In my three previous articles in this series I have stated why Factor Analysis Modeling (FAM) is a key part of Strategic Planning, Program Evaluation, and Performance Improvement processes (Part I), and in Part II I listed the four factors that are found in every organization.. In Part III I listed the Substantive factors and their sub-factors, and for each factor I included a brief description of what kind of information should be included with each sub-factor. In this article part IV I will discuss the remaining two factors, Financial and Political. The final article in this series Part V, will present a sample Factor Analysis Model (FAM)
Remember that I consider all programs, units, departments to be an organization, and I will use the terms interchangeably.
Financial Factors Note: For some programs, the first eight factors may not be pertinent. Feel free to begin with the "financial inter-relationship with other programs" F9.
F1 Source of Funds
• List the agency or agencies that provide funding for your agency. i.e. Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance.
F2 Billing Methods
• How are these agencies billed?
F3 Frequency of billing?
• How often does the billing take place? Weekly, Bi-Weekly, Monthly?
F4 Method of payment
• How are bills paid? Checks, cash, credit cards?
F5 Frequency of payments
• After billing takes place, how long is it before payment is received? Different sources may pay at different intervals. Please note same.
F6 Fee Setting Process
• How are fees set? Who does the setting?
F7 Excess of Revenue Over Expenses
• Is there an excess of revenue over expenses in your program?
F8 Accounting system Used
• Is the organization's accounting system on a cash or accrual basis?
F9 Financial inter-relationship with other programs
• Does your program share any financial aspects with programs within the total agency or the community?
• If so, describe.
F10 Budgetary Process
• How does your program participate in the annual budgetary process?
F11 Extra-budgetary Needs
• If, after the budget has been finalized, your program needs an additional staff member or a piece of equipment, how would you proceed?
Political Factors
P1 Nature, Source, and Intensity of Political Reaction
• What kind of pressure do you feel, where is it coming from, and how intense is the pressure?
P2 Interest Group Strategies
• If you do feel pressure, in what way is it being applied?
P3 Elitist, Pluralist nature of decision making?
• Within your program, how are decisions made?
• Who has the final say?
P4 Political Wheel
• List all the individuals, programs, or agencies that you have contact with during the operation of your program.
• If possible list them as to frequency of contacts. These sub-factors have been used over the years and modified when necessary or when it was felt that the FAM would be more meaningful. Feel free to add or subtract sub-factors as long as the changes are consistent for all departments.
About this Author
Dr. Ira jacobs has been in the field of developmental disabilities for over fifty years. He has covered a wide array of positions ranging from physical therapist to CEO of a large multi services treatment center.
For more information visit his website http://developmentaldisabilitiesissues.com
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