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Strategic planning: Evolution of a model

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Abstract

In the 1990s many institutions are faced with pressures to serve the needs of society while facing declining financial resources. This increases the need for institutions to properly plan for the future. The literature shows that many institutions have not embraced the need for strategic planning. This article reviews the systems approach to strategic planning as a method to enhance the planning processes. Planning models in the literature were examined, and a new model specifically oriented to institutions of higher education is presented. The model uses the concepts of the systems approach, combines elements of models in the literature, and shows the relationships and responsibilities of elements of the institution.

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Authors
  1. Thomas S. Barker
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  2. Howard W. Smith Jr.
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Additional information

Thomas S. Barker holds a B.S.B.A. from Christopher Newport University, an M.B.A. from Old Dominion University, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of North Texas. He is a principal in an educational consulting firm and has written on international education and technology transfer. Special interests include international education, developing countries, and cross-cultural ethics. Howard W. Smith is currently Professor of Higher Education and Interim Dean of the College of Education at the University of North Texas. He holds a B.S. in Education from Southwest Missouri State College and M.Ed. and Ed.D. degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia. His current interests are higher education administration, planning, accreditation, and teacher education.

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Barker, T.S., Smith, H.W. Strategic planning: Evolution of a model. Innov High Educ 21, 287–306 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01192277

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