Three different approaches to environmental scanning for strategic planning are offered. Long-range planning in the San Francisco Community College District, the University of Nevada, Reno, and the California Postsecondary Education Commission are described. (MLW)

The multiple scenario analysis technique for organizational planning used by multinational corporations is adaptable for colleges and universities. Arizona State University launched a futures-based planning project using the Delphi technique and cross-impact analysis to produce three alternative scenarios (stable, turbulent, and chaotic) to expand…

A bibliography intended to provide resources to those involved in planning on the small college campus is provided. Sources and types of information available include case studies, theoretical models, application and evaluation strategies, research reports, technical guides, and philosophical speculations. (MLW)

In a crisis, excellence of programs, students, staff, and the institution will not ensure survival. Long-term planning for excellence takes a back seat to institutional survival. Sturt College of Advanced Education's experiences show that institutional diversity and an administration that can act on opportunity can be valuable assets. (MSE)

A case study is presented that used the methods of Generic Design Science to conduct strategic planning for the Department of Communication at George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia. Applied in the context of an academic environment, the methods yielded a comprehensive management and planning design for focusing administration and faculty…

A historical, incremental method for allocating resources in the Institute for Advanced Studies in recent years is being replaced by a new approach involving the identification of purposes and pursuits and evaluation of their importance. Greater responsiveness to unit needs is the objective. (MSE)

An enrollment projection model designed and implemented at LaSalle College had five phases: establishing clear goals, model construction, model implementation, model estimation and validation, and using the forecast. The history of LaSalle's model and the elements in decision making are outlined. (MSE)

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…

The adaptation of a typical corporate strategic planning process to a midwestern state university is discussed. The university found that an ongoing planning process with a yearly cycle offers several advantages not available with prior approaches, and that strategic planning is a culture that takes time before it becomes pervasive in any…

The development of a university-wide office automation plan, beginning with a short-range pilot project and a five-year plan for the entire organization with the potential for modular implementation, is described. (MSE)

Methods used at the University of Richmond to rethink its mission and develop a five-year plan with budgets are outlined, including setting up task forces, keeping to deadlines, budgeting, allowing minority views, keeping the trustees apprised and committed, and getting faculty reactions. (MSE)

Fisk University (Tennessee), Tougaloo College (Mississippi), and Howard University (District of Columbia) are achieving fiscal and academic success resulting from strategic planning. Elements of that success include building on institutional strengths, using bold institutional leadership, establishing financial stability, and involving faculty in…

Franklin and Marshall College (Pennsylvania) has used institutional mission, strategic planning, lessons learned from previous experience, and sound general management principles to guide reallocation of resources during a period of financial constraint. The objective was repositioning, not retrenchment, and the resulting academic program is…

The development and implementation of long range planning mechanisms in a polytechnic institute are described, from inception of the idea through formulation of objectives, subgoals, strategies, policy guidelines and priorities, development of a goals and directions statement, and assessment of external environment and internal capacities. (MSE)

Through rapid expansion, some city universities have run out of land. This forces a new approach to campus master planning involving collaboration with the city owning adjacent land. This approach is more politically charged, requires different planning skills, and usually requires consultants. San Jose State University (California) is an example.…