Refinement Stage Planning Guide

Allow participants to shape their own local implementation of project

Studies of implementations of innovations have shown how the innovation is changed to fit the constraints and goals of the individual innovators. In coordinating this project, this can be a strength rather than a source of frustration if you plan for these local deviations from your ideal image.

Make clear what aspects of your project have to be kept the same across sites
Let the participants know that they are encouraged to change other aspects to fit their own constraints and goals
Urge participants to share with the other participants their local modifications

Even though you created the project, you will find much more active participation by others if they can modify it to better fit their situation, as they will then feel more "ownership" of the project.

If you have any suggestions for this page, please send them to <j-levin@uiuc.edu>

Return to the Network Project Planning Guide
Last updated: 28 February 1997