using external environmental scanning and forecasting to improve strategic planning

Using External Using External Environmental Scanning Environmental Scanning

and Forecasting to Improve and Forecasting to Improve Strategic PlanningStrategic Planning

Joel D. Lapin Joel D. Lapin

PlanningPlanning

A formalized procedure by which decisions A formalized procedure by which decisions are made and integrated in organizations.are made and integrated in organizations.

Strategic PlanningStrategic Planning

A systematic and ongoing activity that an A systematic and ongoing activity that an organization uses to anticipate and organization uses to anticipate and respond to major decisions facing it during respond to major decisions facing it during a three- to five-year period beyond the a three- to five-year period beyond the present.present.

An “outside-in” approach that answers the An “outside-in” approach that answers the question – what do we do?question – what do we do?

Strategic PlanningStrategic Planning

CharacteristicsCharacteristics Systematic and ongoingSystematic and ongoing Anticipates and respondsAnticipates and responds Three to five years beyond presentThree to five years beyond present Focuses on external environmentFocuses on external environment Deals with “big” issuesDeals with “big” issues Spans organizational boundariesSpans organizational boundaries Deals with uncertaintyDeals with uncertainty Values expert judgmentValues expert judgment

Operational PlanningOperational Planning

An “inside-out” approach that answers the question – An “inside-out” approach that answers the question – how and when we do it?how and when we do it?

CharacteristicsCharacteristics One- to two-year timeframeOne- to two-year timeframe Internally focusedInternally focused Determined by strategic planDetermined by strategic plan Deals with micro issuesDeals with micro issues Tied to organizational unitsTied to organizational units Tied to budget/spendingTied to budget/spending Relatively certainRelatively certain Highly participatoryHighly participatory

Components of a Strategic PlanComponents of a Strategic Plan

VisionVision – An ideal, credible, attractive, and – An ideal, credible, attractive, and unique future image for an organization.unique future image for an organization.

Mission Mission – A general statement of the – A general statement of the fundamental purpose of an organization fundamental purpose of an organization and the foundation for developing the and the foundation for developing the organizational goals and objectives.organizational goals and objectives.

GoalsGoals – A broad statement that describes – A broad statement that describes ultimate ends and achievements for an ultimate ends and achievements for an organization.organization.

External Environmental Scanning External Environmental Scanning and Forecastingand Forecasting

A kind of radar to scan the world A kind of radar to scan the world systematically and signal the new, the systematically and signal the new, the unexpected, the major, and the minor. unexpected, the major, and the minor. (Morrison and Held, 1989)(Morrison and Held, 1989)


Scanning involves the following:Scanning involves the following: Detecting changes in the external environmentDetecting changes in the external environment Defining the potential threats or opportunities Defining the potential threats or opportunities

and potential changes for the organization and potential changes for the organization caused by these changescaused by these changes

Promoting a futures orientation in leadership in Promoting a futures orientation in leadership in the organization the organization

Alerting leadership to trends and emerging Alerting leadership to trends and emerging issues and their future directionissues and their future direction

Environmental Scanner’s RoleEnvironmental Scanner’s Role

When scanning ask if the items:When scanning ask if the items: Represent events, trends, developments, or ideas Represent events, trends, developments, or ideas

never before encounterednever before encountered Contradict previous assumptions or beliefs about Contradict previous assumptions or beliefs about

what seems to be happeningwhat seems to be happening Represent new twists to old argumentsRepresent new twists to old arguments Can be linked to other abstracts previously written or Can be linked to other abstracts previously written or

seenseen Have implications for the long-range program or Have implications for the long-range program or

management of the organizationmanagement of the organization Contain polls or forecastsContain polls or forecasts

• Morrison and Held, 1989Morrison and Held, 1989

Purpose of ScanningPurpose of Scanning

The purpose of external environmental The purpose of external environmental scanning and forecasting is to enable an scanning and forecasting is to enable an organization to develop or change a organization to develop or change a strategic plan based upon external trends.strategic plan based upon external trends.


The purpose of environmental scanning is The purpose of environmental scanning is to give an organization a competitive edgeto give an organization a competitive edge

“When the rate of change outside exceeds the rate of change inside, the end is in

sight.”

Jack Welch

External Environmental Scanning and External Environmental Scanning and Forecasting and Its Role in a Forecasting and Its Role in a

Strategic PlanStrategic PlanVisionFuture Image – What Should We Be?

Mission(Fundamental Purpose)Who Are We?What Do We Do?For Whom Do We Do It?Why Do We Do It?

Institutional GoalsWhat should the college do to address the most consequential trends in its external environment?

Goals determined after full and honest discussion of SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats)

Select “X” number of manageable achievable goals to be accomplished with “X” year(s)

Develop Operational Plan

Administration

Instruction

Student Services

Institutional Adv.

Recommendations

(Monitor External Environment)

Document and Evaluate Key Results

External Environmental Scanning & Forecasting Which Results in Trend Statements and a List of Core Trends

TrendTrend A statement of the general direction of A statement of the general direction of

change – usually gradual, long-term changechange – usually gradual, long-term change—in the forces shaping the future of an —in the forces shaping the future of an organization, region, nation, or society in organization, region, nation, or society in general. Trends are often longitudinal in that general. Trends are often longitudinal in that they have been observed over a time frame.they have been observed over a time frame.

