Question

ABC university is experiencing increased enrollment and a decrease in state funding, since the last couple of years. In this context, the new Dean of the university's college of engineering set out to create a five-year strategic plan with a goal to improve student experience and success rate and raise the profile of the coliege both internally among the broader campus community, as well as, externally with relevant stakeholders viz. prospective students, alumni, industry partners, community partners and potential donors. But much work was needed to attain its goals and reach these diverse audiences. The Dean has contracted you as an Consultant for this project. Given this context, answer the questions that follow:

a. What are the major activities that you as a consultant would be performing?

Answer 1

The consultant's major activities for the ABC university's strategic plan include conducting a needs assessment, engaging with stakeholders, performing a market analysis, drafting the strategic plan with clear goals and implementation strategies, and developing a communication strategy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Strategic Planning for University Improvement

As a consultant contracted by the Dean of the college of engineering at ABC university, there are several major activities to be performed to create a five-year strategic plan. Initially, a comprehensive needs assessment will be conducted to understand existing challenges and opportunities within the college. This involves gathering data about enrollment trends, state funding levels, student success rates, and current college reputation among stakeholders.

Following this, stakeholder engagement is a priority. The plan must consider the perspectives and needs of prospective students, alumni, industry and community partners, and potential donors. Therefore, organizing stakeholder meetings, facilitating focus groups, and conducting surveys are crucial for inclusive planning.

A thorough market analysis will assess the university's position relative to competitors, and help identify potential areas for collaboration or niche programming that could enhance the college's profile. Additionally, evaluating the infrastructure like the college's facilities and technology will be imperative to ensure they align with the prospective developments.

After these preparatory steps, the next phase involves drafting the strategic plan. This includes setting clear goals, defining measurable objectives, and formulating implementation strategies. The strategic plans should align with broader university goals while focusing on the unique needs of the College of Engineering.

Finally, an effective communication strategy will be developed to internal and external audiences about the strategic plan and its benefits. Ensuring ongoing feedback and collaboration with stakeholders through regular updates and involvement in the plan's execution is crucial. The plan must also provide a framework for continuous assessment and adjustment to maintain relevance and effectiveness over time.