A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

For each objective that you identify, several strategies may be possible. In order to choose interventions with maximum impact, analyze each possible activity according to its contribution, constraints, consequences, and costs. Optimal strategies are those that contribute the most with the least cost, consequences, and constraints. You may want to use the following criteria:

Contribution

Evaluate each activity in terms of the contribution it will make toward achieving the objectives. Be sure to consider:  

• Impact. Does the activity have a direct or indirect effect on the condition?

• Scope. How many people or things can be reached by the activity?

• Permanency. How long will the effect last? Will the activity have to be repeated? If so, how often?

Constraints
 
Test each activity for existing or potential constraints that might limit implementation and therefore make it inappropriate. Consider the following types of constraints:  

• Physical. Are there geographic, mechanical, natural, or other barriers or conditions that impede implementation?

• Legal. Are there laws or regulations that impede implementation?

• Administrative. Are there administrative factors such as lack of personnel or prior commitments to other programs that could limit implementation?

• Distributional. Are things and people actually at the places where the activity will be implemented? If not, can they get there?

• Political. Are there political reasons why the activity may be inappropriate, unwise, or unacceptable?

• Traditional, social, and religious. Will customs and traditions restrict community commitment to implementing the activity?

Consequences
 
Analyze each activity to determine its potential effects on other parts of the comprehensive initiative and on other programs, agencies, or collaborative groups. These effects are called "consequences," "repercussions," or "spill overs," and include the following:  

• Will the activity reduce the output of other providers?

• Will it affect the recipients of other services?

• Will participants in the intervention affect non-participants?

• Will it delay other programs or initiatives?

• Will it create demand for other programs or initiatives?

• Will it run counter to other collaborative, community, or agency goals?

Cost
 
Analyze each activity in terms of its cost. Consider:  

• Expenditures. Are the major expenses identified? Are the cost estimates for each verified?

• Revenues. Are the required financial resources actually available? If not, are potential sources identified? Are there budgetary constraints that could preclude spending in this way?

-###-

[Sample Goal Matrix Expanded Again]

[Blank Goal Matrix]