Why does it matter?

The “issue analysis plan” helps the team answer the question: “how to solve the most
pressing issues that our client is facing?”.
Once issues have been prioritised and selected (see Step 3 presentation), the team needs to find a
way to solve them. In this training section, we will explore how to best develop and use an issue
analysis plan. As an introduction, read the case study below and reflect on why issue analysis plans
are important. In the next slides, we will explain how to develop a work plan in 6 steps.
Case study

A team of 5 is working on a project, exploring options for a charity to raise funds. Team members start
conducting research straight away, without preparing an issue analysis plan first. Each student researches an
aspect of the problem, and potential solutions such as organising a large fundraising event, recruiting regular
donators, and seeking Government grants. As the deadline approaches, the group starts realising that they
haven’t delved into one aspect of the problem: corporate partnerships for fundraising. The last few days before
the deadline are stressful and the team rushes to incorporate that last aspect in their report. Some team
members are a bit disappointed with the end-result.

Pause and reflect: how could this stress have been avoided, and how could the quality of the final
report have been improved?
Global Consulting Team

7 Step Framework Training

Step 4-a: Issue analysis plan
Sequence of Step 4-a and 4-b

Step 4-a “Issue analysis plan” will show you how to go about
solving your client’s problem.

Step 4-b “Work plan” will show you how to best work in teams; it
is rather a project management tool.
 Developing an
issue analysis 6 Steps to Develop an Issue Analysis Plan

plan in 6 steps

Issues Hypothesis Supporting Rationales Analysis Sources End-product

List the Explain Specify the

elements what likely
Make
List the issues that make should be location or Specify what
hypothesis
that your team you think explored means of the end
on how to
has to solve for each to confirm obtaining product
solve the data to should be
the client hypothesis or refute
issues carry out
is a the
possibility hypothesis analysis
Example Below is an example of issue analysis plan. And note, this is a team exercise!

Supporting
Issues Hypotheses rationales Analyses Sources End-product

Issue #1: Hypothesis #1.1: Rationale #1.1: For both hypotheses: For both hypotheses: For both hypotheses:
Elevate the Look up struggling Easy and quick way to - Summarise the key - Publicly available - A table listing the
Future would like businesses in the UK find businesses that reasons why the resources e.g. news businesses in need, the
know what is the then check to see if could use project business needs Project articles sector they operate in,
best way for they have a website falcons services Falcons services what they need and
them to measure or need e-commerce - Cross-check against why they need it
their social the organisation’s
impact.a list of Hypothesis #1.2: Rationale #1.2: priorities.
potential UK Look on going More complex but
clients for Project impact more comprehensive
Falcon measurement solution
Issue #2: Hypothesis #2.1: Rationale #2.1: For both hypotheses: For both hypotheses: For both hypotheses:
They also would Contact the More direct solution for - Identify and value all - Publicly available - The Excel sheet
like to know what president of gaining clients costs attached to each resources showing all calculations
is the most cost- different 180 hypothesis - Resources provided by and sources of cost
efficient way for branches to present Rationale #2.2: - Identify and value the the NGO (annual information
them to do so. service to past and Poten benefits where possible reports, etc.) - A short summary of
present clients - Compare both options’ - Consultations with key all qualitative benefits
overall cost-benefit ratio stakeholders of the and a 1-page report
Hypothesis #2.2: NGO presenting the final
See if can get a post cost-benefit ratios
on 180 Social
medias
 Further Resources for Step 4-a

Make your own issue analysis plan:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LEeDnktzsndsQrDvz9lnayK4oxOo0WXlOeB-qDLrb80/edit?usp=sharing

Do your own market research:

https://blog.cvent.com/events/feedback-surveys/market-research-process-6-steps-project-success/

Create and analyze your own surveys:

https://psr.iq.harvard.edu/files/psr/files/ManagingSurveyData_0.pdf
Why does it matter?

A work plan is an essential tool that enables teams to work efficiently and track progress.
In this training section, we will explore how to best develop and use a work plan. You will see that a
work plan is based on an issue analysis plan (described in Step 4-a). As an introduction, read the
case study below and reflect on why work plans are important. In the next slides, we will describe the
4 building blocks that any good work plan should contain.
Case study

A team of 5 is working on a project, exploring options for a charity to raise funds. Team members start
conducting research straight away, without preparing a work plan first. Each student researches a stand-alone
option, and the group communicates on findings regularly. As the deadline approaches, the group starts
wondering how they will collate their findings into one coherent document. Some team members realise that
they covered similar pieces of research and that they could have sequenced their work better to be more
efficient. The last few days before the deadline are stressful and the team rushes to finalise their report. Some
team members are a bit disappointed with the end-result.

Pause and reflect: how could this stress have been avoided, and how could the quality of the final
report have been improved?
Global Consulting Team

7 Step Framework Training

Step 4-b: Work plan
4 building blocks to a good work plan

The situations presented in the case study could have been avoided if the team had built a work plan at the
beginning. A work plan is a project and team management tool, that will help you deliver your end-products on
time. It outlines the hypotheses and end-products listed in the issue analysis plan, and lines them up against a
timeline. It also attributes each end-product to a team member to build accountability. It contributes to:
- Shaping high-performing teams that use their efforts and time efficiently;
- Tracking progress against timeframes; and
- Clarifying what is expected from each team member and when.

The 4 building blocks below will help you develop your own work plan.

Hypotheses End-products Timeframes Accountability

Include all hypotheses Include all the end- Think about your Attribute each
that your team will products that the team timeframe: sequence hypothesis and end-
analyse aims to deliver tasks and set product to a team
deadlines member
Example

See below an example of work plan. We recommend that you use Excel to prepare yours.