--Morrison and Held, 1989--Morrison and Held, 1989

Table 3. Occupations with the largest job growth, 2006-16Table 3. Occupations with the largest job growth, 2006-16

EmploymentEmployment ChangeChange

20062006 20162016 NumberNumber PercentPercent

Most significant source of Most significant source of postsecondary education or postsecondary education or trainingtraining22

Registered nurses Registered nurses 2,5052,505 3,092 3,092 587587 23.523.5 Associate degree

Retail salespersonsRetail salespersons 4,477 4,477 5,034 5,034 557557 12.412.4 Short-term on-the-job trainingShort-term on-the-job training

Customer service Customer service representativesrepresentatives 2,202 2,202 2,747 2,747 545545 24.824.8

Moderate-term on-the-job Moderate-term on-the-job trainingtraining

Combined food preparation & Combined food preparation & serving workers, including fast serving workers, including fast foodfood 2,5032,503 2,9552,955 452452 18.118.1 Short-term on-the-job trainingShort-term on-the-job training

Office clerks, general Office clerks, general 3,2003,200 3,6043,604 404404 12.612.6 Short-term on-the-job trainingShort-term on-the-job training

Personal & home care aidesPersonal & home care aides 767767

1,1561,156 389389 50.650.6 Short-term on-the-job trainingShort-term on-the-job training

Home health aidesHome health aides 787787

1,1711,171 384384 48.748.7 Short-term on-the-job trainingShort-term on-the-job training

Postsecondary teachersPostsecondary teachers 1,6721,672 2,0542,054 382382 22.922.9 Doctoral degreeDoctoral degree

Janitors & cleaners, except Janitors & cleaners, except maids & housekeeping cleanersmaids & housekeeping cleaners 2,387 2,387 2,7322,732 345345 14.514.5 Short-term on-the-job trainingShort-term on-the-job training

Nursing aides, orderlies, & Nursing aides, orderlies, & attendantsattendants 1,4471,447 1,711 1,711 264264 18.218.2 Postsecondary vocational awardPostsecondary vocational award

Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Occupational employment projections to 2016” November 2007 Monthly Labor Review





Bookkeeping, accounting, & Bookkeeping, accounting, & auditing clerksauditing clerks

2,1142,114

2,3772,377 264264 12.512.5


Waiters & WaitressesWaiters & Waitresses 2,3612,361 2,615 2,615 255255 10.810.8 Short-term on-the-job trainingShort-term on-the-job training

Child care workersChild care workers 1,3881,388 1,6361,636 248248 17.817.8 Short-term on-the-job trainingShort-term on-the-job training

Executive secretaries & Executive secretaries & administrative assistantsadministrative assistants 1,6181,618 1,8571,857 239239 14.814.8

Work experience in a related Work experience in a related occupationoccupation

Computer software engineers, Computer software engineers, applicationsapplications 507507 733733 226226 44.644.6 Bachelor's degreeBachelor's degree

Accountants & auditorsAccountants & auditors 1,2741,274 1,5001,500 226226 17.717.7 Bachelor's degreeBachelor's degree

Landscaping & groundskeeping Landscaping & groundskeeping workersworkers 1,2201,220 1,4411,441 221221 18.118.1 Short-term on-the-job trainingShort-term on-the-job training

Elementary school teachers, Elementary school teachers, except special educationexcept special education 1,5401,540 1,7491,749 209209 13.613.6 Bachelor's degreeBachelor's degree

Receptionists & information Receptionists & information clerksclerks 1,173 1,173 1,3751,375 202202 17.217.2 Short-term on-the-job trainingShort-term on-the-job training

Truck drivers, heavy & tractor-Truck drivers, heavy & tractor-trailertrailer 1,8601,860 2,0532,053 193193 10.410.4


Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Occupational employment projections to 2016,” November 2007 Monthly Labor Review





Maids & housekeeping Maids & housekeeping cleanerscleaners 1,470 1,470 1,656 1,656 186186 12.712.7 Short-term on-the-job trainingShort-term on-the-job training

Security guardsSecurity guards 1,0401,040 1,2161,216 175175 16.916.9 Short-term on-the-job trainingShort-term on-the-job training

CarpentersCarpenters 1,462 1,462 1,6121,612 150150 10.310.3 Long-term on-the-job trainingLong-term on-the-job training

Management analystsManagement analysts 678678 827827 149149 21.921.9Bachelor's or higher degree, Bachelor's or higher degree, plus workplus work

Medical assistantsMedical assistants 417417 565565 148148 35.435.4Moderate-term on-the-job Moderate-term on-the-job trainingtraining

Computer systems analystsComputer systems analysts 504504 650650 146146 29.029.0 Bachelor's degreeBachelor's degree

Maintenance & repair workers, Maintenance & repair workers, generalgeneral 1,391 1,391

1,53311,5331 140140 10.110.1


Network systems & data Network systems & data communications analystscommunications analysts 262262 402402 140140 53.453.4 Bachelor's degreeBachelor's degree

Food preparation workersFood preparation workers 902902 1,0401,040 138138 15.315.3 Short-term on-the-job trainingShort-term on-the-job training

Teacher assistantsTeacher assistants 1,3121,312 1,4491,449 137137 10.410.4 Short-term on-the-job trainingShort-term on-the-job training


Table 2. Fastest growing occupations, 2006-16Table 2. Fastest growing occupations, 2006-16




Network systems and data Network systems and data communications analystscommunications analysts 262262 402402 140140 53.453.4 Bachelor's degreeBachelor's degree

Personal & home care aidesPersonal & home care aides 767767 1,1561,156 389389 50.650.6 Short-term on-the-job trainingShort-term on-the-job training

Home health aidesHome health aides 787787 1,1711,171 384384 48.748.7 Short-term on-the-job trainingShort-term on-the-job training

Computer software engineers, Computer software engineers, applicationsapplications 507507 733733 226226 44.644.6 Bachelor's degreeBachelor's degree

