Strategic Planning: Stages of Performance-Based Planning

Performance-based planning focuses on clearly defined results and outcomes. It is carried out by structuring a sequence of work plans and optimizing the use of available resources efficiently and effectively to achieve the intended goals.

Stages of Performance-Based Planning

Stages of Performance-Based Planning:

1. Defining Outcomes and Outputs (Performance) --> Defining Performance Outcomes at the Program Level and Outputs at the Sub-Activity Level. This stage determines what results are expected to be achieved. Outcomes describe the performance to be achieved at the program level, while outputs define the tangible goods or services produced at the activity/sub-activity level.
2. Formulate Programs and Activities (Work) --> Programs, activities, and sub-activities are prepared based on specific references. At this stage, programs, activities, and sub-activities are structured as planned work. They are prepared based on specific policy and regulatory references to ensure alignment and consistency.
3. Defining Performance Measures (Indicators) --> Defining performance indicators as tools or variables used to measure performance. This stage establishes indicators as measurement tools or variables used to assess performance. Indicators help determine whether outcomes and outputs are being achieved as planned.
4. Setting Targets --> taking into account available resources and environmental conditions. Targets are set by considering available resources and existing environmental conditions. This ensures that performance targets are realistic, measurable, and achievable within the given context.

cheesecake

In real life example, here is cheesecake photo—linking both taste (outcome) and design (output) in a way that’s easy to understand and grounded in practice.

1. Defining Outcomes and Outputs (Performance) --> Outcome (what is ultimately achieved): A delicious cheesecake that satisfies customers, leaves a memorable taste, and encourages repeat orders. Output (what is produced): A slice of cheesecake with a smooth texture, balanced sweetness, and an elegant chocolate swirl design with strawberry topping, exactly as shown in the photo. In performance-based planning, this is similar to defining what success looks like before starting the work.
2. Formulating Programs and Activities (Work) --> Program (main effort): Cheesecake production. Activities and sub-activities: Selecting quality ingredients, mixing the batter, baking at the right temperature, preparing chocolate sauce, plating with artistic design, and final presentation.  This reflects how programs and activities are arranged to ensure the desired output and outcome can be achieved.
3. Defining Performance Measures (Indicators) --> Taste indicators: Creaminess, sweetness balance, freshness. Design indicators: Neat chocolate swirl, clean plate presentation, visual appeal. Customer indicators: Customer satisfaction, positive feedback, repeat orders. These indicators help measure whether the cheesecake meets both taste expectations and visual standards, just like performance indicators measure success in planning documents.
4. Setting Targets --> Taste target: Rich, smooth cheesecake with consistent flavor every serving. Design target: Plate presentation exactly matching the design standard (clean swirl, centered topping). Resource considerations: Available ingredients, kitchen tools, chef skill, time, and customer preferences. Targets are set realistically, considering resources and environmental conditions, just as in performance-based planning.

This cheesecake perfectly illustrates performance-based planning: the design represents output, the enjoyable taste represents outcome, and both are achieved through clear planning, proper execution, measurable standards, and realistic targets. Just like in strategic planning, success comes not by chance—but by design.

Quranic Insight:

And say, ‘Do [as you will], for Allah will see your deeds, and [so will] His Messenger and the believers.’ (Qur’an, Surah At-Tawbah 9:105)

This verse reminds us that every action we plan and carry out is meaningful and accountable. In performance-based planning, it reflects the importance of not only setting goals and targets, but also ensuring that actions lead to real and measurable results. Allah’s reminder that deeds are seen encourages us to plan with intention, work responsibly, and focus on outcomes that bring benefit— both in our efforts and in our daily lives.