Planning for Higher Education Journal

Why Strategic Plans Aren’t Working in Uncertain Times

Because Strategic Planning Should Be a Dynamic, Robust Process

From Volume 52 Number 3 | April–June 2024

By Daniel Seymour, PhD

Planning Types: Strategic Planning

Challenges: Planning Alignment, Funding Uncertainty, Change Management

Tags: Adaptable Plans, Alignment, Building (or Writing) the Plan, Change Management, Implementation, Institutional Planning, Leadership, Leadership Attitude Toward Planning, Mission / Vision / Identity, Organizational Change, Planning Processes, Preparing to Plan

Institutions referenced in this resource:
Methodist University, Fontbonne University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, West Virginia University

A strategic plan is supposed to “bring the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.” Almost every college or university has such a plan because accreditors and governing boards require one. The question is: Why do so many higher education institutions seem to be unprepared when they take drastic actions (e.g., eliminating programs, cutting faculty and staff members, etc.) in uncertain times? The author studied more than 250 colleges and universities and suggests the answer in this article.

MEMBERS ONLY
Attention Members: Log in to access this item.Not a member? Join now to access this article and all journal articles for free.

Integrated Planning

Topics

Resources

Events & Programs

Community