Learning Resources

Abstract: This article explores a methodology for assessing and managing the financial viability of private, tuition-dependent institutions as well as institutional tactics and strategies used to improve their financial strength. The resulting model will help institutions understand the trends and predictive value of key financial metrics directly impacting their liquidity and operations and how senior leadership can drive change. Institutional examples illustrate how to engage senior leadership in strategic decision-making that includes assessment of revenue growth and/or expense management.

Abstract: Northern Kentucky University (NKU) used an expedited and focused strategic planning process by applying Govindarajan’s (2016) Three-Box Solution to simultaneously manage the past, present, and future. A Core Team, supported by multiple resource teams consisting of representatives from all NKU constituencies, gathered input from nearly 2,000 stakeholders. The resulting Success by Design strategic framework concentrated solely on student success. This article describes the ongoing, iterative approach and offers recommendations for those seeking to develop widespread buy-in and unleash the innovative spirit needed to make their institutions more student-ready.

Abstract: Academic strategic planning can be difficult given the bevy of stakeholders and often multiple sets of accreditation criteria. Recognizing the limits of the traditional SWOT model, our program chose to use the Strategic Planning Engine model. The model itself is quite laborious, and to increase its usability, we simplified the environmental assessments. Our results proved to be useful and relevant, and we developed a series of feasible objectives. In this article, we describe and evaluate our experience. In comparison to SWOT, we found this process to be more objective and replicable, scalable and responsive to multiple criteria, flexible to accommodate changing strategic plans or criteria, and transparent. With that being said, we caution about the level of labor required and organization and communication needed. Finally, we recommend implementing a leadership team, a communication plan, and a plan on how to respond to uncontrollable circumstances and developing a level of comfort with limited resource allocation.

Abstract: Academic Design describes the design process used in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities to evaluate academic programs and priorities based on the unique needs of individual institutions. The four main sections include landscape analysis, program analysis, program design and improvement, and learning paradigms. The conclusion offers information on how to prepare your academic design plan. If you need to understand the elements of an institutional (or large departmental) strategic planning process, this is the book for you. The authors have distilled significant lessons learned from their experiences with a number of mostly smaller colleges and universities, but the principles and processes apply in a wide variety of institutional arenas.