Question

Let’s use an example of a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase public awareness about healthy living. You meet with the director of the organization to develop an MOV for a potential project. Although there are many ways to increase awareness to promote healthy living, such as creating a web site, using social media, or renting a billboard, it is important not to come up with a preconceived solution until after the MOV is defined. Alternatives such as these will be detailed, analyzed, and com- pared in the business case. If a best alternative exists, then management would make the decision to fund the next stage or phase of the project where a detailed plan is created.

Identify the desired area of impact A project can have an impact on an organization in many different ways. Figure 3.3 provides some potential areas of impact and a few examples for each area. Again, your responsibility is to lead this process and begin by asking the client, customer, sponsor, or group of stakeholders: "Is the desired impact of the project strategic, customer, financial, operational, or social?" Be advised that the worst possible answer is "All the above" or "Yes, I want it to have an impact in all of those areas" because a project needs to have a clear focus. Another way to gain a clearer picture would be to have the customer or stakeholders prioritize the four areas from most important to least important. The purpose here is to create a dialog to better understand why the project is being considered, as well as the role and impact it will have on the organization. Don’t be surprised if this turns into a lively and spirited discussion among stakeholders as previously accepted wisdom is challenged. The key is to gain valuable insight by asking the question, "Why do the project?" Using the example of our nonprofit, after much discussion, it is agreed that increasing awareness for healthy living falls most closely under the social category as the organization wants to educate people so that they live longer and healthier lives.

Answer 1

To define an MOV for a nonprofit organization focusing on healthy living awareness, it is determined that the social category is the most significant area of impact. Engaging stakeholders in open discussions is key to clarifying the project’s focus and ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

Step-by-step explanation:

Defining the Mission Objectives and Vision (MOV)

When assisting an organization to develop an MOV, it is crucial to first identify the area where the project will have an impact. In the scenario provided, where a nonprofit seeks to improve public awareness about healthy living, it is determined that the project's impact falls predominantly within the social category. This characterization aligns with the nonprofit's desire to educate society for enhanced longevity and health outcomes thus supporting community wellbeing over strategic, financial, customer, or operational impacts.

It's important to conduct a dialogue with stakeholders to understand their priorities and expectations. This conversation is vital as it helps in setting clear and focused objectives, ensuring that everyone's wisdom is challenged and valuable insights are gained. An example of such a dialogue could include recognizing the importance of the stakeholders' perspectives and experiences, and shaping the project narrative to align with their needs and priorities, thereby providing pragmatic solutions.

In summary, the area of impact for a project, especially within a nonprofit organization, needs to be clearly defined and agreed upon by all stakeholders to ensure the project's success and alignment with the organization's mission. By engaging in open discussions and prioritizing particular impact areas, a project's direction and outcomes can be more effectively guided.