DESCRIPTION

This handbook is a practical guide to strategic planning for higher education institutions in an era in which such efforts are critical to successful development. It moves from 'first steps' through eight stages of the process including plan preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. The Guide draws on the experience of institutions in Sough Africa, Ghana, Namibia, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and the United States. The authors build on more than a decade of success in facilitating the process and advising higher education institutions about strategic and financial planning.

 

CONTENTS

Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgements

About the Authors

About the Effective Governance Project

 

Chapter 1: Setting the Context for Strategic Planning

Strategic Planning Defined

The Contemporary Context for Strategic Planning

• Environmental Factors

 

Chapter 2: Questions and Answers for Effective Strategic Planning

Why is Strategic Planning Important?

What Are the Keys to Strategic Planning Success?

How Does Strategic Planning Focus Institutions?

What is the Role of Leadership in Successful Strategic Planning?

How does Strategic Planning Fit into the National Policy Framework?

What are the Major Elements of a Strategic Plan?

• Mission Statement

• Sample Mission Statements

• Vision Statement

• Sample Vision Statements

• Institutional Goals or Objectives

• Sample Goals and Objectives

• Financial Plan and Institutional Budget

Who Should Participate in the Strategic Planning Process?

 

Chapter 3: Stages Involved in the Strategic Planning Process

Stages of the Strategic Planning Process

• Stage 1 - Getting Started

• Stage 2 - The Strategic Planning Committee Begins its Work

• Stage 3 - Compiling the Final Strategic Planning Document

• Stage 4 - Publicising the Plan

• Stage 5 - Getting the Plan Approved

• Stage 6 - Implementing the Plan

• Stage 7 - Monitoring and Evaluating the Strategic Plan

• Stage 8 - Institutionalising Strategic Planning

What Strategies Help Maximise Chances for Successful Implementation of the Strategic Plan?

When is the Strategic Planning Process Complete?

Conclusion

 

Appendix A: Two Case Studies: South Africa and Nigeria

• South Africa's National Framework

• Overview of the Framework

• Nigeria's National Framework

 

Appendix B: Benchmarks for Strategic Planning

• The Benchmarking Checklist