Many public university systems rely on their own institutional research (IR) offices, in addition to the IR offices from their member institutions, to help conduct the work of the university system. In this chapter, the author illustrates the type of work conducted by system-level IR offices using a nontraditional data source that can be used to…

The diverse planning approaches used by the five institutions of higher education described in the previous five articles (HE 527 556-560) discuss the role of differences in institutional cultures and issues. Such differences must be taken into account in the design of the planning process, implementing plans, and evaluating benefits. (DB)

Multiple scenario analysis addresses the dilemma of strategic planners who must have some understanding of the future while recognizing the inadequacy of predicting it. By adopting this approach, planners can consider a wide range of possible developments. (MLW)

The article describes how planning was used to transform the University of Twente (The Netherlands) from a regional to an entrepreneurial national institution. Noted are contexts of Dutch higher education and history, developments since 1964, strategic development for the 1980s, planning since 1980, a strategic plan for the 1990s, and the present…

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)

This paper describes how various formal planning approaches were developed and applied at Pennsylvania State University. Phases (horizontal reduction, vertical reallocation, strategic planning, and strategic management) are identified as are principles including planning for change on the margins and continuity, providing for feedback, and…

This paper focuses on key strategic decisions taken at Tufts University (Massachusetts) under President Jean Mayer noting the role of formal planning and institutional research. Initiatives in the following areas are described: the School of Veterinary Medicine, nutrition, environmental management, entrepreneurial liberation, fund raising, and a…

Understanding the link between futures research and strategic planning is crucial to effective long-range planning and administration. Current trends and the latest developments in the methodology of futures research are discussed. (MLW)

Increasing demands for accurate forecasts in such areas as student enrollment, energy expenditures, and facility capacity are placing new demands on the institutional researcher. A variety of forecasting models and methods are available, all to be used with caution in long-range forecasting. (Author/MSE)

Proposes that the nature of institutional research has expanded as colleges and universities adapt to new challenges and conditions and that institutional researchers need to become knowledge industry analysts. Reviews the history of institutional research and identifies 21st century challenges, such as changing patterns of diversity and academic…

The planning processes that focus on the need to gain consensus among potential planners are described. The scenarios resulting from these processes gain their value not from some objective estimate of their validity but from the commitment and involvement of the participants. (MLW)

Essex Community College (Maryland) has used issue-oriented planning to maintain flexibility and adaptability while responding to environmental changes. Issues addressed by centralized and structured processes include management information systems, budget development, and external resource development. Issues addressed by decentralized processes…

Five principal products of an integrated academic, fiscal, and facility planning process are discussed: an academic plan, a physical development plan, institutional priorities, a capital budget, and an operating budget. Criteria for successful implementation of a planning process that integrates these five plans are offered. (Author/MLW)

Scanning the external environment will become more essential to colleges in the coming decade. Developing an environmental scanning system can identify important emerging issues that may constitute either threats or opportunities. The organizational features of a mature scanning process are described. (MLW)

Comparative data are relatively easy to obtain, but effective use of the information requires careful planning and may produce unanticipated results. (MSE)