So well said, Mark. A plan shows that we have choices and options. Sometimes we forget that. Sometimes we think we are stuck with the ways things are going and forget that we can make changes. Sometimes strategies don't work. A plan helps to evaluate whether the concept is worthy and just needs to be handled better or really needs to be scrapped. We work with school owners who have great programs but enrollment is off. They want to scrap the program. Instead they might want to determine if they are running after the wrong market. They need to figure out what demographic should be enrolling in the program and then target ways to reach them. Yes, plans have to be living and dynamic. Thanks, Susan
Yes. There have been times when your long-term plans don't necessarily fit with short-term resources such as facility, personnel, equipment, etc. Part of the purpose of the five-year plan is to build those needs into the plan so that they can be budgeted appropriately when the time comes. Or, if additional facilities, for example, are not feasible and show as needed in the plan, then you have to rework your plan based on available anticipated resources. Once into the plan, you may find that population is larger or smaller than anticipated as well and you have to modify the plan accordingly moving forward. The five year plan should be a living, breathing document that is reviewed and updated regularly.
Very well stated, Mark. A plan is a working document. It promotes brain storming for new ideas and solutions. It identifies obstacles, challenges, and opportunities. A plan needs to be evaluated constantly so changes can be made. A plan helps list tasks, timelines, and deadlines. It's the basis for creating budgets, pro formas, marketing, and business plans. Sometimes a plan is set in stone for a long time. Some plans are good only until lunch! It's the process and concept of having a plan that's important. Thanks, Susan
We have developed a plan that required more resources than we could handle in our current state of affairs, but we have either revised the plan to accommodate what we had to work with or worked into the plan the additional resources we would need and when so that we are providing for them in order to meet our goals. That is part of the purpose of the plan - to identify whether additional facilities or personnel are needed and work that into your plan. With that being said, if goals are not being met once the plan is formulated, you have to make adjustments along the way as the plan should be a living, breathing document.
Hi Mark, Strategic plans are the underpinning of any organization. But strangely, plans are rarely given priority. It seems you are saying that you have been asked to design and implement a new program but perhaps don't know how it fits in with the overall plans for the school? Doing research to fill in the blanks is a good idea. And including a budget to implement the plan is vital. Good luck, Susan
Good Morning,
Yes, I have had to deal with this issue on more than one occusion. The outcome was always the same (hold off till later). The problem I have with that is that I was authorized to design and implement the new program. I have now decided to do more indebth research on the cost factor prior to presenting it to the powers that be. Giving a rounded off figure will not work in most presentation.
