Course Syllabus:

Innovation in Strategic Planning

Spring Quarter 2005

WORKING DRAFT

Instructor: Dean Sandra O. Archibald,

Facilitators: Aaron Best, MPA ‘05 , (206) 683-7620324-1396
Carrie Evans, MPA ‘04, , (206) 543-1520

Location: Parrington 305

Dates: Fridays 1:00 – 3:20pm (4/8, 4/22, 4/29 and 5/13)

Please note that there is NO class on 4/15, 5/6

Website:Link to course website here.

The course website includes links to suggested readings.

Course Goals

  1. Exercise innovation and leadership
  2. Contribute to the EvansSchool's strategic plan for enhancing its instructional, research, outreach and service programs
  3. Communicate ideas effectively and persuade others to take action.

Overview

In this course, participants will generate and contribute their ideas for the EvansSchool’s strategic plan and solicit feedback from external stakeholders of the School.

Prior planning. The primary goals of the 1998 strategic plan have been accomplished, including: expanded instructional programs for mid-career and executive students; doubling of student enrollment; enhanced research capacity; growth in regional prominence and service to our community.

Current planning.The University requires that academic programs complete a program review every ten years. As part of this review, the EvansSchoolcompleted a self study in March 2005 and has initiated a new strategic planning process. The review also includes a site visit on May 17th and 18th by an external review committee who will submit a report regarding the School’s strengths and challenges in the years ahead.

This course presents a once-in-a-decade opportunity for Evans students to help shape the School’s future and learn more about strategic planning. Through small team projects, students will identify innovative ways for the School to enhance its excellence as a place of learning, research and leadership.

Expectations

  • In our work together, we will strive to be constructive, innovative and realistic.
  • Our impact depends on the quality (and the qualities) of our ideas and communication.

Innovation in Strategic Planning

Class sessions – Fridays 1:00 – 3:20pm, Parrington 305

Session 1 – April 8th

  • Class overview and introductions
  • Outline class project expectations (for completion by last session)
  • Class exercises
  • Innovation and strategic planning in nonprofit and public organizations (focus on higher education)
  • Brainstorming about external stakeholders (alumni, employers MPA graduates, policy-makers, etc). Who are the stakeholders in the EvansSchool’s strategic plan? What input should the School seek from different groups of stakeholders?
  • Develop questions for external stakeholder interviews
  • Reading handouts: understanding the strategic planning process; innovation and creativity; leadership

In the two weeks between sessions 1 and 2:

  • Students will speak with an Evans stakeholder (assigned in class) to understand their perspective and solicit some project ideas
  • Students will develop their individual ideas for projects.

Session 2 – April 22nd

  • Guest speaker(s) [to be confirmed]
  • Class Exercise: Individuals will present their favorite project ideas to the class. Students will create two- to four-person project teams.

Project teams will work together for the remainder of the course to refine their idea for inclusion in the Evans strategic plan. It is up to project teams to select the best manner to communicate their idea to others. Formal training in creating a webpage will be provided during Session 3 to allow projects to be shared with a wide audience.

Session 3 – April 29th

  • Speakers: EvansSchool communications and marketing team [to be confirmed]
  • Workshop: creating effective web-pages to communicate your ideas (location: Evans computer lab)

Session 4 – May 13th

  • Student presentation of projects
  • Course evaluations and feedback