The difficulties associated with the formulation and implementation of multiyear planning in institutions of higher education are discussed. The organizational factors that limit an institution's ability to change direction or deviate from traditional patterns are described. The results of attempts to develop strategies to implement change are…

Successful human resource strategic planning at colleges and universities requires that: (1) outcomes contribute to the bottom line; (2) the plan is linked to the institution's long-term strategy; and (3) the plan is simple to understand and follow. Staff retreats are essential and should involve environmental analysis, departmental analysis,…

Strategic planning models seek order in a disorderly world. However, chaos science offers a language of concepts to discern deeper patterns in organizational life that appears out of control. Many of these concepts apply to higher education institutions. Interpretation of chaos theory principles suggests five tools for making high-leverage change…

A model for strategic planning using a new definition of management by objectives (MBO) is outlined and illustrated in the context of college or university administration, including department-level planning. Routine objectives, personal objectives, team objectives, budget performance, problem-solving objectives, innovation objectives, and…

A computerized method for managing institutional information to use in creating college planning documents is described. Development of the database, manipulation of the data for reporting, uses in strategic and long-range planning, and the model's implications for improvement of planning processes are discussed. (MSE)

Effective personal financial planning results in sound decisions in the areas of insurance, accumulating capital, retirement planning, and tax planning. Appropriate financial planning concerns everyone--regardless of his or her stage in life. (MLW)

Demands from state level agencies for greater accountability, less academic program duplication, and greater cost containment have pushed U.S. colleges toward greater seriousness, and more competence, in planning. A prominent factor in greater effectiveness in planning models is integrally relating planning, management, and evaluation. (MLW)

To achieve physical fitness, exercise must become part of one's daily routine. Group exercise programs can increase motivation and compliance with long-term exercise habits. Planning involves: assessing current level of fitness; setting long- and short-term goals; and choosing appropriate methods to achieve and measure goals. (MLW)

Strategic benefit planning is a management process that establishes overall objectives that form the basis for decision making on all elements of indirect compensation. The Tax Reform Act of 1986 and implications to tax-sheltered annuities are discussed. An example of a statement of university policy on employee benefits is appended. (MLW)

A study of occupational safety issues at a state university with data collected from forms filed with the state's Department of Worker's Compensation Industrial Commission is discussed. University occupations that appear to be more susceptible to injury and the causes of these injuries are identified. (MLW)

To cope with stresses of rapid growth, Regent University (Virginia) developed a five-year plan replacing performance review with a program of continual review of job responsibilities, training needs, and areas for improvement; identified pressing job training needs; and established training programs for the top three annually. The program is…

The University of Missouri completed the first year cycle of applying incentive pay to the university teaching hospital. The efforts to formulate and implement the program are described. Program characteristics, measuring performance, eligibility and award size, performance objectives, scales, and weights, and planning for incentives are…

The strategy involved in the planning process to develop an employee assistance program is described. Issues to be decided include whether the program should cover both academic and nonacademic personnel; whether the idea could be made attractive to management and staff; and identification of a potential source of funding. (MLW)

Information on retirement investment planning is provided for college and university human resource managers, focusing on what employees need to know about maximizing contributions to the 403(b) plan without becoming liable for penalties for excessive savings. Calculations are explained and illustrated with a hypothetical case and data charts.…

A review and analysis of higher education planning efforts is presented, followed by findings from two studies: (1) the survey of the planning attitudes of administrators in colleges and universities, and (2) a pilot study of the fit between community college division heads' planning perspectives and the assumptions underlying strategic planning.…