Strategic Planning in Educational Organizations

Introduction Strategic planning has been employed mainly in business environments to shape long-term future. This is mainly because sustainability of such businesses is crucial to their competitiveness. In the recent past, strategic planning has been implemented in educational institutions and organizations. This has resulted in mixed reactions about its achievements.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Strategic Planning in Educational Organizations specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Moreover, its effectiveness in most businesses has also received mixed reactions. This poses the question as to how and when it can be effective. Several theorists have suggested ways of ensuring strategic planning is successfully implemented in businesses and educational centers as well as other organizations. In some cases, strategic planning tries to define organization’s direction and plan for the future. Furthermore, businesse s use it to overcome or avoid completion. It is quite important to note that for strategic planning to be effectively implemented; those concerned must ensure that its conditions are met. If this is not done, the outcome is usually unpredictable. This paper will examine strategic planning in educational organizations, conditions for its implementation, pros and cons as well as provide a recommendation on its use as a change in elementary work setting (Reeves, 2007, P. 1). Strategic Planning Strategic Planning refers to the process of shaping an organization or an individual’s future. It may also imply that a mission is desired and therefore every effort is channeled towards its achievement. Long-term future of any organization is dependent on its performance. In addition, the organization must have a vision or picture that conveys its desired future. All these should be in place before starting the process of strategic planning. Again, it is crucial to note that strategic pla nning assumes a collaborative process. This may disappoint those hoping to oversee implementation as detailed in the strategic plan. Strategic planning is inclusive and requires collaboration for achievement of goals. The plan usually defines a number (small, for instance, 10) of strategic objectives, which should be met to the desired goal or vision of such an organization. This involves an exclusive examination of approaches and process of strategic planning to achieve success. These are as stated below.Advertising Looking for essay on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Approaches to Strategic Planning Implementation of strategic planning involves choice of different approaches. These include Future search, SWOT, ZOPP/OOP/LFA, and Open space, among others. These approaches share some similar principles such as the belief that future can always be shaped. The approaches also share a belief in â€Å"whole system†, which means that all stakeholders need to be involved for any success to be achieved. Similarly, the approaches have differences, which are observed in their strengths and weaknesses. Future search This kind of approach is commonly observed in non-business organizations. It involves planning and executing actions found to enjoy mutual support. It emphasizes on â€Å"leap forward† technique, in which the organization identifies its future condition and tries to reach it. SWOT SWOT is very common in business environments. This is mainly because it tries to evaluate the weaknesses, strengths and opportunities, as well as threats to survival of the business. ZOPP/OOP/LFA This terms refers to (LFA) Logical framework approach which is sometimes known as (OOPP) Objective oriented project planning or ZOPP in German, This type of approach emphasizes on identifying the problems by use of cause effective analysis method and then looks at ways of alleviating them. Open space This meth od of approach is a precursor to the initial approach, Future search. It goes on with already agreed topics and agenda. It is usually brought forward by a facilitator who allows people to nominate pressing issues and is ready to take responsibility (Schmoker, 2004, P. 5). Processes of Strategic Planning Strategic planning involves several processes for its requirements to be met. These processes are sequential and involve various activities. Educational organizations need to follow a systematic process in strategic management to achieve their goals. These include articulation of core values for institution or educational organization, developing of its mission statement, vision statement, and determining of the organization’s strategic objectives.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Strategic Planning in Educational Organizations specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Further, on, the organization should define its main activities plus responsibilities and then disseminate as well as implement its plan. Finally, the organization should monitor outcomes of its activities and amend its plan as necessary. These processes entail various steps as shown above. Moreover, each of these steps involves several activities. In order to achieve the required results, all steps above have to be executed. In addition, execution of these steps should be in their correct order. In case executions are done in a different manner, which is not in the correct order, latter processes would be compromised. This may lead to eventual failure of the whole process. These processes should therefore be followed as prescribed to avoid mixed results. Merits of the strategic planning