Assessment of the quality of strategic objectives : 1993

The information was drawn from an examination of 50 randomly chosen strategic objectives which were assessed against a matrix of quality criteria. These criteria were developed from the program performance measurement guidelines cabled to all field Missions and offices by CDIE in April 1991. Results are as follows. (1) An assessment of qualitative changes in strategic plans from 1992 to 1993, as recorded by the LAC and Africa Bureau Missions, reveals that Missions continue to refine and improve their strategic plans each year. These changes have been made in response to new funding scenarios, better knowledge of strategic planning and performance monitoring, and the practical aspects of data collection. (2) There are three general conclusions about the quality of strategic objectives, a pattern which varies little by program area: (a) 37% and 33% of the strategic objectives (SOs) and program outcomes (POs), respectively, were not logically consistent; (b) 34% and 35% of the SOs and POs, respectively, were not defined precisely; (c) 50% and 54% of the indicators for SOs and POs, respectively, were not direct measures of the SO or PO. (3) The quality of strategic plans must be improved to respond to managers' needs and some quality improvements are already being made by individual Missions. CDIE should continue to provide input on the quality of strategic plans during annual program reviews and before PRISM (Program Performance Information for Strategic Management) TDYs; and CDIE should work to provide information/guidance on indicators and data collection, especially in the newer areas of USAID activity. (Author abstract)