Learning Resources

Abstract: One of the major issues in strategic planning is moving the academic strategic plan from planning to implementation. This article suggests that there are several effective implementation methods: using the budget, using participation, using force, establishing goals and key performance indicators, working within the human resource management system, using the reward system, using faculty and staff development, working with institutional culture, working with or around tradition, developing and using change champions, and building on systems that are ready for or are easily adaptable to strategic change.

Abstract: Recruiting and retaining women and minority faculty members is a particularly challenging workforce development issue facing many universities. This article summarizes current literature and the results of a survey of selected institutions to gauge responses to this challenge. All the survey respondents indicated that recruitment of women and minority candidates has been problematic, that retention problems vary, and that job placement is difficult and can negatively influence the recruitment and retention of women and minority faculty members. Job placement for partners has been most difficult for those universities located in small- to mid-sized cities. A variety of programs have been attempted to alleviate problems of recruitment and retention.

Abstract: The authors explore institutional effectiveness and offer suggestions for developing meaningful institutional effectiveness plans for institutions of higher education. Their discussion is based on their review of institutional effectiveness plans from nearly 30 institutions of higher education as well as SACS publications. The article includes an exploration of the topic of institutional effectiveness, suggestions for developing meaningful institutional effectiveness plans, and potential problems that were identified through the experiences of other institutions. An extensive list of suggested readings, which includes many online references, follows the article.

Abstract: This article examines the strategic planning process undertaken at California State University, Los Angeles. The authors describe the planning process used to develop the university’s strategic plan and the successful application of a business model approach to the planning exercise. Finally, they summarize some of the important lessons learned as a result of the planning process and subsequent dissemination of the plan.

Abstract: Over the past decade, the escalating price for a college education has become a prominent concern among the American public, institutions of higher education, and state and federal governments. As a result, much effort has been expended in examining and seeking solutions to this complex problem, with a significant focus on the costs of delivering higher education. This article provides a basic overview of the concept of cost in higher education and related issues, discusses the major consumers of higher education cost data and their perspectives, outlines the major sources of data on higher education costs, and describes some of the major (and perennial) issues related to higher education costs.