continuation of Disaster Management - LESSON 2

Lesson 2 - Program Planning
Study Guide Overview
Lesson 2 examines basic terminology and concepts of planning and provides a guide to some basic techniques used in disaster management planning.

Learning Objectives
• Develop an understanding of the six steps of the planning function.
• Become familiar with the four concepts mentioned to stretch funds by briefly discussing each.
• Describe three ways of balancing a relief program.
• Describe the four methods of estimating future needs and resources.
• Explain the concepts of variable and moving budgeting.
• After reviewing the section entitled "Common Problems In Program Planning," list ways to avoid or solve these problems.
• Refer to the Gap Identification Sheet in Appendix II-A and see how it could aid you in prevention of overlapping activities.

Learning Activities
• Read Chapter 2 in the text.
• Study Figures 2-1, 2-2, 2-3; Tables 2-A, 2-B.

Evaluation
Complete the self-assessment test.

Lesson 2 Self-Assessment Test

Multiple Choice
Circle the correct answer(s):

1. In order to quantify needs, agencies should: (choose the best answer)
a) conduct extensive, detailed surveys
b) obtain an accurate count of people living in the stricken area and determine ways to ration supplies equitably
c) determine how much assistance can be provided and set limits accordingly
d) attempt to estimate percentages of families requiring different types of assistance
e) estimate numbers of people in the stricken area who are not eligible for any other form of assistance

2. The "Gap Identification Sheet" is divided into _____ and_____ actions. (Fill in blanks with appropriate letters from list below.)
a) short-term
b) long-term
c) pre-disaster
d) emergency
e) humanitarian
f) technically guided

3. To define precisely what an agency hopes to achieve through a particular program, the agency should:
a) set policies, establish goals, and select one strategy and one approach
b) set policies and establish goals that stay within a fixed budget
c) set policies, establish goals, and select strategies and approaches
d) set policies, establish goals, and solicit funding
e) conduct extensive surveys, set policies, and establish goals.

4. Effective policies should attempt to do all of the following except:
a) empower managers to use financial incentives to achieve defined objectives
b) strike a reasonable balance between stability and flexibility
c) cover any contingency
d) provide for coordination of the various related sub-units
e) be stated clearly and logically

5. When setting objectives, the most important considerations are: (choose the best answer)
a) the priority of each, any conflicts and problems of coordination, and the likelihood of success
b) the priority of each, its timing, and its delegation to the appropriate person or department
c) the short-term versus long-term benefits, the recoverability of funding, and ways to meet the needs of the most people in the greatest geographical area
d) linking to other programs, maximizing buying power, and balancing between family and community assistance
e) that they be measurable, flexible, and adaptable

6. Once objectives have been established and prioritized, an agency should:
a) estimate how much assistance will come from the government and how much will come from private donors
b) determine how many people are not eligible for government assistance
c) decide which department of the agency will be responsible for which
objective
d) determine strategies and approaches
e) obtain a realistic estimate of the amount of assistance to be provided and how many beneficiaries there will be


7. Choose which planning concept the following statements represent by marking either an "s" (strategy) or "a" (approach) in the appropriate blank.

_____ Organize technical crews to inspect storage facilities for possible food deterioration.

_____ Give loans and grants.

_____ Establish a nutrition program.

_____ Organize a construction team to build replacement houses for a designated number of people in the project area.

_____ Establish a construction program.



8. Use of time series analysis would probably be a more accurate indicator in the event of _____ than in the event of_____. (Decide in which blank each letter below belongs.)
a) earthquake
b) drought
c) hurricane
d) civil war
e) tornado


9. In situations where refugees are arriving over extended periods of time, agencies should:
a) estimate total numbers of people anticipated and stockpile materials for
that number
b) estimate the number of people in need of assistance for a limited period and update needs estimates (using a formula) on a weekly basis
c) multiply the number of people now receiving assistance times the percentage of the total that the new arrivals represent
d) add the total number of people now receiving assistance to the number of new arrivals last week and multiply by the contingency planning number
e) estimate the number of people in need of assistance for a limited period and update needs estimates (using a formula) on a monthly basis


10. A program impact assessment should be made as part of the:
a) planning process
b) control process
c) decision making process
d) evaluation process
e) budget process


11. By contingency planning, an agency is able to order one shipment of supplies which covers total shelter needs rather than having to order an additional shipment at a later date. This is an
example of:
a) moving budgeting
b) forecasting
c) concentration of resources
d) multiple objective planning
e) variable budgeting



True/False
Indicate T or F:
_____ 12. After a disaster, needs can best be determined by visiting representative areas and talking to selected groups in the affected community.

_____ 13. Different departments should be involved in reviewing objectives to resolve any conflicts or problems of coordination.

_____ 14. A good field accounting system is one which places the emphasis of trust on
the user.

_____ 15. In most disasters, the need for curative medical supplies is far greater than
the need to establish adequate sanitation and hygiene.

Answer Key
1. d
2. c, d
3. c
4. a
5. b
6. e
7. a,s,s,a,s
8. a, c, e/b, d
9. b
10. a
11. b, e
12. T
13. T
14. T
15. F