In order to provide flexibility in mid-range financial planning in higher education institutions, a predictive modular decision-making model is prepared. Simple computational procedure and a small external information requirement will enable small institutions to utilize the model. (Author/MLW)

A contexual model is introduced to simplify planning, to provide an understanding of institutions as interpretive systems, to guide the implementation of better strategic planning, and to provide a research paradigm that may integrate research findings for a better understanding of how the strategic variables are related to one another.…

Today's unprecedented rate of change requires that decision-makers use effective procedures to deal with the increasing complexity and uncertainty regarding the future results of their decisions. Strategic planning is a middle- and long-range method that fills this need. Its holistic, general-systems orientation is the only way to handle the…

Many universities are implementing comprehensive long-range planning to help them make decisions today that are consistent with the institution's ambitions for tomorrow. What planning is, why planning should be done, and what a good plan includes are explored. A model for long-range planning is proposed. (MLW)

Evaluated systematic empirical evidence of how postsecondary institutions support and promote the use of student assessment information in academic decision making using linear regression techniques. Found that student assessment data has only a marginal influence on academic decision making, with slightly more influence on educationally related…

Information to help local school districts in Minnesota plan for and use revenue reserved for staff development is provided in this research-referenced planning guide. Following the introduction, chapter 2 focuses on decision-making aspects of staff development and offers a conceptual model of decision-making choice points in the planning process.…

Suggests a decision-making model based on case-management procedures for permanency planning in foster care. Permanency planning is offered as an alternative to counter the drift of children in foster care. (CM)

Planning is defined, and ways to plan and reasons for university planning are reviewed. A 10-step bottom-up planning process is outlined. It is suggested that planning aids communication between faculty and administrators, provides warning of problems, and improves allocation of resources. (MLW)

Describes the emphasis of decision support systems as being on the decision making process itself, rather than the flow of information; reviews the uses of microcomputers in libraries in recent years; and compares five decision modeling software packages. An appendix lists the name, manufacturer's address, price, and hardware requirements of each…

Offers a sequential model of futures research techniques that is applied to a hypothetical situation to indicate its applicability as a means by which public relations professionals can approach the task of saying today what may happen tomorrow. (SRT)

This article reviews development and use of a statewide (Texas) space model for long-term planning, regulating new construction, and formula appropriations for general academic and, more recently, health-related institutions. Considers the work and recommendation of a 1998 study committee on space needs of health facilities, the Commissioner's…

Planning in higher education has evolved as a response to changes in the environment, such as expanding enrollments, student unrest, economic recession, and pressures for financial accountability. Strategic planning has emerged as one way institutions can handle and overcome the adversities of the future. Definitions of strategic planning are…

An important part of strategic or long-range planning is assessing the environment external to the institution. Many statistics are already compiled by external agencies. Some sources of information are identified, an assessment classification procedures is presented, and a sample of excerpts of the results of an assessment is provided. (MLW)

A methodology for developing a strategic, long-range organizational information architecture is described. The development of a plan to identify key categories of information to enhance decision making and operational productivity is detailed. Figures and tables detail the methodology's application at the University of Minnesota. (DB)

A program planning model developed in collaboration with primary decision makers and program planners is described in this study. A 6-month pilot test of the planning document was evaluated by a followup questionnaire of program planners and decision makers. Results indicate that a majority of the respondents viewed the planning model as…