process in schools and other organizations Strategic planning has several advantages to organizations. These include increasing probability of an organization’s survival, increasing their market share, in case of other organizations, and motivating other stakeholders within the organization. Other advantages include improving the organization’s competitiveness and planning of quantum leap, which elevates it to a new level. It also enables the organization to renew its direction in case plan is for renewal. Strategic planning is important in allowing for smooth mergers and acquisitions of organization as it conveys its mission and the prevailing position. Strategic planning is also important in helping the organization to manage both internal and external factors that may affect it. Drawbacks of the strategic planning process in schools and other organizations Strategic planning is very important in monitoring the progress of organizations and schools. However, this is not easy as any mistake in following the laid out strategic plan compromises latter stages of the whole process. This is a drawback since such failures would mean starting the whole process a fresh and would be more expensive as well as time was ting. Other disadvantages include the fact that, in a school setting, some targets such a behavior of students may not be quantified. In essence, methods of evaluating the results may not be valid. Strategic planning has several strict conditions that may not apply in school settings; this may not be helpful for the organization (Evans, 2007, P. 2).Advertising Looking for essay on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Conditions under which strategic planning is both effective and ineffective Strategic planning can only be effective if done according to the prescribed order. This involves several steps and processes, which include activities that have to be done in accordance with the strategic plan. On the other hand, strategic planning cannot be effective if done without following correct order. This compromises the latter stages of strategic process and leads to a failure (Bonstingl, 2009, P. 3). Strategic Planning and change in your work setting Strategic planning was mainly used in business settings. Its adoption in school settings has outputted mixed results since school settings involve many activities and stakeholders. This starts from the staff, parents to students, among other stakeholders. Since strategic planning involves inclusion of all stakeholders, and given the gap between these groups of individuals in school setting, implementing strategic plan is quite involving. However, when done in accordance with the correct procedure, which may involve combination of its approaches, it can be successful. Change in work setting can therefore be attained by adopting and implementing strategic planning (Basham Lunenburg, 1989, p. 29). Conclusion Strategic Planning refers to the process of shaping an organization or an individual’s future. More often than not, it has been employed in business environments to shape their long-term futures. This is mainly because sustainability of such businesses is crucial to their competitiveness. In the recent past, strategic planning has been implemented in educational institutions and organizations. This has resulted in mixed reactions concerning its achievements. Moreover, its effectiveness in most businesses has also received mixed reactions. The paper examines four main approaches to strategic planning along with processes involved in strategic planning. These approaches are Future search, SWOT, ZOPP/OOP/LFA, and Open spac e, among others. In addition, the processes include among others, articulation of core values for institution or educational organization, developing of its mission statement, vision statement, and determining of the organization’s strategic objectives. Strategic planning has several advantages, which include among others, increasing the probability of an organization’s survival. Strategic planning is therefore important in educational organizations (Cook, 1988, p. 25). Recommendation Just as Strategic planning is important in business sector, it is also necessary in educational organizations. However, this must be done in accordance with the provided sequence of steps. Organizations should therefore ensure that all the laid out procedures are followed as agreed to succeed in strategic planning (McCune, 1986, p. 45). Reference List Basham, V., Lunenburg, F. (1989). Strategic planning, student achievement and school district financial and demographic factors. Planning and Changing, 20(3), 158–171. Bonstingl, J. J. (2009). Strategic planning during tough times. Leadership, 38(3), 8-10. Grand Canyon University Library Cook, B. (1988). Strategic planning for America’s schools. Arlington, VA: American Association of School Administrators. Evans, R. (2007). The case against strategic planning. Independent School, 67(1), 92-104. Grand Canyon University Librar. McCune, S. (1986). Strategic planning for educators. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Reeves, D. B. (2007). Making strategic planning work. Educational Leadership, 65(4), 86-87. Grand Canyon University Library. Schmoker, M. (2004). Tipping point: From feckless reform to substantive instructional improvement. Phi Delta Kappan, 85(6), 424-432. Grand Canyon University Library. This essay on Strategic Planning in Educational Organizations was written and submitted by user Kristopher Barr to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here. Strategic Planning in Educational Organizations

