Learning Resources

Abstract: A year of focused learning on strategic planning at colleges and universities across the nation revealed eight key themes in strategic planning as well as how university leaders are using strategic planning to move their institutions forward and how strategic planning is changing. Strategic plans (1) have shorter time spans, (2) include goals in broad brush strokes, (3) have strong communication plans, (4) present their complex goals in simplified form, (5) use data, (6) distinguish their institutions, (7) are aligned with other plans, and (8) require strong leadership.

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.

Abstract: Educational technology units must continually monitor their strategic plans to ensure that they are aligned with the evolving realities of their institutions. Strategic dissonance occurs when previously successful strategies are no longer achieving the same results. This article uses the Virtual Retina project as an example of strategic dissonance for the Academic Technologies for Learning at the University of Alberta. A number of methods for analyzing the strategies used by educational technology units are presented. These methods provide a means for units within institutions of higher education to conduct the ongoing task of renewing their strategic plans.

Abstract: Suggests that planning efforts begin not with mission statements but with key performance indicators, or KPIs, which are substantive, measurable, and specific directions that a strategic plan must address. Some of these KPIs are outside mandates, while others are internal management objectives or goals articulated by divisions or departments. The three types of KPIs form the "givens," or the foundation of the strategic plan. They take account of the various pulls on the institution, and outline more specific ways to address multiple needs and goals. Finally, they provide benchmarks against which institutions can measure the success of their planning efforts.