The Suitability and Application of Scenario Planning for National Professional Associations

This article explores the suitability of scenario development as a strategic planning tool for national professional associations. It examines strategic planning by nonprofits and how scenarios fit into the planning process. Scenario planning is shown to be a promising technique for anticipating the impact of technology and other environmental changes on professional practice. The experience of the American Health Information Management Association shows that scenarios are a useful way to communicate and gain member acceptance of the need for personal and professional change.     

Consumer evaluation of community treatment

Development of community programs for offenders requires innovation in program design and evaluation. The Complex Offender Project (COP) provided intensive community treatment, and its clients' opinions were used as a component of its evaluation. Treated clients perceived the same needs for services as did other offenders, but more of them reported receiving the services. Compared to probation, COP was perceived to be more helpful in resolving problems, more continuously helpful, and of helping more to learn useful skills and achieve meaningful goals. The Complex Offender Project provides a model for program development, and the techniques of consumer evaluation are recommended as a means of evaluating such programs.