planmaking

Planmaking is the process of formulating a plan to achieve defined objectives within a given context. It involves gathering information, setting goals, analyzing options, and producing a formal plan document accompanied by an implementation framework. Planmaking occurs across domains such as urban planning, project management, corporate strategy, public policy, and emergency management, each with its own standards but sharing common methodological elements.

Core elements include the objectives and scope of the plan, underlying constraints and assumptions, the roles of stakeholders and governance structures, data and analysis, development of alternatives, evaluation criteria, and financial and risk considerations. An implementation plan outlines timelines, budgets, responsibilities, and governance arrangements, while monitoring and revision mechanisms are established to track progress and adapt as needed.

The typical process is iterative and collaborative. Phases commonly include initiation and framing, information gathering and analysis, goal setting, development of alternatives, evaluation and selection using predefined criteria, plan documentation, stakeholder validation, and finally implementation followed by monitoring and updating.

Outputs commonly consist of a plan document or strategy, an action plan, budgets and schedules, performance indicators, and a governance framework for oversight and accountability.

Methods and tools frequently used in planmaking include scenario planning, SWOT and PEST analyses, cost-benefit and risk assessments, feasibility studies, logic models, and, in spatial contexts, geographic information systems. Project management tools such as Gantt charts or dashboards may accompany the plan to support implementation and tracking.

Governance and ethics considerations emphasize transparency, accountability, inclusivity, regulatory compliance, and attention to potential social, environmental, and equity impacts.