Agent-based models combine data and theory during both development and use of the model. As models have become increasingly data driven, it is easy to start thinking of agent-based modelling as an empirical method, akin to statistical modelling, and reduce the role of theory. We argue that both types of information are important where the past is…

This is a research-based action and strategy planning study incorporating a holistic systems approach to program continuance at a local college. In the spring semester of 2010, the college administration decided to discontinue three programs at the college due to declining enrollment. One of these programs was the Real Estate Department which had…

Recently, there has been growing interest in adapting Return-on-Investment thinking to education--sometimes called educational productivity, or academic-ROI. Education leaders do not seek a monetary return on their spending, rather greater student learning, or other outcomes like student citizenship, higher graduation rates, or increased lifetime…

Regional accrediting agencies today require higher education institutions to develop and demonstrate a culture of evidence-based decision-making and improvement as part of its emphasis on effectiveness. However, scant literature or examples exist to guide colleges and universities in developing such a culture. Cultural change is usually prompted…

The model outlined here described sociological, political, economic and educational interactions in an urban school system in order to describe how the system is performing and might be amenable to change and reform." (Author)

Systematic planning offers a rational approach to solving the problems of providing education. Four fundamental principles are basic to an understanding of the concept of systematic planning. First, it should relate to all aspects of educational decision-making at all levels. Second, it is a multiphased operation involving establishment of goals,…

Looks at the present uses of programing, planning, and budgeting in school districts. (JF)

Paper argues that a better way to start curriculum planning is by performing an educational systems design which considers knowledge needs along with the need to clarify values and make effective decisions. One result of this design work is the new teaching-learning approach called Guided Design. (Author/HB)

Makes informal analyses of the method by which decisions in higher education are now made and of how that method compares to the systematic planning procedures so often proposed. Suggests how the systems approach can be applied in higher education and indicates what processes would be involved. Concludes with a discussion of a few of the problems…

Presents a systems theory approach to strategic planning and a framework for conceptualizing and managing the process more effectively. Reviews problems in past strategic planning efforts, presents a synopsis of systems theory, and applies the systems approach to planning and decision-making processes. Includes two figures and 26 references. (MLH)

Examines educational reform as a systemic process. Views school districts as dynamic systems that use reforms to reinforce their equilibrium as institutional organizations. Institutionalization effectively blocks formal feedback to decision makers. Reforms exhibit an alternating pattern, resulting from a default feedback process reflecting…

Computer simulations provide powerful models for establishing goals, guidelines, and constraints in educational planning. They are dynamic models that allow planners to examine logical descriptions of organizational behavior over time as well as permitting consideration of the large and complex systems required to provide realistic descriptions of…

A recognition of pradigmatic diversity and the contribution of multiple paradigms to planning greatly enriches both theory and practice. This analysis groups planning definitions into two general models, associates both with hard and soft systems thinking, and examines conceptual roots. The interpretive/humanist paradigm often highlights…

Deals with four major skill areas: (1) the analytics of categorization, (2) the analytics of priority assessment, (3) the analytics of time and transition, and (4) the analytics of decision strategy. (Author)