Ring 1

Looking at alternatives is part of being cost-effective. The nature of complex programs is that there are usually several routes to come near to the same objective. At least a number of these routes should be systematically considered.

Some points:

• The ability to achieve objectives is contingent on the implementation logic. It is important not to define the objectives in detail first before designing and deciding the intervention logic;
• If there are emotional or ‘political’ arguments in favor of one implementation logic, it is important to make them explicit

In formulating alternative program logic the same tools can be used as in formulating the flow from inputs to objectives, i.e. transaction cost analysis, reverse plausibility check, Chase checklist and trade-off analysis. Additional tools are:

• Alternative check
• Solution streams
• Voting and ranking systems