Module 6    

Process - Planning and Programming

by Barbara Kloss-Quiroga, Alois Dörlemann, Michael Marx
 

The process of planning involves a wide range of decisions, from establishing the overall goal of the organisation or a project to the day to day operating schedules; planning is therefore one of the essential functions of a manager. Module 5 introduced methods and tools to identify and prioritise health and health services problems. Planning and programming start with an in-depth analysis of problems. Following the sequence of the nine epidemiological questions, there is a need to answer now the questions why does a specific problem occur (6), what have we done so far (7), what were the results (8), and what else could be done (9). Target Oriented Project Planning (ZOPP) and the Logical Framework approach are useful tools in intervention planning, as well named Project Cycle Management. They are used by the EC, the World Bank and international agencies and NGOs. This module introduces planning methods and tools and gives an introduction to monitoring and quality management.

Objectives
At the end of the module participants know the different steps of ZOPP (Target Oriented Project Planning), the project planning matrix (PPM) as well as the logical framework. They are able to prepare and conduct a planning workshop in their working environment and develop and monitor a comprehensive plan of action. They are familiar with quality management systems (QM) in health.

Unit 1   Introduction to Project Planning Methods
Unit 2   Objectives oriented planning: analytical steps
Unit 3   Monitoring, Quality Management (QM)

Unit 1: Introduction to Project Planning Methods

The planning cycle displays the different steps in planning: situation analysis with the identification of needs and problems, priority setting, plan: analyse problems and determine objectives , programme: define activities to reach objectives, programme interventions mobilising resources, implement, control and evaluate. This unit gives a general introduction to different planning methods and tools, which are applicable at district level.

Specific objectives of the unit
The participants are able

to describe different planning methods (strategic planning, objectives
oriented planning, SWOT analysis, PRA and rights based approach)
and their essential characteristics

Unit 2: Objectives oriented planning: analytical steps

Objectives oriented planning and the logical framework approach are very similar planning methods. The ZOPP approach (objectives oriented planning) is a set of principles, techniques and tools designed to facilitate the planning process emphasising the participation of all actors involved and the common formulation of decisions. It is characterised by the following principles: participation of all important stakeholders and actors, consensus between all involved which includes negotiation and compromising, transparency of decisions, systematic decision making, flexible adaptation.

Specific objectives of the unit
The participants are able

to explain the principles of the ZOPP, and logframe approach
to planning
to conduct a planning workshop based on the ZOPP approach
and develop a project planning matrix (PPM)
to develop a realistic and achievable plan of action

Unit 3: Monitoring, Quality Management (QM)

To assure or improve the quality of health care in either a defined medical setting or a programme, planned interventions and activities need constantly to be monitored and followed up. The concept of quality management (QM) is a comprehensive and structured approach to organisational management and seeks to improve the quality of services through ongoing refinements in response to continuous feedback.

Specific objectives of the unit
The participants are able

to describe the basic principles of Quality Management and use
one or more Quality Management tools/Monitoring