STEP 1. MAKE A WISH LIST
The first step has nothing to do with numbers or dollars. Rather, it consists
of an annual review of the needs of the institution by speaking with senior
management and investigators to determine what they want the organization
to accomplish in the year or years to come. This is the planning stage
Fiscal Management
246 Management of Laboratory Animal Care and Use Programs
previously discussed. The planning stage involves consideration of a number
of questions about the upcoming year, such as:
1. What should the organization be doing in the next year or future years?
2. What core activities are essential?
3. What additional activities might be undertaken if cost were not an
object?
4. What are the staffs needs associated with these activities?
5. Are there special one-time expenditures that might be considered for
things such as upgrading equipment, improving physical facilities, contracting
special consultancies in evaluation, or marketing?