On teaching planning.

Abstract

This paper constructed 13 planning methods that can be used to carry out the creative stages of planning: formulation, conceptualization, and detailing. First, sets of techniques for each stage were identified. Six options for discovery, two ways to structure, two decision models, and five voting techniques were used to define 120 approaches useful in formulating planning problems. For conceptualization, technique strings were created by combining the creativity and structuring phases of model building. Six ways to enhance creativity and four options to structure provided 24 approaches for model development. For detailing, constructive and interrogative phases were identified. Three constructive techniques and four interrogative techniques identified 12 approaches for the detailing stage. Acceptance, innovation, and quality were key requirements which could be placed on a plan. All combinations of these requirements were used to define eight archetype projects. Planning methods were identified for each project, showing how an integrated planning course can be taught in a health administration program.