Making plans
Planning is the application of the basic human behaviour by which we make predictions
about the
future outcome of our present actions. In making this kind of prediction we usually gather
information about what prevents us reaching a desirable goal. If we begin to think about addressing
these limiting factors we are beginning a process of planning.
Making plans requires getting answers to the following questions:
What is the desired goal
(objective)?
What is preventing us reaching
the goal (limiting factors)?
What has to be done to
allow us to reach the goal (jobs as projects)?
How do we know when we
have reached the goal (monitoring of target)?
Planning-systems
When we begin to do things in an effort to reach the goal we are operating a management
plan.
Management plans are really closed-loop systems undergoing 'change over time'
where inputs are
controlled to alter the dynamics of the system to reach a favourable outcome. Action proceeds in a
planning cycle where inputs in terms of manpower and resources are ajusted as a result of
monitoring in relation to how close the manager is to the plan's objectives
Planning-models
Planning models follow a standard logic but vary according to the way the inputs and
outcomes are
formatted and recorded. A conservation management system (CMS) developed by the UK
Conservation Management System Partnership is widlely used by national governmental
conservation agencies, NGOs, local government, industry and communities. The CMS planning
guide is integral with an MS Access relational database. Hypermedia versions of the CMS and a
selection of site plans are presented as planning models.
