Crash Course in Strategic Planning

by Stephen A. Matthews, Kimberly D. Matthews

Overview

For practitioners, this text provides an easy-to-understand approach to strategic planning and execution.

The general recipe for achieving an intended outcome is equal parts of the following: clear vision and mission, a practical strategic plan, daily activities linked to the mission, and unified commitment to the plan. However, orchestrating the details of these necessary components is somewhat more complicated.

Crash Course in Strategic Planning uses a process approach to the creation of a strategic plan, providing practitioners with no-nonsense instruction on planning. The volume is arranged to lead the reader through the stages of planning, from the beginning development stages through the execution of the plan to completing the plan and attaining the objective. A variety of recommended planning techniques are supplied for groups to use to accomplish their planning goals, and the final chapter emphasizes the importance of overall organizational commitment to execution of the plan.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798216067306
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	08/15/2013
Series:	Crash Course
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	120
File size:	1 MB
Age Range:	7 - 17 Years

About the Author

Stephen A. Matthews, PhD, MLS, is rural library consultant at the Utah State Library, where he consults with 12 small and rural library staff and boards.

Kimberly D. Matthews, MLS, MBA, is executive director of the Trenton Free Public Library, which she led through two recent downsizings due to budget cuts of nearly 50 percent.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Chapter 1—Why Develop a Strategic Plan
Theory
Strategic Plan Importance
Frequent Drastic Changes
Your Strategic Plan
Practice
Derailment
Small Library Ideas
Chapter 2—The 21st Century Library Strategic Plan Model
Theory
The Strategic Plan Process
Practice
Process of Inclusion
Additional Benefits
Derailment
Small Library Ideas
Chapter 3—Mission Statement
Theory
Mission
Mission Statement Template
The Statement
Practice
Determining Where You Are Now
Building Consensus
Organizational Influences
21st Century Library Example
Mission Statement
Assessment
Derailment
Small Library Ideas
Chapter 4—Values and Guiding Principles
Theory
Values and Guiding Principles Descriptors
Practice
Examples
A Sample Statement
Assessment
Derailment
Small Library Ideas
Chapter 5—Vision Statement
Theory
Vision
Vision Statement Template
Vision Descriptors
Practice
The Question
Example
Sample Vision Statement
Assessment
Derailment
Small Library Ideas
Chapter 6—Forecast
Theory
Forecasting the Perfect Storm
Forecasting Using Environmental Scan
STEP Analysis
SWOT Analysis
Incorporating SWOT Results
Incorporating the Environmental Scan Results
Practice
Derailment
Small Library Ideas
Chapter 7—Goals and Objectives
Theory
What's the Difference?
Goal versus Objective
Developing Goals
Practice
More theory
Developing Objectives
More practice
Still more theory
Incorporating Opportunity
Planned Abandonment
Still more practice
Sample Goals and Objectives for Strategic Partnerships
Derailment
Small Library Ideas
Chapter 8—Activities
Theory
Practice
Examples
Derailment
Small Library Ideas
Chapter 9—Measures and Outcomes
Theory
Measures and Outcomes
Measures
Outcomes
Targets and Indicators
Practice
Example
Derailment
Small Library Ideas
Chapter 10—Resource Allocation
Theory
Calculations
Priorities
Resources
Practice
Prioritization
Personnel Costs
Financial Costs
Associated Costs
Derailment
Small Library Ideas
Chapter 11—Organization of a Plan Document
Theory
Practice
Outside Considerations
Example
Derailment
Small Library Ideas
Chapter 12—Choose Your Strategic Plan Ending
"Choose Your Strategic Plan Ending"
Path C
Path D
Path E
Path F
Path G
Path H
Path J
Path M
Path O
Path P
Path R
Path T
Path U
Path Z
Chapter 13—Conclusion
Change Within Your Library
The Planning Process
Execution of Your Plan
Becoming a 21st Century Library
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

Truly presents the reader with a comprehensive overview of how to step into the role of the library administrator in charge of creating a vision and mission for the library. . . . This text could easily be used by the inexperienced librarian thrown into the role of library management and administration, either by choice or by necessity. The work is a great review as well as introduction to the life of a librarian, illustrating both the positive and the challenging situations.” —ARBA

From the Publisher