The Planning Process
Background
According to Rowley and Sherman (2001), “The basic strengths of strategic planning are in its abilities to help better align the organization with its environment” (p. 21)*. An important first step in this process is clearly communicating the connections between and among the various elements of planning. The "bull's eye" concept of strategic planning provides a visual point of reference in its illustration of the integrated nature of strategic planning in higher education.
Another fundamental component in the successful implementation of strategic planning is the use of a common vocabulary. The strategic planning process at ASU uses specific definitions of planning terms in order to facilitate communication between and among campus groups.
*Rowley, D. and Sherman, H. (2001). From Strategy to Change: Implementing the Plan in Higher Education. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
The 2008-2009 Planning Schedule
August-October: First review of draft mission, vision, values statements, and master goals.
November: Campus review of revisions (based on input from earlier open meetings).
December: Ad hoc committee reviews comments from November's open meetings. Changes made and submitted to President Rallo. Final mission, vision, values statements are announced to campus.
January: Implementation of transitional institutional effectiveness format.
January-May: Drafting, in collaboration with the campus community, core constructs of "Vision 2012" strategic plan.