Veterinary technologists & Veterinary technologists & technicianstechnicians 7171 100100 2929 41.041.0 Associate degreeAssociate degree

Personal finance advisorsPersonal finance advisors 176176 248248 7272 41.041.0 Bachelor's degreeBachelor's degree

Makeup artists, theatrical & Makeup artists, theatrical & performanceperformance 22 33 11 39.839.8 Postsecondary vocational awardPostsecondary vocational award

Medical assistantsMedical assistants 417417 565565 148148 35.435.4Moderate-term on-the-job Moderate-term on-the-job trainingtraining

VeterinariansVeterinarians 6262 8484 2222 35.035.0 First professional degreeFirst professional degree

Substance abuse & behavioral Substance abuse & behavioral disorder counselorsdisorder counselors 8383 112112 2929 34.334.3 Bachelor's degreeBachelor's degree





Most significant source of Most significant source of postsecondary education postsecondary education or trainingor training22

Skin care specialistsSkin care specialists 3838 5151 1313 34.334.3Postsecondary vocational Postsecondary vocational awardaward

Financial analystsFinancial analysts 221221 295295 7575 33.833.8 Bachelor's degreeBachelor's degree

Social & human service Social & human service assistantsassistants 339339 453453 114114 33.633.6


Gaming surveillance officers & Gaming surveillance officers & gaming investigatorsgaming investigators 99 1212 33 33.633.6


Physical therapist assistantsPhysical therapist assistants 6060 8080 2020 32.432.4 Associate degreeAssociate degree

Pharmacy techniciansPharmacy technicians 285285 376376 9191 32.032.0Moderate-term on-the-job Moderate-term on-the-job trainingtraining

Forensic science techniciansForensic science technicians 1313 1717 44 30.730.7 Bachelor's degreeBachelor's degree

Dental hygienistsDental hygienists 167167 217217 5050 30.130.1 Associate degreeAssociate degree

Mental health counselorsMental health counselors 100100 130130 3030 30.030.0 Master's degreeMaster's degree

Mental health & substance Mental health & substance abuse social workersabuse social workers 122122 159159 3737 29.929.9 Master's degreeMaster's degree






Marriage & family therapistsMarriage & family therapists 2525 3232 77 29.829.8 Master's degreeMaster's degree

Dental assistantsDental assistants 280280 362362 8282 29.229.2Moderate-term on-the-job Moderate-term on-the-job trainingtraining

Computer systems analystsComputer systems analysts 504504 650650 146146 29.029.0 Bachelor's degreeBachelor's degree

Database administratorsDatabase administrators 119119 154154 3434 28.628.6 Bachelor's degreeBachelor's degree

Computer software engineers, Computer software engineers, system softwaresystem software 350350 449449 9999 28.228.2 Bachelor's degreeBachelor's degree

Gaming & sports book writers & Gaming & sports book writers & runnersrunners 1818 2424 55 28.028.0 Short-term on-the-job trainingShort-term on-the-job training

Environmental science & Environmental science & protection technicians, including protection technicians, including healthhealth 3636 4747 1010 28.028.0 Associate degreeAssociate degree

Manicurists & pedicuristsManicurists & pedicurists 7878 100100 2222 27.627.6 Postsecondary vocational awardPostsecondary vocational award

Physical therapistsPhysical therapists 173173 220220 4747 27.127.1 Master's degreeMaster's degree

Physician assistantsPhysician assistants 6666 8383 1818 27.027.0 Master's degreeMaster's degree


Buying TimeBuying Time

Busy People Becoming Busy People Becoming Night Owls to Get Night Owls to Get Chores DoneChores Done

Article by Eric L. Wee,Washington Post, December 19, 1994

Identifying and Defining a TrendIdentifying and Defining a Trend

““What is true about futures research in general and What is true about futures research in general and was validated in the scans is that trends do not was validated in the scans is that trends do not speak for themselves. They do not jump out of a speak for themselves. They do not jump out of a pile of data. Identifying and defining a trend, testing pile of data. Identifying and defining a trend, testing it, and evaluating it is a partially creative and it, and evaluating it is a partially creative and partially empirical process. The statement of a partially empirical process. The statement of a trend and its direction evolves out of accumulated trend and its direction evolves out of accumulated information. The way in which that statement can information. The way in which that statement can be framed can be modified to fit the circumstances, be framed can be modified to fit the circumstances, to fit the client(s) needs, and to be salient, uniform, to fit the client(s) needs, and to be salient, uniform, and in a style compatible with other trends.”and in a style compatible with other trends.”

--Joseph F. Coates--Joseph F. Coates

EventEvent

A one-time or non-repeatable phenomenon A one-time or non-repeatable phenomenon usually visible or dramatic, which has a short-usually visible or dramatic, which has a short-term effect on a system. An event focuses term effect on a system. An event focuses attention of an occurrence at one point in time. attention of an occurrence at one point in time. In contrast with a trend, an event can be In contrast with a trend, an event can be viewed as a cross-sectional phenomenon.viewed as a cross-sectional phenomenon.

--Morrison and Held, 1989--Morrison and Held, 1989

Emerging IssueEmerging Issue

A potential controversy that arises out of a A potential controversy that arises out of a trend or event, which may require some trend or event, which may require some form of response.form of response.

-- Morrison and Held, 1989-- Morrison and Held, 1989

Wild CardWild Card

A change in the external environment A change in the external environment having a low probability of occurrence, but having a low probability of occurrence, but an inordinately high impact if it does.an inordinately high impact if it does.

