For any strategic planning effort to succeed, administrators must choose carefully the size or scope of the proposed plan and who will benefit from it. This article outlines the major elements and assumptions of three planning dimensions--micro-, macro-, and mega-planning. Once scope is determined, the group is ready for 12 other steps that will…

Discusses the planning process as it relates to performance technology. Proactive and reactive planning perspectives are explained, opportunities for creativity are examined, strategic planning is discussed, three levels for strategic planning are described, and the question of control is raised. (nine references) (LRW)

Shows the limitations of the Pony Express's hypothetical planning and restructuring process; planners failed to consider new realities and opportunities (like telegraphs and railroads) when trying to better the organization. Missions should be related to reality and results, not to rhetoric and good intentions. (MLH)

Discusses strategic planning and describes three levels of strategic planning and thinking that can occur within an organization. Differences between reactive and proactive planning are explained, and a strategic planning model is presented that includes data collecting, planning, and implementation and evaluation. (10 references) (LRW)

Reviews the organizational elements model of Kaufman and English, which uses internal factors alone as the basis for planning, and argues for reversing its order of consideration to achieve more useful results; i.e., to start with outcomes (societal requirements) and then move back through outputs, products, processes, and inputs. (Author/JD)

This book was written for educators involved in planning educational improvements. Each of the chapters provides a framework for understanding various factors affecting efforts to implement change, for example, how change can be planned and managed effectively, how people can be motivated successfully, how to improve management styles and…

Presents a method for holistic organizational analysis that provides developers with a rationale to obtain data and decision bases for successful internal and extraorganizational intervention and change. The analysis, based on the Organizational Elements Model, relates organizational resources, efforts, results, and organizational impact. Presents…

Considers the elements of organizational effectiveness, the relationships between ends and means, and the nature of inputs necessary to the organization's survival. Presents hypotheses for industrial, educational, and military organizational planning processes and training technology, and suggests changing planning focus from inputs to outcomes.…

A professor and an administrator joined forces to provide answers to two basic questions: What is needs assessment, and how does one do it? Discussion of the conceptual framework of needs assessment is based on experiences in the design and implementation of needs assessments in many states at levels ranging from state departments of education to…