Websites that explain what Strategic Planning entails...

Ever wonder what is strategic planning and what it entails???

Strategic Planning; Whats So Strategic About It? - this brief article (3 pages) by Bart Strong does not provide a definition of strategic planning. Rather, he identifies what it means to plan "strategically" and introduces several key concepts. In this article Bart hits on numerous important topics that you will see again and again. Be certain to read all of this short but important article as many of the ideas will be discussed in future lessons. (http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/eqm0510.pdf)

Key Concepts of Strategic Planning - just as the title indicates, this web page identifies some of the key ideas and definitions for the strategic planning process. It is a brief site and it should only take a few minutes to read through all of the information.
(http://competitive-intelligence.mirum.net/strategic-planning/key-concepts.html)

Strategic Planning: Is it for You? - this website provides a quick snapshot of the key steps in the planning process. It provides bulleted lists for easy reading and will be your first introduction to the various steps and substeps. As with the previous readings, it is fairly short but contains good information. Read through the entire page. (http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/rural/facts/93-041.htm)

* What is Strategic Planning Anyhow? - this chapter from a strategic planning book does a good job of outlining the basic ideas, concepts, and definitions of strategic planning. It is written from a business perspective, but the ideas it presents are universal. Even though it is 14 pages, it is a quick read and you should read the entire chapter. (http://media.wiley.com/product_data/excerpt/64/04700371/0470037164.pdf)

* Is Strategic Planning for Technology an Oxymoron? - this article by Martin Ringle and Daniel Updegrove looks at strategic planning from a technology perspective. The other readings dealt with strategic planning in general. This article does an excellent job of bringing to light some of the unique issues related to technology strategic planning. You will find the information contained within the article useful later in the semester as you work on completing your own technology strategic plan. Read the entire article to get the full benefit of this reading. (http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/html/cem/cem98/cem9814.html)

* Strategic Planning (in non-profit and for profit organizations) - this site contains information and links about nearly every aspect of the strategic planning process. Check it out if you want more information.

* Wikipedia definition of Strategic Planning - If you want to know more about strategic planning or link out to related sites check out the information on Wikipedia.

* The Center for Simplified Strategic Planning - this website is dedicated to making information available and easy to understand when it comes to strategic planning. If you are having trouble understanding concepts, try looking it up on this site.