----

Rockfellow, 1994Rockfellow, 1994

Scanning Abstract FormScanning Abstract FormAuthor and Title

Source

Taxonomy or Change area

Identify the change or the most important idea that indicates change:

Probability of occurring in the next 1 – 2 years: ____low ____ moderate ___high

Probability of occurring in the next 3 – 5 years: ____low ____ moderate ___high

Implications for communities served: How might the change affect people and groups in communities the college serves?

Potential consequences/impact on the community:

___ minor ___ moderate ___major ___ unknown at this time

Implications for college: How might the change affect the college’s programs, student services, faculty and staff, funding, etc.?

Potential consequences/impact on the college:

___ minor ___ moderate ___major ___ unknown at this time

What might the change mean for future learning – skills, knowledge, behaviors?

Joliet Junior College Joliet Junior College Joliet, ILJoliet, IL

January 2008January 2008

Core Trends

Competition Trend #5—Institutions that have the Competition Trend #5—Institutions that have the capacity to offer online courses will likely capture a larger capacity to offer online courses will likely capture a larger share of the enrollment market, particularly those that share of the enrollment market, particularly those that are creative at creating pedagogies and provide are creative at creating pedagogies and provide evidence of environments that enhance learning.evidence of environments that enhance learning.

Education Trend #7—Evidence as to how prepared high Education Trend #7—Evidence as to how prepared high school students are for college is mixed. Two trends are school students are for college is mixed. Two trends are evident in this area; (1) There is evidence of an evident in this area; (1) There is evidence of an increasing gap between high school and college increasing gap between high school and college expectations for learning and curriculum, and (2) Many expectations for learning and curriculum, and (2) Many students defined as underprepared have attended students defined as underprepared have attended community colleges and there is no evidence to suggest community colleges and there is no evidence to suggest this will not continue.this will not continue.

Core Trends Labor Force Trend #5—The largest number of

jobs will be created in health care related occupations over the next three to five years.

Demographics Trend #2—Between 2005 and 2015, the minority population in the JJC district is projected to grow by 58.2% from 173,382 to 274,350 and will represent 30.7% of the district’s population.

Demographic Trend #5---The population for the Joliet Junior College District 525 is predicted to increase from 868,631 in 2006 to 1,088,146 by 2001, which reflects an increase of 25.3%.

Core Trends

Demographics Trend #1—Between 2000 and 2030, Will County’s population is expected to increase from 502,584 to 1,076,446 residents (114% increase)

Economics Trend #9—Through 2014, Will County will experience a decrease in its manufacturing economy. The economy will shift to professional and business services, financial activities, transportation and warehousing, education, health care and hospitality.

Core Trends Economics Trend # 11---The U.S., by far, consumes

more resources per person than any other large and developed country in the world. Growing regions with available natural resources and space, like the JJC district, will likely want to incorporate sustainable efforts in planning and development.

Politics Trend # 8---State commitments to fund higher education in the near future will be much less reliable than in the past. The revenue picture is difficult to predict, particularly in Illinois. Still, community college funding structures are built upon historical assumptions about revenue generation and will likely need to be changed.

Core Trends

Social Values Trend # 6---The necessity for a post-secondary education for success in the workplace will continue to become more prevalent over the next 3-5 years or longer, especially among the growing Hispanic population and other underrepresented groups.

Core SWOT Analysis

Strengths Low tuition and reasonable cost Growth in District Strong JJC Foundation

Weaknesses Lack of online classes Class scheduling

Core SWOT Analysis

Opportunities Partnerships Distance education Growth

Threats Competition Lower/lack of state and federal funding Underprepared students

Joliet Junior College Strategic PlanFebruary 26, 2008

Vision Joliet Junior College , the nation’s first public

community college, will be a leader in teaching and learning, and the first choice for postsecondary education.

Mission Joliet Junior College enriches people’s lives through

affordable, accessible and quality programs and services. The College provides transfer and career preparation, training and workforce development, and a lifetime of learning to the diverse community it serves.

Strategic Goals

1. Improve student success with an emphasis on enrollment, retention, graduation, and transfer rates and effective teaching strategies and learning outcomes. (Trends: Competition #5, Education # 7, Demographics # 12,5, Social Values 6).

2. Increase institutional sustainability with an emphasis on obtaining necessary resources, state-of-the heart facilities, professional development, and environmental stewardship. (Trends: Politics 8, Economics 11, Demographics 1,5).

Strategic Goals

3. Increase and improve partnerships with organizations that support the college’s mission. (Trends: all core trends).

4. Utilize technology strategically to advance teaching and learning, expand online and alternative delivery methods, and increase effective administrative and support services. (Trends: Competition 5; Labor Force 5; Demographics 1,2, 5; Economics 9,11; Politics 8; Social Values 6).

Strategic Goals

5. Improve the success of minority, underrepresented, and underprepared student populations in addition to closing the gap between high school and college performance. (Trends: Social Values 6, Demographics 2, Education 7).

6. Develop programs that anticipate and respond to labor market demand. (Trends: Labor Force 5, Economics 9, Social Values 6).

North Harris Montgomery Community College District

The Woodlands, TX

Workforce DevelopmentCore Trends

Advanced Manufacturing # 2---Growth in advanced manufacturing related to the oil and gas industry is continuing in Harris and Montgomery Counties to support the exploration and production efforts in the Deepwater Gulf of Mexico area.

Competitive Education # 8

Accessibility of classes, at times, locations and formats attractive to the student, will be a major factor in the continued growth of for-profit education, although this growth has moderated somewhat in the past five years, due partially to legal/political challenges for-profit companies are facing.

Demographics # 4

While the Texas population will increase in the future, the Hispanic population will evidence the fastest growth among identified groups, and Anglos will evidence the lowest growth among identified groups.

