The principal concepts and processes of long-range technological forecasting is reviewed to reveal some omissions of strategic planning and to assess the way it is applied to postsecondary education. It is argued that strategic planning in higher education generally lacks the methodological rigor of long-range technological forecasting. A major…

Both comprehensive and long-range educational planning are discussed in this paper. Comprehensive planning begins with the identification of the district's mission. This mission generates a set of continuing objectives that aim toward the completion of specific end-dated objectives. The comprehensive plan must take into account the educational…

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…

Discusses broad trends in planning academic library buildings: (1) greater differentiation between storage and user space; (2) retention of existing facilities; (3) incremental growth; (4) tighter programming; (5) increased protection of life and property; (6) dispersal of formats and equipment; and (7) accommodation of nonlibrary functions. (20…

A December, 1983, conference in Bucharest on identifying the main issues of higher education planning in Europe addressed three broad questions: major objectives of regional planning, different planning approaches and problems encountered in using them, and the efficiency of various approaches for meeting their objectives. (MSE)

Describes the changing application of telephone conferencing technology in an effort to provide guidance for community colleges becoming involved with audio teleconferencing and statewide program planning. Looks at strategic planning factors, assumptions, goals, objectives, resources, priorities, policies, and organization. (DMM)

This paper explores transformation and change in American higher education. It begins by examining the debate over the type of change needed in higher education from the radical change suggested by some as necessary for survival to concepts of continual improvement urged by others. A definition of transformational change is offered which…

This paper proposes a metaphoric perspective based on chaos theory for strategic planning by institutions of higher education. It offers 10 propositions for planning: (1) the ideal outcome of planning is planning, not a plan; (2) planning begins with a distillation of the institution's key values and purposes; (3) the widest possible universe of…

Administrators should examine the role and limitations of their budgeting systems and consider overemphasis on control of spending rather than efficiency or effectiveness, limitations on cash-based budgeting, need for information on operating costs, and the short range and fragmented nature of most budgets. (MSE)

Cites the advantages of implementing formal planning strategies for community colleges and continuing education. Warns that goal setting for the enhancement of institutional quality must not be overlooked in favor of quantifiable emphases. Describes five phases of the planning process: preplanning, strategic planning, operational planning,…

Believes that university departments should use a business model in developing a strategic plan. Describes how to create this type of strategic plan that includes three steps: (1) developing the vision and goals; (2) marketing and evaluating the competition; and (3) using feedback and revising. (CMK)

Offers a tongue-in-cheek analysis of the usefulness and pitfalls of long-range planning. Suggests ironically that the process of planning is more important than the product; that planning saves time, fosters meaning rather than rhetoric, clarifies lines of responsibility, minimizes organizational power struggles, and enhances leadership qualities.…

This paper argues for increased universitywide research planning, with emphasis on collective identification of priorities, open communication at all levels, careful allocation of resources, and long-range strategic planning. (DB)

Discusses ways community colleges can prepare for the demographic changes predicted for the twenty-first century. Considers the program and service needs of adult students, senior citizens, the poor and homeless, ethnic groups, illiterates, non-English speakers, high school dropouts, the disabled, shut-ins, developmentally disabled, and others.…

Offers insights on the use of the charrette for long-range planning, drawing from the experience of the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). Defines charrettes, explains their benefits and limitations, lists requirements for successful charrettes, and explains the process used by the VCCS to incorporate the charrette into long-range planning.…