Scenario and Objectives Identification in Managing - Assignment Example

Emergency Management Emergency Management Discussion A scenario refers to an outline, framework, or model of the exercise’s supposed sequence of events. Scenarios may take the form of a written narrative or event timeline. Usually, it provides a guideline that directs participants’ discussion exercise. The most recommended scenario must be that which makes it easy for an exercise to assess its objectives and main activities. Such scenarios must be convincing, reasonable, and providing a challenging basis.

On the contrary, the designers must ensure that the scenario is not as sophisticated and complicated to the extent that it overwhelms the players (Haddow, Bullock & Coppola, 2013). The scenario should be one of the first items to begin with in developing an exercise. It serves as a prerequisite for developing the scope and the context of the exercise. It is from here that participants to an exercise would find direction for exercise procedure. The scenario would also serve to ease assessment of the exercise’s objectives.

If it comes last, it will make no much sense because the entire exercise shall have lost direction. A scenario serves as a guideline for developing and directing an exercise. For a discussion and operational exercise, the scenario provides an outline or framework from where the whole exercise draws its base. Scenario is more important than exercise objectives. The former allows an exercise to assess its objectives and main activities while the latter does not influence the former. It is better to develop the scenario ahead of exercise objectives.

The rationale for this is that the scenario would serve to inform subsequent procedures within the exercise. Formulation of the exercise objectives depends on the scenario. Discussion 2 Objectives identification is a key process in the course of building on exercise foundation. Exercise planning capabilities depend on the extent of applicability of attaining set objectives by the relevant agency. Objectives set for exercise planning should be simple to understand. Simplicity of objectives enhances their implementation.

Objectives should be measurable based on set criteria for evaluation. Measurable objectives reflect the extent of accomplishment already attained by the stakeholders. Similarly, measurable objectives enhance implementers’ ability to gauge the extent of remaining set parameters to achieve set goals. Objectives should be attainable and achievable by the various stakeholders and parties involved (Department of Homeland Security 2013). Attainable realities are significant to prevent possible cases of misplaced priorities.

Ensuring attainable objectives involves validating the set targets. Objectives should be realistic. In exercise and design development, realistic objectives are vital and essential. Realistic objectives help in designing and establishment of goals for the organization. Objectives should be task-oriented to help maintain relevance with the set activities of the organization. Failure to adopt the entities may cause a deviation in the implementation process. SMART objectives by Task-oriented objectives are helpful to enhance the relevance to the required and set goals.

Public safety oriented entities find SMART objectives invaluable in providing the most appropriate in exercise foundation. It is imperative for public safety oriented entities to engage stakeholders in formulating SMART objectives.    References Department of Homeland Security (2013). Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP). Retrieved September 26, 2014 from https://www.llis.dhs.gov/HSEEP/Documents/homeland-security-exercise-and-evaluation-program-hseep Haddow, G, Bullock, J & Coppola, D. (2013). Introduction to Emergency Management.

London: Butterworth-Heinemann.