Demographics # 7

The percentage of economically disadvantaged students in the 11 school districts served by the NHMCCD service area has consistently increased for the last five years, and is expected to continue for the next three to five years.

Economics # 9

The result of expansion activities of the Port of Houston and the Houston Airport System will have an increasing economic impact on the Gulf Coast region as additional cargo and passenger traffic, both internationally and domestically, is expected to grow for the next three to five years.

Education # 9

In the next three to five years, career and technical programs at the secondary level will be recognized as critical for postsecondary preparation and become a priority for closing the nation’s skills gap.

Labor Force # 5

Healthcare occupations are expected to produce the greatest number of jobs and have the most significant rate of growth over the next three to five years in the Gulf Coast region.

Labor Force # 13

In the next three to five years, the emerging labor force will have fewer applied skills such as critical thinking and teamwork as well as deficits in reading, writing and math.

Politics # 3

Funds available from taxes will continue to diminish, continuing the general trend of the college district becoming more and more dependent on its authority to levy tax and to charge tuition and fees.

Social Values and Lifestyles # 12

Boomers will retire like no other generation before them by continuing to work, having multiple careers and pursuing educational and leisure opportunities.

Core SWOT

Strengths Cost effective Diverse and quality programs offered Colleges attempt to serve needs of surrounding

community

Weaknesses Current facilities inadequate for expansion and growth Ineffective marketing Technological capabilities Internal competition among colleges

Core SWOT Opportunities

Collaboration with business, industry and education Growing population and changing demographics Outreach to new and underserved communities Area tax valuation continues to grow at a strong rate

Threats Decreased state funding Increased competition with other institutions Changing political climate Widening gap between high school graduates and

college readiness

NHMCCD Workforce Development Strategic Plan 2008-2011

June, 2007

Vision

Creating Careers Building Partnerships

Delivering Solutions• Strengthening Communities

Mission

Deliver accessible, world-class education to develop a skilled workforce for a dynamic local, regional and global economy.

Strategic Goals

1. Increase and strengthen partnerships with new and underserved businesses, industries, educational institutions and other workforce entities.

(Addresses core trends statements: Advanced Manufacturing # 2, Economics # 9, Labor Force # 5, 13)

2. Increase the use of alternative instructional delivery to anticipate and meet student and employer needs.

(Addresses core trend statements: Competitive Education # 8, Social Values # 12, Labor Force # 13, Education # 9)

Strategic Goals

3. Increase outreach programs and services with special emphasis on connecting underserved and under-represented populations to career pathways and transitions.

(Addresses core trend statements: Demographics # 4,and 7, Social Values and Lifestyles # 12, Education # 9)

4. Obtain funds to support and invest in new and revised programs, facilities, faculty and technologies.

(Addresses core trend statements: Advanced Manufacturing # 2, Economics # 9, Education # 9, Labor Force #5 and 13, Politics # 3)

Strategic Goals

5. Create effective communication and marketing for all workforce programs and services.

(Addresses all core trend statements)

6. Enhance the quality, accessibility and effectiveness of student support programs and services.

(Addresses core trend statements: Competitive Education # 8, Demographics # 4 and 7, Social Values and Lifestyles # 12, Labor Force # 13, Education # 9)

Note: Although trend statements regarding technology were not specifically chosen during the core selection process, they are addressed in one or more strategic goals.

State of WashingtonState of WashingtonState Board for Community and State Board for Community and

Technical CollegesTechnical CollegesWorkforce Education CouncilWorkforce Education Council

Environmental ScanningEnvironmental Scanning

Summary Trends StatementsSummary Trends Statements

Technology TrendsTechnology Trends Open sourcing of computer software will lead to Open sourcing of computer software will lead to

increasing levels of shared programming and on-going increasing levels of shared programming and on-going improvements.improvements.

Computer search engines will shift from retrospective Computer search engines will shift from retrospective (information that is presently available) to prospective (information that is presently available) to prospective (information that is not presently not available) search (information that is not presently not available) search and will impact our future online experience.and will impact our future online experience.

The rapid development and demand for wireless multi-The rapid development and demand for wireless multi-tasked compact personal life-style communication tasked compact personal life-style communication devices, providing connectivity services 24x7x365 devices, providing connectivity services 24x7x365 worldwide, will continue to accelerate academic, worldwide, will continue to accelerate academic, economic and technological challenges as well as economic and technological challenges as well as opportunities, for educating our workforce in a highly opportunities, for educating our workforce in a highly competitive global marketplace.competitive global marketplace.

Technology TrendsTechnology Trends Amidst the ever-changing and rapid Amidst the ever-changing and rapid

advancements in technology the ability of advancements in technology the ability of institutions to pay will remain a critical and institutions to pay will remain a critical and constant challenge.constant challenge.

Organizations will be increasingly challenged to Organizations will be increasingly challenged to adopt and adapt to technological advances in adopt and adapt to technological advances in three primary areas: development/training three primary areas: development/training demand; information technology roles and demand; information technology roles and hiring; and in the general field of information hiring; and in the general field of information technology.technology.

Demands for high speed and broad band use of Demands for high speed and broad band use of the Internet will be ever increasing.the Internet will be ever increasing.

Technology TrendsTechnology Trends

Integrating technology, especially radio Integrating technology, especially radio frequency identification (RFID), into business frequency identification (RFID), into business organizations will largely determine their organizations will largely determine their prosperity and their ability to survive in a prosperity and their ability to survive in a competitive international marketplace.competitive international marketplace.