The Advantages Of An Aggressive Essay Sample

The Advantages Of An Aggressive Essay SampleAn Agumentative Essay Sample can help students and instructors both identify and interpret the essay for their students. The sample should also provide a foundation for developing further writing skills.Students, who compose this type of essay, are usually going to be motivated by the topic they chose. Their motivations are most likely to be driven by their learning objectives and personal beliefs. An Aggressive essay may well be the result of these various motivating factors.If a student's motivations in writing are not well understood by the instructor, it is possible that a write-up on their essay will appear confused and sometimes even unintelligible. As well, since this type of essay is usually written by students, they are usually very passionate about the topic they are writing about.This type of essay typically has a very strong argumentative style. It can get quite extreme and offensive towards both the professor and the student wh o has been assigned to read the essay. In order to avoid such a situation, the most important thing to do is make sure the professor is fully aware of the situation and is willing to discuss the subject at length.A lot of times, the professor's objections to the essay may well be true and based upon the issues the student is dealing with. Other times, the professor may be under the impression that the student is not actually considering all the available options before they decide to write the essay. Knowing what to expect from your instructor will help you work through this process.By now, you may have realized that an Aggressive essay sample is not always easy to write. This is because the elements of structure and form are typically quite different from those involved in a regular essay. One of the first issues you should look for in a formal writing assignment is clear organization.It is often more difficult to produce an informal essay that still makes good sense. As well, it i s helpful if the student makes note of the overall tone and style of the essay. Most of the time, this will be displayed by the overall structure of the essay.Essays that are relatively straightforward and only require a little research or insight, are usually easier to write than essays that require a good deal of complex thinking. Many students choose an Aggressive essay sample as a way to learn how to better communicate their thoughts. It can help them write a better essay that more closely reflects their own thoughts and ideas.

Time and Love essays

Time and Love essays Corporations or Consumers, Who is Responsible? The lives and daily routines of many Americans are affected by corporate activities. Corporations provide the basic necessities like food and water as well as luxuries and pleasures of everyday living. These corporations generate wealth for the economy and their shareholders, and provide employment for much of the population. One of these powerful corporations is Philip Morris who manufactures and distributes tobacco products such as Marlboro (Morris, 1). This tobacco manufacturer not only generates wealth but also generates health hazardous risks for the consumer. Despite increasing warnings about the health hazards of smoking and widespread bans on smoking in public places, Americans disregard these warnings and still continue to smoke (Smoking, 4). Later then finding themselves dealing with the consequences of their poorly made decisions. Therefore, a corporation should not be held responsible for providing a product. It is the users who should be held accountable for the ir choices. The American people have the right to choose whether to smoke or not to smoke. There is a lot of information of cancer risks from using tobacco available to Americans, particularly in the media. The American Cancer Society estimates that cigarettes are responsible for more than 400,000 deaths in the United States each year (Smoking, 2). American consumers have been informed that tobacco contains nicotine, an addictive drug. They also know that by smoking tobacco, it causes lung cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory diseases. It also contributes to heart disease and low birth weight of newborns. Chewing tobacco and inhaling snuff causes cancer of the mouth, nose, and throat (Tobacco, 8). Regardless of these astonishing facts, forty-seven million people still continue to use tobacco products (Smoking, 1). Therefore, corporations should not be blamed for consumers po...

