Using research to inform university strategic planning

Written By

RW Jones

This insights post is a summary of the blog post published by RW Jones. View the full post at: The importance of research informing university strategic planning.

When Universities and colleges work on strategic planning, the processes are often too inwardly focused. Most institutions create internal committees to discuss institutional priorities without using external research or data to support their decision-making process. Without outside research, they pave the planning for their institution with a foundation of intuition, not evidence.

As the competition for enrollment climbs, universities must shift their strategic planning processes to ensure their institutions remain relevant, competitive and attractive not only to prospective students, but also faculty and other stakeholders. Two inputs are critical – and often neglected – in driving effective strategic planning: brand perception research and market research. When data-informed, evidence-based process are used, institution can create a strategic plan that aligns with its organizational priorities while setting realistic goals to improve or maintain its standing in a competitive market.

There are several advantages to using data-Informed, evidence-based strategic planning including:

• Aligning Offerings with Market Demand
• Enhancing Brand Positioning
• Attracting and Retaining Talent
• Driving Innovation and Differentiation
• Improving Stakeholder Engagement

To get details about each of these steps in the strategic planning process read the post: The importance of research informing university strategic planning. They have additional insights for education in their recent series:

• Boost campus communications: How to strengthen key relationships this fall
• Remembering campus audiences: Why internal communications deserve investment
• Enhancing higher education marketing and communications capacity with AI

You can also find insights about Brand Development, Education and Strategy from other Worldcom Partners.