Russel Aackoff's Planning model

The Five Phases of Planning

Formulating the Mess

This is where the organization assesses the current situation looking for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. In Aackof's view, this must precede a useful development of an organizational mission.
Answers the question: "Where are we now?"

Ends Planning

This is where the objectives of the organization and the sub organizations are formulated. It includes the formulation of a mission and vision for the larger organization and its sub-units.
Answers the question: "Where do we want to go?"

Means Planning

This is where the policies, procedures, and technologies to use are determined.
Answers the question: "What means or methods will we use to get there?"

Resource Planning

This is where the allocation of resources occurs. The decisions as to who will get what money/people/stuff at what time and in what quantities.
Answers the question: "Where will the money, brains, and materials come from and how will it be distributed through the organization?"

Implementation and Control

This is where the plans are put into action and the standards that were developed are used to make sure that the organization is on track.
Answers the questions: "How are we doing? Are we doing things right? Are we still heading in the right direction? Are we doing the right thing?"

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