American Dream Lost

American Dream Lost It is the natural inclination of all men to dream. Some may have short-term goals, and others may have life-long ambitions. Despite what cynics say, the American people are hopeful and waiting for something great. In Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck paints a portrait of characters who, longing for something outside of their monotonous lives, each have a lost dream that supports Steinbecks view that the American dream is a lost cause. Lennies dream to tend to rabbits does not come true because of his own deficiencies and the obstacles of society. As Lennie and George, Lennies companion and protector, travel through the woods to their next ranch-hand job, George confronts Lennie about keeping a dead mouse in his pocket and demands Lennie hand it over, Lennie hesitate[s], back[s] away, look[s] wildly at the brush line as though he contemplated running for his freedom. George insists, The mouse aint fresh, Lennie; and besides, youve broke it pettin it, and reminds Lennie of his past history of killing mice, so, then Lennie look[s] sadly up at him Id pet em, and pretty soon they bit my fingers and I pinched their heads a little and then they was dead' (9-10). Lennie, who has a fetish for soft things, has the severe deficiency that he does not realize his own strength. His dream to own rabbits is important to him because he wants something to be responsible for, but it is obvious by his past history of roughness, and e ven his reluctance to hand the mouse over to George, that he is too reckless for his dream to ever to come true. In a conversation between Lennie and Curleys wife, Curleys wife tells Lennie that she has soft hair and that he may pet it, so, Lennies big fingers fell to stroking her hair Lennie said, Oh! Thats nice, and he stroked harder And then [Curleys wife] cried out angrily, You stop it now, youll mess it all up. She jerked her head sideways and Lennies fingers closed on her hair and hung on. Let go, she cried. You let go!' (99). Lennie panics, and, in an effort to silence her, shakes her so hard that he breaks her neck, showing that he has absolutely no self-control. He does not stop petting Curleys wifes hair when she asks him to, even demands him to, partly because he is too dumb, but also because he lacks the physical capacity to control himself. Although Lennie is inherently innocent, his dumbness and lack of self-control combined with his obsession with soft things and his unknown strength, produce a deadly formula. Unfortunately for Lennie, society does not understand his mental handicap (earlier in the book George makes reference to the fact that Lennie was kicked in the head as a boy), and because he murdered Curleys wife, George must shoot him. Before George shoots him, Lennie asks him to recite their shared dream aloud, We gonna get a little place, George began He reached in his side pocket and brought out [the gun] Look down there acrost the river, like you can almost see the place. And George raised the gun and steadied it, and he brought the muzzle of it close to the back of Lennies head He pulled the trigger (117). Lennies dream is his security blanket. His only measure of the seriousness of his actions is how it will affect his dream, and in his last moments of life, he asks to hear about it, still is too naive to realize that surely now it can never come true. After George pulls the trigger, Lennie dies along with the lost dream. For Lennie , the American dream is dead. Crooks dream does not come true for different reasons. A lonely man desperate for companionship, he has the ambition to work on George and Lennies future farm that will never become reality. When Lennie first tells Crooks about his and Georges plan to buy a piece of land, Crooks reacts, Youre nuts I seen hundreds of men come by on the road an on the ranches, with their bindles on their back an that same [darn] thing in their heads An never a [darn] one of them ever gets it. Crookss pattern of pessimism and negativity brings him down, and he even attempts to dampen the hopes of those around him, relating to Lennie that hundreds of men have passed through the ranch, all of them with dreams similar to Lennies, but not one of them, he emphasizes resentfully, ever manages to make that dream come true. However, when he hears more of the plan, he offers, If you guys would want a hand to work for nothing-just his keep, why Id come an lend a hand (80, 84). A plan so daring and uncertain requi res its followers to have absolute faith. Crooks, who never believes in the plan from the very start, has a great chance of suddenly giving up again. Crooks physical disability along with his race will prevent him from reaching his dream. Steinbeck narrates, Crooks, the Negro stable buck, had his bunk in the harness room; a little shed that leaned off the wall of the barn His body was bent over to the left by his crooked spine (73). Crooks is not allowed in the bunkhouse with the white ranch hands and remains in a forced isolated state. He wants a place where he can be independent and have some security, but there is no security for a black man in a prejudiced world, least of all one with a crooked back. Farm work requires strength and physical endurance, and though Crooks offers to do odd jobs for George and Lennie, he would only end up hindering them with his disability. While Lennie, Candy, and Crooks fantasize about the land they hope to have one day, Curleys wife enters and mak es attempts to draw all attention to herself. When Crooks tells her to leave, She turned on him in scorn. Listen, Nigger You know what I can do to you if you open your trap? Crooks stared hopelessly at her Yes maam.' Curleys wife retorts, Well, you keep your place then, Crooks had reduced himself to nothing. There was no personality, no ego-nothing to arouse either like or dislike. He said, Yes, maam, and his voice was toneless (88-89). The fact that Crooks is black cements his fate, and he realizes this. The moment Curleys wife, who on a larger scale actually represents all society, brings Crooks back to reality and keeps him down in his place, he loses the little bit of hope he had gained and again becomes nothing. The American dream that everyone has equal opportunity to achieve his goal through hard work and determination is dead to Crooks. Crooks pessimism, physical disability, and race prevent him from reaching his dream. Though Curleys wife, who walks the ranch as a temptress, seems to be cold and cruel, she too has a lost dream. Continuously throughout the novel, Curleys wife reminds those around her about the time a man came through town and told her that she could be a star. Another man told her that she was a natural and promised to write, but the letter never came. She tells Lennie, I always thought my ol lady stole it. Well, I wasnt going to stay no place where I couldnt get nowhere or make something of myself So I married Curley. Met him out to the Riverside Dance Palace that same night, (97). Curleys wife is a poor decision-maker because she does not think out her actions. Instead of pursuing her dream by taking acting lessons or moving to Hollywood, she marries Curley the same night she met him. Entering the marriage, she believes it is a means of escape, but she only ends up stuck in Salinas, even more tied down. In not giving Curleys wife a name, Steinbeck makes Curleys wife a universal ch aracter; she represents every woman. Curleys wife has no personal identity; she is only identified with her husband. A woman who does not have even an identity can never make it big or even on her own. Later, in the same barn scene, Curleys wife flirts with Lennie and encourages him to pet her hair. When she tells him to stop, Lennie becomes frightened and breaks her neck. Steinbeck describes, Curleys wife lay with a half-covering of yellow hay. And the meanness and the plannings and the discontent and the ache for attention were all gone from her face. She was very pretty and simple, and her face was sweet and young, (101). Even before Curleys wife dies, she is bound to remain in the same circumstance her entire life, never able to make anything of herself. Only in Curleys wifes death does Steinbeck grant her virtue, because only then does she dies does she regain her innocence. Her dream is lost forever, and now without all her plans for the future she becomes fully human. Steinbe ck seems to show through her that even the worst of us have our humanity. For Curleys wife, the American dream to rise out of ones humble roots will never be a reality. Lennie, Crooks, and Curleys wife all have lost dreams because of their own personal deficiencies and those society forces on them. To them, the American dream is dead. Although the loss of dreams is depressing, all men must eventually face this harsh reality of life.

