Strategic framework is a tool to analyze a project proposal in relation to goals and resources. It is a way to help answer the question, "What are we trying to do and what do we need to do it?" Like the stakeholder analysis, the strategic framework considers customers and other stakeholders. It is similar to a SWOT analysis (see page 55) but is more specific in terms of helping you identify resources, partners, and innovations that might help you achieve project goals.

One objective at a time. To be most effective, the strategic framework should work with one project-specific objective at a time. Strategic frameworks can be devised by one person and then presented to and reviewed by others, or they can be created through a facilitated group decision conference.

Clear statement of project goal. The core element is a clear statement of the service or project objective.

Examine factors necessary to achieve goal. Completing the framework includes identifying and analyzing the internal and external factors that you must consider in order to achieve your justice integration objective. Those factors will include an initial identification of potential resources, including current and potential partners.

Identify relevant technologies. You should also identify potential uses for information technology and other innovations that may be necessary to achieve your objective.

40,000-foot-view. The framework prompts you to take a high- level view of the full array of internal and environmental factors that can support a particular service objective.

Identify partners, customers, resources, technology. By creating a strategic framework for your integration project, you can readily identify potential partners to help achieve your objectives, details about the customers of your service, information and other resources that will be needed, and innovative products and services that might be relevant.

Thinking "outside the box." Using this tool enables you to expand your thinking about the project. Thinking outside the box will open up new avenues and possibilities to explore.

Refine goals. Once you know what partners, resources, and technologies your environment has to offer, you can refine the project objectives.

Good with enablers, poor for barriers. The strategic framework is limited in that it focuses on enablers, but largely ignores barriers. This can lead to an overly-optimistic assessment of your project's prospects. Or, you may fail to anticipate critical problems.

Ignores availability, cost of resources. The analysis also fails to deal directly with the availability and cost of identified innovations, resources, and partners. As a result, the stakeholder analysis by itself does not include the detail needed to craft a project plan or design a system. While important, it's only a part of the overall planning process.