POLICY AND PLANNING in quality MPM management

Corporate policy and planning criteria can be used to examine the planning processes of the MPM unit, and the way in which planning is communicated to all levels of the MPM unit.

The corporate planning approach is essentially basic strategic planning with the people issues thrown in. The more people that are involved in the implementation of the plan, the more important people factors become in making and executing the plan.

Corporate planning emphasises all stakeholders having a shared understanding of what needs to be achieved and the route by which it will be achieved. The Wagon wheel of MPM planning shows how the various elements of the corporate planning process fit together.

We can evaluate the MPM's corporate planning from two angles, using:

• organisational values

These criteria will reflect the values and culture of the MPM unit - the total picture of why the unit exists, how it wishes to exist and its fundamental beliefs. 

• the planning process

These criteria will reflect essential steps in translating organisational values into daily operations. 

For further evaluation insights, click to see:

• Advantages of vision driven MPM unit

• Wagon wheel of MPM planning

• Building the cathedral

• Hierarchy of planning in local government

• MPM service planning ñ an extension of basic strategic planning

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Ask: 

How does the MPM unit generate its guiding values?

How have the values been introduced and adopted to become part of the way the MPM unit conducts its business?

Some specific questions to be considered are:

1. Do the policies and guidelines for the MPM unit reflect the unitís values?

2. How have the policies and guidelines of the MPM unit been developed?

3. How is the MPM unitís commitment to its corporate values evaluated? Has the MPM unit learned from its evaluations?

For further evaluation insights, click to see:

ï Townsville City Council Corporate Plan 1995ñ1998: Animal Control aspects

ï More evaluation questions and examples

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Ask: 

How does the MPM unit translate its values through the planning process and implement them in its daily operations?

Does the planning process involve the entire MPM unit, its stakeholders, its suppliers and the community-at-large?

Some specific questions to be considered are:

1. Does the MPM unit follow a formal planning process which integrates the MPM unitís values?

2. Does the MPM unit set formal goals and priorities for planning purposes? Does it determine appropriate performance indicators at the planning stage?

3. Are data on community requirements, supplier capabilities, legal environment, community attitudes and knowledge and benchmarks from other councils used in the development of MPM plans, policies and objectives?

4. Are MPM team members at all levels involved in the development of plans, policies and objectives?

5. How are the MPM plans implemented? Does the MPM unit evaluate the effectiveness of the planning process? Does it learn from mistakes made in planning?

For further evaluation insights, click to see:

ï Rex (cartoon)

ï More evaluation questions and examples