Planning a RCD Project

Off-Line Resources

• Bondavid-Val,Avrom. "An Idealized Planning Model". Regional Development Planning".1991 9p199-205). Reprinted in Ferrazzi, Gabe. Course Reader, Rural Community Development, Brandon University, 2001.
  If you are to plan, this is a good model. The layout is good, especially the cyclical and learning process aspects. This model assumes growth on the part of participants. Data collection is not a step in the process but is regarded as a parallel track throughout the project. The report is regarded as a spin off the project, not an end in itself

  It should be noted that some people do not plan as such (actually 6 out of 7 "gift" types [using the "gifts" mode]) . They organize but not this way.

• Ferrazzi, Gabe. "The Planning Context" . Rural Community Development Introductory Modules,(WebCT class notes). Brandon University, Fall, 2001.Module # 8-a .
  The Planning module of Gabe's notes contains a fairly comprehensive overview of the planning process as it affects RCD work.:
  • The planning stream in government circles, noting rural urban issues, history, systemic nature and financial aspect
  • Planning in Canadanoting the municipal land orientation and state interest in control rather than being the motor of development. He notes the difficulties in keeping volunteers interested over time
  • Planning in Developing countriesHe covers three key approaches:
    1. Targeted approach (basic needs related)
    2. Sectoral approach (government related)
    3. Integrated area approach (sustainability related)
  • Participatory PlanningHere he notes the subtle differences between three common types
    1. decentralized (top down but over several districts)
    2. Bottom up (collaborative bridging of top and bottom )
    3. Community Based (spontaneous from the community)

• Ferrazzi, Gabe. "The Planning Cycle and Project Management" . Rural Community Development Introductory Modules,(WebCT class notes). Brandon University, Fall, 2001.Module # 8-b .
  Gabe's notes bring out the need to:
  • move beyond the simplistic planning cycle when using a rational Planning Model, but adds the caution that one can get lost in the details. The notion of planning not being an exact science as it has to do with people is also dealt with. He outlines the use of SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) as a model for moving from visioning to Strategic Planning, and thence to operational planning to monitoring and evaluating.
  • practice the use of a Logic Model for Projects and gain familiarity with the terms and categories of its matrix.
  • Become familiar with the use and role of GANTT and CPM charts in Project Management work, in both on and off line versions.
  • and lists seven key skill areas in project management:
    1. Planning
    2. Cost Control
    3. Procurement
    4. Time Management
    5. Stafing
    6. Team Development
    7. Risk Management

On-Line Resources