Learning Resources

Abstract: Higher education institutions have been preparing strategic plans for at least 50 years, yet critics still find their implementation to be weak. Most universities treat strategic planning as an ad hoc activity without a stable structure for follow-through. Implementing strategic plans involves change management in a risk-averse culture. An integrated planning function would include conducting regular environmental scanning, coordinating plan implementation, and measuring progress in achieving strategic goals.

Abstract: A university’s strategic plan sets out its intent to reach higher, innovative levels to be considered prominent, a market leader, or universally recognized for excellence. By engaging employees as “owners” they can actively manage the forces and operational processes during plan implementation, monitoring, and controlling. Working with data-based performance metrics aids employees—and even students— in decision-making to evaluate options that affect performance thereby influencing the outcome. This session provides insight into KSU’s approach on engagement across the university.