What are effective ways to evaluate the impact of a planning process on different demographics?

1 Identify your stakeholders

The first step is to identify who are the stakeholders of your planning process, meaning the people or groups who are affected by, or have an interest in, the outcome of your project. You can use various methods to identify your stakeholders, such as brainstorming, surveys, interviews, or stakeholder mapping. Once you have a list of your stakeholders, you can categorize them by their level of influence, interest, power, or expectations.

3 Collect and analyze data

The third step is to collect and analyze data that can help you measure the impact of your planning process on your stakeholders according to your criteria. You can use various sources and methods of data collection, such as: observation, documents, feedback, surveys, interviews, focus groups, or case studies. You can also use qualitative or quantitative methods of data analysis, such as: descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, thematic analysis, or content analysis.

4 Compare and contrast alternatives

The fourth step is to compare and contrast the alternatives that you have generated or considered in your planning process, and evaluate how they affect your stakeholders according to your criteria. You can use various tools and techniques to compare and contrast alternatives, such as: decision matrices, SWOT analysis, cost-benefit analysis, or multi-criteria analysis. You can also use visual aids, such as graphs, charts, or maps, to illustrate the differences and similarities between alternatives.

5 Communicate and justify your results

The fifth step is to communicate and justify your results to your stakeholders and other relevant audiences, such as: clients, sponsors, managers, or regulators. You can use various formats and channels to communicate and justify your results, such as: reports, presentations, posters, or websites. You should also explain the rationale behind your evaluation, the assumptions and limitations that you have made, the evidence and arguments that you have used, and the implications and recommendations that you have derived.

6 Monitor and review your impact

The sixth step is to monitor and review the impact of your planning process on your stakeholders over time, and make adjustments if necessary. You can use various methods and indicators to monitor and review your impact, such as: feedback, surveys, interviews, audits, or evaluations. You should also consider the external factors and changes that may affect your impact, such as: social, economic, political, or environmental trends or events.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?