Strategic Planning

Strategic planning process is a monumental task, especially for private postsecondary institutions that are attempting a more contemporary model for the first time. Why? Because strategic planning is about linking of vision, mission, resources, priorities, values, people, and the physical institution in a flexible system of decision-making, evaluation and action. Strategic plan should shape and guide the entire organization as it develops, expands, and evolves over time.

The emergence of strategic planning in private postsecondary education coincided with the difficulties experienced in all of higher education sector nationwide since 1970’s. As recruitment became more restrict and regulated, international recruitment grew tremendously, student demographics started to change, enrollments began to fluctuate, and funding became inconsistent and resources started declining.

Institutions who have not gained experience with strategic planning that are looking only for bottom line cost factors often find themselves working with untrained individuals who are unaware of the necessary components of a strategic plan and what is required to implement and sustain such a plan. Unfortunately, most misinformed strategic planning consultants come from higher education background; regardless of their situation within academia and private postsecondary institutions, if these individuals are uninformed or misinformed of the concepts and theories in practice, then their negative impact on the institution is tremendous.

The costs of engaging in a poor strategic planning process may range from disillusioned management, staff, faculty, and students, to poor or improper use of vital resources, to revoked state license or repealed accreditation reviews which, in turn, cause an institution to fail. A well-designed and implemented strategic planning process would enable an institution with a forum for campus-wide conversations about important decisions, resource allocation, accreditation, and be a source of information for progress and achievement.

We have developed a guide that shortens the learning curve and unites institutional leadership with its intuitive, step-by-step approach. Our approach not only takes our clients through the planning process, but also provides them guidance on how to ensure that the plan is a long-term success. We seriously hope that institutions seeking to develop strategic plan to educate themselves and work with consultants that are capable, caring, and competent. If we can be of service to you, please feel free to contact us so we can discuss your plan.