How to graduate high school students with a sense of pride and Essay

How to graduate high school students with a sense of pride and accomplishment - Essay Example The beginning and end of the school year are ideal times to focus on dreams and goals. Heres an activity set for starting and ending the school year right.† (Begin....) At every stage of life, dreams are important but the dream of a student is more important. It is the dream of the combustible younger generation, and it has a strong impact on the future life of students. The teachers are aware of this fact. Strong motivation and encouraging words play important role. Let us examine the following two motivational sentences. Dear students..life is to be lived in its trials, tribulations, in duty and in beauty. My best wishes are with you always. May you accomplish all your dreams. May you get what you deserve in life.--highly encouraging. Perhaps these words will be remembered for life, by a student. The teachers should help to provide a realistic attitude to students to face the vicissitudes of life. Painting a rosy picture about their future lives will not serve any purpose. Give them correct assessments. Give them a dream; give them a goal. Without a goal, the life of students will be directionless and destination-less. As students, they are, let us say, strolling on the sea-shore. On graduation, they need to plunge to take the sea-bath. The students must be encouragingly told—now that you are going for the sea bath, be not afraid of the oncoming waves. If the waves are powerful, duck them; if the waves are friendly dance with them; when the waves are normal, swim your way further! Bid your time, know your direction! In college days, the students learn the theory of art of living. Beyond that they need a fresh start as the time has arrived to translate into action the theory knowledge. What is theory after all? It is other mans experience! The students need to be told through encouraging words that they are on the threshold of negotiating rough and tough turns in their lives. They need to be mentally prepared for good, better and

