Linear planning and decision-making models assume a level of predictability that is uncommon today. Such models inadequately address the complex variables found in higher education. When academic organizations adopt paired-down business strategies, they restrict their own vision. They fail to harness emerging opportunities or learn from their own…

A consortium of 10 Canadian research-intensive universities launched a data exchange program in 1999 to share information that could be used to identify and evaluate the best practices of each institution and to help each institution position itself strategically to achieve its mission. One part of the program was devoted to collecting…

For many it's a dollars and cents issue; for others, it's a heritage or spiritual issue. In reality campus heritage is both a spiritual and a monetary/economic issue. Some say that heritage should reflect institutional values, tradition, academic stature, and the role graduates have played in society, and others cast aside tradition and pay…

A contexual model is introduced to simplify planning, to provide an understanding of institutions as interpretive systems, to guide the implementation of better strategic planning, and to provide a research paradigm that may integrate research findings for a better understanding of how the strategic variables are related to one another.…

Master campus plans of the University of California at Santa Cruz and the University of California at Irvine are compared. The two plans had similar origins but very different outcomes. The former, based on an innovative academic idea, was revised several times from 1965 to 1993. The latter, similar to other University of California campuses, has…

The most difficult task for campus planners is making site selection recommendations based on qualitative facts that cannot be compared to each other. Any means of alternative site evaluation should include a flexible system of comparing such far-ranging criteria as visual impact, access to parking, and site development cost. (MLW)

Results of a study of college planning activities and processes are presented and discussed. The study investigated the trends in planning and institutional planning activities, based on a survey of the literature and of administrators, including site visits and interviews with key leaders in the field. (MSE)

Planning is defined, and ways to plan and reasons for university planning are reviewed. A 10-step bottom-up planning process is outlined. It is suggested that planning aids communication between faculty and administrators, provides warning of problems, and improves allocation of resources. (MLW)

In colleges and universities, only an objective, comprehensive approach to financial planning and management can be expected to result in long-term financial equilibrium, strong investment performance, and success in achieving institutional objectives. A model integrating strategic financial management techniques and a five-step prudent investment…

Four university joint big decisions committees (JBDCs) were investigated to learn why they were established, their relationship with the traditional governance structure, functions within standard models of campus organization, and impact on institutional planning. The JBDC is seen as a growing governing force on campus, especially during periods…

A review of recent literature on strategic planning for higher education institutions includes discussion of these issues: reforms proposed by advocates of strategic planning, organizational environment, action orientation, explicit rejection of "rational" planning models, and locus of decision making. George Keller's "Academic…

The process of system-level planning must account for and facilitate the interaction of administrators and faculty from different campuses and create a context in which all can be involved. Eleven criteria are identified,including goal-setting, coordinated decision making, and accountability. (MLW)

Conclusions from two studies (including a three-year nationwide study of higher education institutional planning) concern types of planning (strategic, program, facility, operational, budget, and issue-specific), and limitations (the limited powers of prediction and the political character of planning and budgeting). Types of budgeting processes…

It is argued that institutions of higher education do not have the organizational capability to enable them to respond to expected external changes in a productive, planned systematic way. Strategic planning is seen as the appropriate mechanism through which institutions can adjust and adapt to new environmental requirements. (MLW)

The University of Minnesota has conducted comprehensive academic planning since the early 1970s. This account is confined to efforts that became public in 1985, under the label "Commitment to Focus." The paper discusses the academic plan, budgeting and the link between budgetary decisions and academic planning, and a final evaluation.…