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