The fields of robotics, nanotechnology and The fields of robotics, nanotechnology and biotechnology (with nanotechnology biotechnology (with nanotechnology superseding biotechnology) are in their infancy superseding biotechnology) are in their infancy and will continue to impact those producing, and will continue to impact those producing, using and affected by these rapidly evolving using and affected by these rapidly evolving technologies.technologies.

Technology TrendsTechnology Trends

Protecting information from “hacker” attacks in a Protecting information from “hacker” attacks in a culture of open access will continue to be a culture of open access will continue to be a challenge for business, government and schools challenge for business, government and schools across the nation and around the world.across the nation and around the world.

Technology is the impetus for on-going Technology is the impetus for on-going institutional change with respect to the delivery institutional change with respect to the delivery of educational services, driven by the respective of educational services, driven by the respective needs of students, business, industry and the needs of students, business, industry and the community.community.

Economic TrendsEconomic Trends The gap between the wealthy and those at the middle The gap between the wealthy and those at the middle

and bottom levels of wealth will continue growing and bottom levels of wealth will continue growing nationally and in Washington State.nationally and in Washington State.

Present and future employment growth in Washington Present and future employment growth in Washington State will remain concentrated in the service sectors State will remain concentrated in the service sectors including health care, business and professional including health care, business and professional services, and high-tech.services, and high-tech.

Many construction trade occupations, agricultural jobs, Many construction trade occupations, agricultural jobs, and some manufacturing-related positions (i.e., luxury and some manufacturing-related positions (i.e., luxury boat building, food processing, winery operations, boat building, food processing, winery operations, pulp/paper/chemicals, and diversified aerospace) will pulp/paper/chemicals, and diversified aerospace) will require personnel for projected labor shortages.require personnel for projected labor shortages.

Economic TrendsEconomic Trends The Internet and new emerging wireless The Internet and new emerging wireless

technologies will have a major effect on technologies will have a major effect on Washington State’s economic infrastructure in Washington State’s economic infrastructure in manufacturing, service delivery and manufacturing, service delivery and consumption because expected response time consumption because expected response time is shorter, operations may become more is shorter, operations may become more efficient, and communications are virtually efficient, and communications are virtually instantaneous.instantaneous.

In the future, there will be less of a national In the future, there will be less of a national competitive economy and more of a global competitive economy and more of a global competitive economy composed of regional competitive economy composed of regional economies like those of Spokane, Puget Sound, economies like those of Spokane, Puget Sound, and Southwestern Washington State.and Southwestern Washington State.

With Washington State’s economy projected to With Washington State’s economy projected to stay strong, the shift toward service occupations stay strong, the shift toward service occupations and high-tech manufacturing with high skill and high-tech manufacturing with high skill requirements is expected to continue.requirements is expected to continue.

Washington State’s unemployment rate will Washington State’s unemployment rate will continue to be an average of 1% higher than the continue to be an average of 1% higher than the national average due to:national average due to: Aerospace employment lagging compared to the Aerospace employment lagging compared to the

national business cyclenational business cycle Seasonal nature of state’s agricultural sectorSeasonal nature of state’s agricultural sector High rural unemployment rates, including traditionally High rural unemployment rates, including traditionally

timber-dependent areas.timber-dependent areas.

Economic TrendsEconomic Trends

Washington State will continue leading the nation in new Washington State will continue leading the nation in new business creation, while increasingly heavy venture business creation, while increasingly heavy venture capital investment in the state may help mitigate the capital investment in the state may help mitigate the state’s historically high ranking in firm terminations.state’s historically high ranking in firm terminations.

The importance of information is driving the flattening of The importance of information is driving the flattening of organizational structures where subject matter expertise organizational structures where subject matter expertise is increasingly essential and this flattening is expected to is increasingly essential and this flattening is expected to increase in the future.increase in the future.

Housing density will increase in urban centers, but not Housing density will increase in urban centers, but not necessarily provide affordable homes.necessarily provide affordable homes.

American society continues to be unable to respond to American society continues to be unable to respond to the challenge of providing adequate health care for its the challenge of providing adequate health care for its citizens.citizens.

Economic TrendsEconomic Trends

Emerging IssueEmerging Issue

Alternative energy industries will prosper if Alternative energy industries will prosper if Washington State supports effective Washington State supports effective Economic Development incentives.Economic Development incentives.

Projected demographic changes in the period Projected demographic changes in the period 2005 – 2009 will require higher education to 2005 – 2009 will require higher education to compete for government resources requested compete for government resources requested for corrections, medical assistance, long-term for corrections, medical assistance, long-term care and K-12 education.care and K-12 education.

Increasing public awareness and urgency Increasing public awareness and urgency around environmental conservation and around environmental conservation and stewardship will have an impact on government stewardship will have an impact on government regulation, business decisions and consumer regulation, business decisions and consumer choices, especially choices in energy, fuel and choices, especially choices in energy, fuel and organic foods.organic foods.

Political TrendsPolitical Trends

Continued union disaffiliation will change Continued union disaffiliation will change organized labor’s large political influence in organized labor’s large political influence in Washington State which will also weaken what Washington State which will also weaken what has historically been a strong partner for has historically been a strong partner for community colleges across the state.community colleges across the state.

Health care provision and funding will continue Health care provision and funding will continue to be a major focus of policy makers.to be a major focus of policy makers.

Increasing social and economic barriers will Increasing social and economic barriers will restrict access to and from Washington State of restrict access to and from Washington State of all transportation, goods, services and citizens.all transportation, goods, services and citizens.

