Workbook in Program Design for Public Managers

Leonard I. Ruchelman is Professor of Urban Studies and Public Administration at Old Dominion University.

• Preface 1. Introduction What is Program DesignProgram Design as Planned ChangeApproaches for Understanding the Process of ChangeThe Program Design Process 2. Getting Started Step 1—Selecting a Problem Area for AnalysisStep 2—Organizing for Program DesignSummary 3. Diagnosing the Organizational Setting Step 1—Describing the Performance GapStep 2—Rating Individual FactorsStep 3—Rating Organizational FactorsStep 4—Identifying Environmental FactorsStep 5— the Feasibility of a program Design ProjectSummary 4. Generating Public Support Step 1—Restating the Problem as an IssueStep 2—Identifying the Likely ActorsStep 3—Estimating the Issue Position, Power and Salience of Each ActorStep 4—Calculating Weights and ProbabilitiesStep 5—Identifying StrategiesSummary 5. Preparing a Workplan Step 1—Defining the ProblemStep 2—Describing the Current ProgramStep 3—Establishing the Project ScopeStep 4—Describing the Program Design MethodologyStep 5—Establishing and Assigning Work TasksStep 6—Approving the WorkplanSummary 6. Establishing Goals, Objectives and Performance Criteria Step 1—Reviewing Program MaterialStep 2—Defining Program GoalsStep 3—Defining Program ObjectivesStep 4—Establishing Performance CriteriaSummary 7. Developing Program Alternatives Step 1—Generating Program AlternativesStep 2—Screening Program AlternativesStep 3—ForecastingStep 4—Categorizing AlternativesSummary 8. Data Collection Step 1—Estimating Service DemandStep 2—Estimating CostsStep 3—Collecting Effectiveness DataStep 4—Collecting Feasibility informationSummary 9. Synthesizing the Data Step 1—Organizing the DataStep 2—Comparing the DataStep 3—Drawing ConclusionsSummary 10. Communicating the Results Step 1—Preparing the Draft ReportStep 2—Reviewing the Draft ReportStep 3— Transmitting the Final ReportSummary 11. Preparing for Implementation Step 1—Forming an Implementation TeamStep 2—Preparing an Implementation WorkplanStep 3—Methods for Monitoring Implementation ProgressStep 4—Follow-up StrategiesSummary and Conclusions Appendix A. Guide to Information Sources in Public Services Appendix B. Guide to Information Sources in Human Services Appendix C. Search Services Appendix D. Sample Program Design Report Glossary Annotated Bibliography