The Importance of Strategic Planning in Programs Development
Lack of planning is one of the main reasons projects fail and go over budget. A well-defined plan from the start will help you determine what needs to be done. This helps to ensure that the project stays on track, so that it can be completed on time without any unexpected problems. This helps avoid “scope creep” which can cause a project to expand and grow beyond what was originally intended.
Strategic plan-of-action is a process which allows an organization transform its goals into a measurable plan that maximizes the chances of success. It begins with a thorough situational analysis, which examines external and internal factors that may impact the implementation of a program and its results. It also involves creating a logic-based model that clarifies the relationship between the program’s activities and the expected outcomes.
This also gives stakeholders the chance to participate in the process. This improves motivation and creates an atmosphere of ownership among team members. Planning can also help to identify obstacles or constraints that could hinder progress. This information is invaluable to create a comprehensive plan that is realistic and achievable.
A solid plan also improves the effectiveness of a plan by reducing resource wastage. It also ensures that the outcomes of projects are aligned to broader goals of the organization. Additionally, it allows management to track and evaluate progress to determine if changes are required.