Political TrendsPolitical Trends

Social, Values, and Lifestyles Social, Values, and Lifestyles TrendsTrends

Internet overuse (i.e., excessive use of chat rooms, web Internet overuse (i.e., excessive use of chat rooms, web surfing, instant messaging, gaming, gambling, etc.) is surfing, instant messaging, gaming, gambling, etc.) is expected to increase over the next 3 – 5 years, affecting expected to increase over the next 3 – 5 years, affecting one’s ability to successfully manage one’s life.one’s ability to successfully manage one’s life.

From 1999 – 2004, roughly 35% of recently completing From 1999 – 2004, roughly 35% of recently completing high school students in Washington State did not high school students in Washington State did not continue into higher education and this percentage is continue into higher education and this percentage is expected to remain stable over the next 3 – 5 years.expected to remain stable over the next 3 – 5 years.

Consumers will continue over the next 3 – 5 years to Consumers will continue over the next 3 – 5 years to expect more for less when purchasing goods and expect more for less when purchasing goods and services (e.g., minimal defects, large variety, timely services (e.g., minimal defects, large variety, timely delivery/availability, and prompt follow-up and support delivery/availability, and prompt follow-up and support services).services).

The number and respective nature of the The number and respective nature of the Ballot Ballot InitiativesInitiatives being submitted in Washington State being submitted in Washington State will remain high over the next 3 – 5 years, will remain high over the next 3 – 5 years, suggesting that low level of trust for Washington suggesting that low level of trust for Washington State government will continue.State government will continue.

The number of children who at one point in their The number of children who at one point in their childhood will live in a single parent family childhood will live in a single parent family household (currently = 19%) will continue to household (currently = 19%) will continue to increase over the next 3 – 5 years.increase over the next 3 – 5 years.

In the next 3 – 5 years, the number of individuals In the next 3 – 5 years, the number of individuals working during their retirement years will working during their retirement years will increase.increase.


Over the next 3 – 5 years, the number of Over the next 3 – 5 years, the number of children raised in the foster care system, children raised in the foster care system, emerging from that system without independent emerging from that system without independent living skills and the ability to cope with the living skills and the ability to cope with the demands presented by organizations like higher-demands presented by organizations like higher-education institutions is expected to increase.education institutions is expected to increase.

Generation Y (born between 1981 and 1995) Generation Y (born between 1981 and 1995) members’ learning preferences include members’ learning preferences include emphasizing teamwork, experiential activities, emphasizing teamwork, experiential activities, structure, and use of technology. The number of structure, and use of technology. The number of Gen Y students will increase over the next 3 – 5 Gen Y students will increase over the next 3 – 5 years.years.


Over the next 3 – 5 years, more people will Over the next 3 – 5 years, more people will become mini-entrepreneurs by starting small become mini-entrepreneurs by starting small and micro businesses, becoming freelancers, and micro businesses, becoming freelancers, starting web-businesses, blogs, and other types starting web-businesses, blogs, and other types of small, entrepreneurial enterprises.of small, entrepreneurial enterprises.

Washington State leads the US in terms of the Washington State leads the US in terms of the percentage of people who say they have no percentage of people who say they have no religion (although many believe in a god) and religion (although many believe in a god) and this trend is expected to continue over the next 3 this trend is expected to continue over the next 3 – 5 years.– 5 years.

Over the next 3 – 5 years, participation in new Over the next 3 – 5 years, participation in new forms of voluntary associations online will forms of voluntary associations online will increase rapidly, i.e., e-communities.increase rapidly, i.e., e-communities.


Crime rates overall are declining and will Crime rates overall are declining and will continue to decline over the next 3 – 5 years.continue to decline over the next 3 – 5 years.

Incarceration rates will continue to rise over the Incarceration rates will continue to rise over the next 3 – 5 years in Washington State.next 3 – 5 years in Washington State.

Due to changes in policy, drug crimes are Due to changes in policy, drug crimes are increasingly being handled in drug court where increasingly being handled in drug court where the corrective-behavior plan involves the corrective-behavior plan involves intervention from the health care system rather intervention from the health care system rather than the criminal justice system. This is than the criminal justice system. This is expected to increase over the next 3 – 5 years.expected to increase over the next 3 – 5 years.


Obesity is pervasive in society and the level of Obesity is pervasive in society and the level of obesity will increase over the next 3 – 5 years.obesity will increase over the next 3 – 5 years.

Beginning in 2000, three unique generations in Beginning in 2000, three unique generations in the workplace and community and technical the workplace and community and technical college system are present. Each generation college system are present. Each generation has very unique values, expectations, wants, has very unique values, expectations, wants, desires, etc. and these may clash in the desires, etc. and these may clash in the workplace and classroom. This trend will workplace and classroom. This trend will continue over the next 3 – 5 years.continue over the next 3 – 5 years.


Between 2005 and 2010, the number of poor Between 2005 and 2010, the number of poor people in Washington State is projected to people in Washington State is projected to exponentially increase to more than 20% of the exponentially increase to more than 20% of the population or 1,329,963 people.population or 1,329,963 people.

Between 2005 and 2030, the demand for health Between 2005 and 2030, the demand for health care and related services, especially geriatrics, care and related services, especially geriatrics, will increase and the costs for these services will will increase and the costs for these services will continue to rise dramatically.continue to rise dramatically.

Population in the state of Washington will Population in the state of Washington will continue to rise 100,000 a year between 2005 continue to rise 100,000 a year between 2005 and 2010 when the population is projected to and 2010 when the population is projected to reach 6,639,000. From 2010 – 2030 it is reach 6,639,000. From 2010 – 2030 it is expected to slow to a 1.2 percent growth or expected to slow to a 1.2 percent growth or approximately 75,000 per year.approximately 75,000 per year.

