Strategic Planning and Execution Case Example

The Project

• A strategic planning process was conducted for an academic department at a large university.

The Problem

• Significant changes recently occurred in the department, including a new leadership team and a restructuring.
• The strategic planning process was performed in part to prepare the department for an accreditation review.

The Process

• Focus group meetings were conducted with all departmental stakeholders, including the leadership team, advisory board, faculty, staff, students, alumni and hiring professionals.
• A themes analysis was created from the focus group data, and the results were shared with all participants.
• A customized strategic planning retreat was designed and delivered to 45 key stakeholders.
• At the retreat the participants performed an environment and stakeholder analysis, and provided input into a departmental vision, mission, goal objectives and action plan.
• The leader of the organization and a small committee drafted a strategic plan that was reviewed and unanimously accepted by key stakeholders.
• Biweekly meetings were held between the leader and the consulting team throughout the process to ensure quality, continuity and timeliness.

The Results

• A strategic plan was created that unified a group of very independent thinkers.
• A concrete action plan was developed that serves as a blueprint for initiatives and resources.
• Increased collaboration began occurring between the department and the local business community.
• Students and alumni communicated their needs and expectations to leadership, faculty and staff.
• A high score was achieved on the departmental accreditation process.