual effect of your project. Details on how to undertake an options appraisal can be found by clicking here.
Project Planning Menu
The purpose of these articles is to guide you through the process of project planning, implementation and evaluation.
- Project Planning- Introduction
- Project Planning- Understanding the current situation
- Project Planning- Identify an Aim
- Project Planning- Identify, Explore and Select Options
- Project Planning- Detailed Planning
- Project Planning- Implementing, Monitoring and Evaluating your plan
