Identify and sequence activities
This is the stage where you already know what you are trying to achieve and need to list all the activities and place them in the correct sequence according to their importance and timing. You should identify any dependencies, i.e. which activities cannot start until others have been completed, since this is the factor that will determine your overall sequencing. Identify if any activities could possibly be undertaken at the same time. The table below sets out an example of a checklist of sequenced activities.
Planning of training for model households.
| Sequence of activities | Time target | Responsible person |
|---|---|---|
| Visit the community for discussions with community members to identify model households for training | January 12 | Health professional |
| Identify model households | January 12 | Community |
| Meet the community leader to secure the community hall | January 13 | Health Committee |
| Prepare health education materials and posters to teach model families | January 14–16 | Health professional |
| Educational materials ordered | January 17 | Health professional |
| Educational material received | January 27 | Health professional |
| Funds requested for Health professionals daily expenses | January 27 | Health professional |
| Funds obtained | February 10 | |
| Programme start date | February 20 |
Look closely at the list of activities above. Why do you think that setting out a detailed timing checklist like this will help with planning the training of these model households?
By looking through this detailed checklist you can think through all the stages of preparing for the training. Not all plans work to the schedule you have planned and changing the dates may be necessary – but the sequence should remain the same.