identify problems, planning objectives and constraints
TRANSCRIPT
Identify Problems, Planning Objectives
and Constraints
Identify Problems, Planning Objectives
and Constraints
Problem IdentificationProblem Identification
Successful plans address real problems
Problem identification directs future activities and the allocation of resources
A Shared VisionA Shared Vision
What is needed most is a Common Understanding
of the Problem
Common Vocabulary
Common Understanding of the Problem Requires:
Agreement on Appropriate Levels of Detail
Common Understanding of the Problem Requires:
Willingness to Learn About the Issues
Common Understanding of the Problem Requires:
The Process of Problem Identification
The Process of Problem Identification
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
To BeginTo Begin
Importance of Goals and Planning Objectives
Importance of Goals and Planning Objectives
Goals are general concepts Economic efficiency Environmental quality Fairness Health Happiness
Objectives are operational definitions of goals
Planning Is IterativePlanning Is Iterative
We will find ourselves refining all stages of the planning process. These are iterations
When we iterate, we change the scale, time, focus or emphasis of the process.
Iteration relies on feedback for knowing how much is good enough.
We use different techniques planning detail in our iterations.
ScreeningScreening
Screening - separate the obviously bad from the others
We screen on all levels of the planning process (goals, objectives, constraints, alternatives, data, processes, etc.)
Screening is essential but over screening eliminates valuable choices.
ScopingScoping
Scoping - an open and early process for determining the scope of issues to be addressed an for identifying the significant issues related to a proposed action. (NEPA)
1. Invite participation of all parties
2. Determine scope and significant issues
3. Identify and eliminate from detailed study issues not significant or previously covered.
ScopingScoping
4. Allocate assignments for preparation of EIS among lead agencies
5. Identify other public ongoing studies or other EISs
6. Identify other environmental reviews
7. Relate study timeline to decision making.
Other ConsiderationsOther Considerations
Planning Area“location of resources that would be directly or indirectly or cumulatively affected by alternative plans”
Period of Economic Analysis Period over which we are to study, may be
less than life of projectMust be the same for all alternatives
Definition of Planning ObjectivesDefinition 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
?
Purpose of Planning ObjectivesPurpose 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
Importance of Planning ObjectivesImportance 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
Comments on Past Experience With Planning Objectives
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
Strategic Versus Tactical Planning
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
Contain long term responses related to resource availability, system management strategies, or legal frameworks
Requires time to implement
Strategic Plans
Strategic Versus Tactical Planning
Strategic Versus Tactical Planning
Elements of Well Defined PlansElements 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
Strategic and Tactical Plans Are Interrelated
Strategic and Tactical Plans Are Interrelated
Both contribute to system sustainability
Formulation of Planning Objectives
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!
Two Sheets of PaperTwo Sheets of Paper
Every Planning Study should be able to summarize the “Problems and Opportunities” and the “Planning Objectives” on two sheets of paper.
A fourteen-year old should be able to read these to his/her class and everyone in the room should be able to understand the essential features of the problem.
Problems and OpportunitiesProblems and Opportunities
Characteristic Problem OpportunityFocus Existing Condition
DescriptionFuture Desires
Message Negative Positive
Occurrence PastExistingFuture(without)
Past Didn’t OccurExisting May or may notFuture (without)
Problems and OpportunitiesProblems and Opportunities
Characteristic Problem OpportunityRelationshipto otherResources
Existing conditionshave bad impacts
Enhance related resources
ImplicitObjectives
Return to the pastProblems ahead
Create a better future
Consequenceof DoingNothing
PastExistingFuture(without)
Return to a desirablecondition
Examples of Poorly Defined Planning Objectives
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
Examples of Well Defined Planning Objectives
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
Identification of ConstraintsIdentification of Constraints
Definition of ConstraintsDefinition 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
Role of Constraints in the Planning Process
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
When Should Constraints be Challenged?
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
SummarySummary
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
ExerciseExercise