Ordination Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Ordination - Essay Example In spite of the strong protest against the ordination of women by the conventional Christian thinkers and scholars, there is an increasing opinion in favor of the practice of ordaining women and associate pastors. In this background, it is important to make a reflective analysis of the topic and take a strong opinion regarding the controversy. "Women in the ordained ministry have been the focus of considerable public interest and controversy, perhaps more so than any other professional occupation... Occasional cracks have allowed a few women to move into leadership positions, offering hope to scores of other women clergy. But female leadership in mainline denominations remains at token levels." (Nesbitt 1997, 3). In fact, the question concerning the issue needs to be realized according to the different contexts of the Christian traditions. It is, therefore, important to relate here that it is not easy to come to a conclusion regarding the issue as the opinions of every group is based on specific cultural, theological, and traditional beliefs and practices of different sects. Whereas the traditional and conservative view of the question forbids the ordination of women and ordination of associate pastors, a researched and thoroughly studied position on the question would be to grant women the equal rights for ordination along with men. Such a view favoring the ordination of women and ordination of associate pastors would not only improve the status of women, but, more importantly, would uplift the status of this divine vocation as such. Therefore, it is important that more and more strong opinion supportive of the ordination of women and ordination of associate pastors is the need of the period. In a reflective analysis of the question concerning the ordination of women, it becomes lucid that the argument against the ordination of women and ordination of associate pastors is the result of several complex aspects. Thus, it is relatable that the Catholics defend the Church's position on women's ordination mainly due to factors which are of common interest to the group. That is to say, the question of ecumenism is a strong factor deciding the position of the Catholics and orthodox Christians, and they wish to avoid factors that may hinder the scope of ecumenism with similar Christian groups. "Conservative Catholics who agree with the tradition of restricting the priesthood to men," as Ferrara and Wilson point out, "do not wish to offend their Protestant friends who have grown accustomed to female pastors or who may even be female pastors. Nor do they wish to insult their fellow Catholics who may think women should be ordained." (Ferrara and Wilson 2003, 33). Therefore, the posi tion taken by the Catholic Church on the issue is determined by factors of their specific concerns, along with the traditional and cultural aspects. In fact, the arguments against the ordination of women and ordination of associate pastors need to be carefully analyzed and the basic issues concerning the question be scrutinized. Whereas the

Overall Summary on Existing Customer Service at Morrisons plc :: Business Management Studies

Overall Summary on Existing Customer Service at Morrisons plc After analysing the results I have obtained from the questionnaire, I have concluded that the majority of the public that shopped at Morrisons felt that the customer service overall is very good. Morrisons customers feel that the customer service is generally good because they are offered a lot of assistance from staff and also are given advice if requested by the customer. There are lots of facilities designed to make a visit to Morrisons as convenient and comfortable as possible for the general public. This is one of the causes for the customer service being rated as very good by the present customers I have surveyed. Morrisons have extended opening hours, including Sunday trading. This is so that customers have more flexibility on the time they prefer to shop. This is good for the customers who work or study because they tend to be free in the evening to shop. The parking facilities for the customers at the Mayo Avenue Morrisons store, has an extensive free car parking area. This includes spaces for parents with children and also drivers who have disabilities. At Morrisons there are Cash-Point machines for most major banks. This includes HSBC bank and Lloyds TSB. This is so that customers can withdraw money at the store and do not need to travel to the bank so that they can withdraw money from their bank account. There are recycling facilities including glass, can, bottle, paper and textile banks. This encourages customers to recycle. Also customers do not have to travel to other banks in Bradford to recycle. Morrisons have their own petrol station where petrol, diesel, free of charge tyre pumps are available and also confectionary and newspapers are on sale inside the petrol pump store. The tyre pumps enable customers to check the pressure of their vehicle tyres and can also pump the tyres if necessary. The Morrisons petrol pump is open long hours so that customers can utilise the pump during the period they shop at Morrisons in the late evening. At Morrisons, there are customer cafes offering snacks and hot meals freshly prepared in-store throughout the day. This is good for the customers with a busy schedule and also those who do not like to cook. For the parents and the babies there are baby-changing rooms with facilities. There are nappy dispensers and also a machine where you can purchase nappies from the vending machine. For all customers there are toilet facilities where there are soap dispensers. For the special needs customers there are disabled toilets that are specially designed for the customers with disabilities.