Step 5 - Develop an Action Plan
Many case assignments require a proposal or recommendation, including an action plan. The action plan or proposal should include a brief discussion of specific actions both short-term and long-term that will be taken to solve the problem(s) identified in step two of the case analysis process. Begin with a brief description of the short-term plan, including costs, benefits, ease of implementation, safety, legality, practicality, and sensitivity to the needs various parties and individuals.
Tips for Creating a Plan
Ask yourselves these questions when drafting an action plan.
- What does a valid solution "look like"? What do you want to have happen? What steps would get you there? Defining this ideal solution may often help you define your actual solution.
- What could happen if something goes wrong in your proposal? This may not eliminate a proposed solution, but could help you build in important safety nets. Almost all plans have some negatives, but usually the positives outweigh the negatives in a successful plan.
- What could stop your plan? What events, people or issues could prevent your solution from being implemented or being delayed?
- What are the best arguments for your plan? Will you need to convince others of your proposal? If nothing else, you will need to convince your instructor.
- Will there be resistance to change? How can you relieve anxieties? Do people need to be educated? Most action plans encounter resistance from somewhere.
- Will the new way provide any disadvantage over the old way? What are the workarounds? These need to be explained.
Logistics
Once you select a plan, you need to consider these implementation tasks.
- Who will implement the change? Does he/she have the power, skills, knowledge to be successful? The larger the change, the more formal authority a person generally needs.
- Will other rewards be offered for those involved in implementing the change? People will be more likely to agree to an action plan if they see a tangible benefit for themselves.
- What is the timeline for the change be implemented? Gradually or instantaneously? Mandatory or optional? Will there be rewards or penalties? Do you need to grandfather people? Gradual transitions are generally better, unless your situation is a true emergency or the change is so systematic that only a quick transition will work.
- What kinds of training or education, if any, are needed? If the plan involves a new technique or strategy, then training will be needed.
- How will you monitor progress? If nothing is monitored, nothing may get done.