Designed to assist persons charged with the preparation of planning proposals that meet the requirements of the program of federal assistance to vocational education, this booklet reviews several types of planning strategies. After introductory comments, the booklet lists several steps that all planners should incorporate into their strategy: (1) define the problem to be solved; (2) delimit the problem within the context of available resources; (3) analyze the probable reactions of all groups involved or influenced and determine their ability to influence, either favorably or adversely, the implementation of any problem-solving plan; (4) analyze the political, economic, social, and technological environment; (5) redefine and clarify the problem; (6) develop informal, schematic portrayals of possible patterns of interaction between constituencies; (7) use the decision making process in planning; (8) decide whether decisions will be made in order to get optimal results even at the risk of antagonizing some constituencies, to satisfy as many people as possible, or to modify or amplify that which the organization is already doing; (9) analyze program and demographic trends on an ongoing basis; (10) be aware of the timing of each step in implementation; and (11) modify the plan and the resulting program on the basis of feedback. Arguing that the most critical element of the planning process is the creative phase, the paper describes two techniques to facilitate the development of ideas and planning proposals: the Delphi Technique, which is typically identified as the most efficient approach, and the Delbecq Techniques, which places a premium on reaching consensus. The Program Evaluation Review Technique, the Gantt technique, and Scope and Sequence technique are described as means of plotting the implementation of the plan chosen. Charts illustrating the use of a Scope and Sequence method to develop a career placement center are provided. Finally, the booklet underscores the importance of information on the occupational demand for a program in obtaining federal monies. Appendixes include a list of occupations ranked by projected openings in Hawaii from 1988 to 1996 and a set of charts analyzing the availability of vocational education programs at Hawaii secondary schools and community colleges. (VVC)