Planning

Question 1

The six processes of strategic management

Glover 1996

Answer 1

1. Assessing the current position of the school
2. Assessing the current strengths and weaknesses in the use of human and financial resources
3. Reviewing the aims of the organisation and if they should be changed
4. Considering, and costing, the alternative ways in which the organisation could develop to meet its objectives
5. Reaching decisions on the priorities for future planning
6. Developing longer term, medium term and action plans for the use of resources to meet aims

Question 2

Davies and Ellison -1997

Answer 2

Differences between 
futures thinking, ( 5-15 years)
- develop a vision about a desired future state and then plan backwards 
strategic planning (3-5 years)
development planning (1-3 years)

Avoid an incremental approach - a school only gradually alters current provision (think about impact of tech)

What will T&L and tech look like in ten years

Question 3

Scheerens (1997)

Synoptic planning versus retroactive planning

Answer 3

Synoptic planning-characterised by high predictability or sequencing of actions
Retroactive planning-characterised by reaction to events and incremental development

Question 4

Rational planning

Answer 4

When a school knows where it is going, it will manage resources and structures in such a way that the aims and objective’s will be fulfilled.

Question 5

Three steps to a rational approach

Answer 5

1. Determining the objectives of the organisation-there must be a single set of organisational preferences which decides on the trade-off between objectives.
2. Finding out information on the alternative means for achieving the objectives and calculating the cost and benefits of each possible action
3. Selecting those actions which will maximise the achievement of the objectives.

Question 6

Rational planning process

Answer 6

1. Audit-establish the present situation
2. Planning –present and cost alternative answers
3. Linking-matching component parts to the development plan
4. Prioritising-establishing which plans are logistically and financially possible
5. Implementing-putting the selected plans into operation
6. Evaluating-measuring progress towards aims
7. Back to audit

Question 7

The tight model versus the loose model

Answer 7

Tight model - link between objectives and resources are tight
Loose model-broader aims rather than type plans

Question 8

Tight model

Answer 8

• clear goals
• a clear hierarchy of office and role
• Centralisd control
• Clear linking of budgetary decisions with wider planning
• Rigourous procedures for assessing decision options
• Effective vertical communication for evaluation

Question 9

Loose model

Answer 9

• Collegial view of management
• Decisions based on negotiation consensus
• Flexible view of financial plans