Title of Paper “An investigation of strategic planning models in the Irish Higher Education Sector”

Outline Abstract Background to the research Strategy definition Methodology Literature Review Results & Findings Conclusions

Methodology Mixed method approach Positivist & Phenomenological research Main sources used: Interviews n=20 Institutional self-evaluation reports External panel reports Strategic plan of each HEI Books & journals

Literature review Environmental Scan (IPEST) SWOT analysis Porters Five Forces Framework Ansoffs Growth Matrix Delphi Technique Lenses Rational Planning - Intended strategy Emergent Strategy Foresight Planning Scenario Planning ‘De-facto’ strategy

Results & Findings External consultants 7/14 Institutes of Technology (IOTs) 2/6 Universities Predominant models 6/14 (IOTs) Rational model - Experience 2/14 (IOTs) Scenario Planning 1/14 (IOTs) Foresight Planning 1/6 Uni – Rational Planning – Experience 3/6 Experience No model !

Conclusions Unsure about the concept of strategic planning models Insufficient attention placed on selection of appropriate model Alternative models not often looked at Rational Model is the most prominent Limited use of Ansoff, Porter, Delphi Limited use of strategy as ‘ideas lense’ Overuse of ‘strategy as experience’ lense Reliance on external consultants Introduction of more innovative types of strategic planning necessary

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