Integrated Planning Model Component Descriptions

Discover

This is an important but often overlooked component of an integrated planning process. The discovery phase allows a college to take a step back and evaluate how planning is done.

Key questions:
What is the planning process and structure?
Who’s involved?
What resources are needed?
How are resources allocated?
What are the other committees, groups, etc., and how are they related?

Develop

The development of the plan is the main focus of this phase of the IP Model.  

Key questions:
What does the institutional data look like?
Is input from stakeholders (internal & external) solicited?
What is happening outside the college that may impact it?
Has an Environmental Scan been conducted?
What are the Goals, Measurable Objectives, Strategies, etc.?
Are there institution set standards?
How are goals prioritized?
How can the college plan for the unknown? 
As you develop the plan, consider how the goals and measurable objectives will be implemented, evaluated and reported.

Implement

This is the time for action, when the goals, objectives and strategies of the plan are operationalized.

Key questions:
What is the Implementation timeline? How does this affect other college operations?
What is the impact of implementation on other departments (e.g., HR, IT, etc.)?
What is the process for resource allocation and prioritization?

Evaluate

It is important to evaluate the progress towards goals on a regular basis, at least annually, but more frequently if needed. For multi-year plans, evaluation may lead to slight modifications of objectives and strategies.

Key questions:
Who conducts the evaluation?
How often should the goals be evaluated?
What is the mechanism for evaluation?
How are evaluation results used?
What happens if institution set standards are not met?

Report

Once the evaluation is complete, share the results broadly.

Key questions:
How are results reported?
Are they just posted on a website, or they are being presented and discussed at meetings?
Are results presented in a format that is easy to understand?

Logic Model

A logic model is a practical graphic organizer that can be used to visualize goals and activities. It is often best to “work backwards” with a logic model. Begin with outcomes (long term, medium term, short term), then plan the deliverables (measurable outputs), and then the activities that support the deliverables, and lastly the resources (inputs) that can support these activities. Multiple plans can be integrated into a logic model format to provider richer clarity for the college. 

College Plans Crosswalk and Accreditation 

Integration of college plans and processes can be an exciting and complex process. This crosswalk tool assists colleges in identifying linkages between their plans and the accreditation standards.

SWOT Analysis

In an integrated planning process, the SWOT analysis is often used as part of the development of the plan to set goals and objectives.  However, it can also be utilized in the evaluation of the planning process itself, as the plan moves through each component of the IP Model. Using a SWOT analysis in this manner affords the institution a “snapshot” of the planning process as it is happening. Some colleges may already have a similar evaluation process in place, although it may not be specifically a SWOT analysis.

Planning Calendars

Planning calendars from 50 strategic plans, educational master plans, facilities master plans, and technology master plans were analyzed. This tool includes planning calendar examples and templates.

Scenario Planning

Scenario Planning is an intentional and organized method for considering and incorporating “what if’s” into the planning framework. This resource was intended to provide simple, step-by-step instructions and illustrations to help colleges understand how scenario planning works and what it is used for, as well as encourage colleges to adopt these steps to bolster their plans. 

Committee Structure

Taking stock of the committee structure and report out functions is important as the structure will be largely responsible for implementing activities from college plans. 

Appreciative Inquiry (AI)

AI has shown to lend itself well to community college planning efforts through identifying and emphasizing the significance of the “positive core” (the conditions or factors) that have been identified as determinants of success, and appropriating this for a positive future. This document is intended to introduce the concept of AI and showcase an actual case study of its application and utility for community college strategic planning.

Goal Progress Checker

The Goal Progress Tracker tools can be used to track implementation of any plan at the institution, program or department level. For example, a planning committee can use it to track the goals and objectives of the strategic plan, or a department can use it to track their annual goals. Colleges can customize the headers to fit their needs, and additional columns can be added as needed. 

Gantt Chart

A Gantt chart is a useful way of showing activities, tasks, or events across time.
Create your own Gantt chart by filling in an activity, person or group responsible, and dates. Customize the Gantt chart to fit your needs.
• Column Titles are customizable
• Additional columns can be added
• Works for any Fiscal Year
Not Excel Savvy? That is OK! The cells with formulas are locked to prevent mistakes. All of the cells can be unlocked by those who are experienced Excel users for further customization.

Inclusive Leadership

Inclusive leadership (IL) is a meaningful leadership practice and is essentially an extension of diversity and inclusion management. IL lends itself to community college planning by providing collegial consultation when integrating critical initiatives for community college success. Planning is important, but implementation is about the actions necessary to get results. 

Program Evaluation 

Program evaluation is the systemic method of collecting, analyzing, and using information to answer questions about a program or project. This resource covers the must-haves and nice-to-haves in a program evaluation.

Evaluation Monitoring

Evaluation can encompass a broad set of activities or things to evaluate, and these are highly contingent on the year or development of the plan/project that is underway. These tools and resources intends to clarify the utility of monitoring systems for evaluation purposes. 

Reporting & Communication

Disseminating information and presenting results can be a complex process. These tools will help provide transparency as well as enhance inclusion, communication, and trust throughout the beginning steps of the report-out process.