Program Formulation

Program formulation is the first and critical stage in the program life cycle. It's where the vision is articulated, the strategy is crafted, and the blueprint for the entire program is laid out. It's akin to an architect drafting the initial plans for a magnificent building, ensuring that every detail aligns with the intended outcome. While it is true, parts of this early vision may need to change or be adjusted based on broader company/team need (so don’t be rigid, flexibility is key) - this is where you start.

🔍 Key Components of Program Formulation

1. Vision and Goal Setting: This is where the overarching purpose of the program is defined. What are the key objectives and WHY are those objectives relevant for what you are doing? (Try to get down to the base principles that are driving the work). What does success look like in 1 month, 1 quarter, 1 year? These questions form the cornerstone of the program's direction.

2. Strategic Alignment: Here, the program's goals are aligned with the broader organizational strategy (assuming there is one). This ensures that the program contributes meaningfully to the company's overall objectives and does not operate in isolation. If you don’t have something to work from, then work backwards to define the base principles of your team/work/organization and create goals that are geared toward ensuring success of you and the company.

3. Stakeholder Identification and Analysis: Understanding who the stakeholders are, their interests, and their influence is crucial. This step involves mapping out all the parties that will be affected by or can affect the program. Let’s be honest though - this isn’t always as straightforward as it may seem - especially if you’re new to a team or area. So do your best to write down names, responsibilities, and meet LOTS of people - and define how they may or may not fit into your stakeholder map. Then, be sure to update that map frequently as you move forward.

4. Feasibility Study: Conducting a thorough assessment of the program's viability – financially, technically, and operationally. This involves looking at resource availability, potential risks, and the estimated impact. You may not have the luxury of doing this when you start (e.g. you inherit a program) but it doesn’t mean it should'’t be done, and updated frequently. Knowing your program’s viability on an ongoing basis will help you to plot a course to ensure both the program and it’s usefulness to the company are maintained.

5. Initial & Ongoing Resource Allocation: Determining what resources are required to kick-start the program. This includes human resources, technology, finances, and other necessary tools. Then as you move forward, revisit these resources frequently to ensure you’re not over or under spending in order to delivery on your key objectives.

6. High-Level Planning: Sketching out a high-level plan that outlines the major phases, key deliverables, and tentative timelines. This high-level blueprint will provide you with a north star to ensure your on the right path.

📈 The Importance of Program Formulation

The formulation phase is critical as it sets the stage for everything that follows. It provides a clear direction and a robust framework for the program, ensuring that every subsequent decision and action contributes effectively towards the set goals. This phase also helps in identifying potential challenges early on, allowing for proactive measures to mitigate risks.

🌟 Conclusion

As the foundational step in the program life cycle, formulation is where the blueprint for success is created. It requires strategic thinking, careful planning, and a comprehensive understanding of the program’s goals and its alignment with organizational objectives. We highly suggest gong through each of the above steps to establish a solid foundation and set of artifacts to help guide you. Navigating this phase effectively paves the way for a well-structured and successful program.