Demographic TrendsDemographic Trends

Between 2005 and 2030, the Washington State Between 2005 and 2030, the Washington State population, especially those under 25 years of population, especially those under 25 years of age, will become increasingly more diverse and age, will become increasingly more diverse and the largest increases in ethnic groups will be the largest increases in ethnic groups will be Hispanics (242,863 to 487,703), those of two or Hispanics (242,863 to 487,703), those of two or more races (100,769 to 240,281), and more races (100,769 to 240,281), and Asian/Pacific Islanders (129,988 to 171,598).Asian/Pacific Islanders (129,988 to 171,598).

Between 2000 and 2010, the growth in the Between 2000 and 2010, the growth in the number of households in the state of number of households in the state of Washington will grow proportionally to the Washington will grow proportionally to the increase in the general population, and will not increase in the general population, and will not evidence significant increases or decreases.evidence significant increases or decreases.

Demographic TrendsDemographic Trends

Four year institutions will continue to be a Four year institutions will continue to be a key competitor with community and key competitor with community and technical colleges.technical colleges.

Community and technical colleges are Community and technical colleges are becoming more vulnerable to competition becoming more vulnerable to competition from for-profit institutions.from for-profit institutions.

Corporations do not recognize community Corporations do not recognize community and technical colleges as a preferred and technical colleges as a preferred source for training.source for training.

Educational Competition TrendsEducational Competition Trends

Online training and education continues to Online training and education continues to expand rapidly.expand rapidly.

Colleges are spending more resources and time Colleges are spending more resources and time on transitional and developmental education on transitional and developmental education rather than advancing workforce skills which rather than advancing workforce skills which ultimately compromises achievement of ultimately compromises achievement of economic development goals.economic development goals.

Military students with their rich tuition dollars will Military students with their rich tuition dollars will be a target of opportunity for postsecondary be a target of opportunity for postsecondary training and education providers, including training and education providers, including private career schools.private career schools.

Educational Competition TrendsEducational Competition Trends

Employers’ demand for highly educated Employers’ demand for highly educated employees, with certifications and college employees, with certifications and college degrees, will continue to increase through 2012.degrees, will continue to increase through 2012.

A widening gap will continue to exist between A widening gap will continue to exist between low literacy and non-native speaking workers low literacy and non-native speaking workers entering our system and the level of skills entering our system and the level of skills required by our employers.required by our employers.

As more students enter community and technical As more students enter community and technical colleges with a technology-enriched colleges with a technology-enriched background, the need for and expectation of background, the need for and expectation of technology-enhanced learning experiences will technology-enhanced learning experiences will increase.increase.

Education TrendsEducation Trends

There is a continuing disparity among K-12 There is a continuing disparity among K-12 student racial/ethnic groups in academic student racial/ethnic groups in academic achievement levels and the disparity will achievement levels and the disparity will continue into the near future.continue into the near future.

There is an increased emphasis on high There is an increased emphasis on high expectations and accountability in K – 12 public expectations and accountability in K – 12 public education.education.

Government and philanthropic interests are Government and philanthropic interests are increasing their attention to and support for pre-increasing their attention to and support for pre-K/early learning.K/early learning.

Student education costs are increasing faster Student education costs are increasing faster than inflation.than inflation.


There is an increasing gap between the demand There is an increasing gap between the demand for math, science and engineering employees for math, science and engineering employees and the ability of the Washington State’s and the ability of the Washington State’s educational system to produce math, science educational system to produce math, science and engineering graduates.and engineering graduates.

There is a continuing disparity among There is a continuing disparity among postsecondary racial and ethnic groups in postsecondary racial and ethnic groups in measures of student outcomes, such as measures of student outcomes, such as certificates and degrees awarded, which is not certificates and degrees awarded, which is not expected to improve in the near future.expected to improve in the near future.

There is increasing attention to accountability in There is increasing attention to accountability in post-secondary education.post-secondary education.


There will continue to be an across-the-board There will continue to be an across-the-board supply-demand gap for workers who have supply-demand gap for workers who have attained at least one year of college but less attained at least one year of college but less than bachelor’s degree.than bachelor’s degree.

There is a supply-demand mismatch for workers There is a supply-demand mismatch for workers at the long preparation level (Bachelor’s or at the long preparation level (Bachelor’s or higher) as described below:higher) as described below: Shortage in Engineering, Software, Architecture, Shortage in Engineering, Software, Architecture,

Computer Science, Medical, Human Services, and Computer Science, Medical, Human Services, and Protective Services.Protective Services.

Balanced in Research, Scientists, and Technical.Balanced in Research, Scientists, and Technical. Surplus in Educators, Business and Management, Surplus in Educators, Business and Management,

Editors, Writers, Performers, Administrative, Clerical, Editors, Writers, Performers, Administrative, Clerical, Legal, Agriculture, Construction (management), Legal, Agriculture, Construction (management), Production, Transportation, Sales and Service.Production, Transportation, Sales and Service.

Labor Force TrendsLabor Force Trends

While some work will be “off-shored” to other While some work will be “off-shored” to other countries for cost savings, other work that is countries for cost savings, other work that is sensitive to customer satisfaction and requires sensitive to customer satisfaction and requires other necessary factors, will remain in or return other necessary factors, will remain in or return to the U.S.to the U.S.

Between 2002 and 2012 it is expected that 25% Between 2002 and 2012 it is expected that 25% of new jobs will require a bachelor’s degree and of new jobs will require a bachelor’s degree and 38% of new jobs will require short-term 38% of new jobs will require short-term preparation, some college, or an associate’s preparation, some college, or an associate’s degree.degree.


Occupational groups expecting greatest Occupational groups expecting greatest employment growth for workers with 1-3 employment growth for workers with 1-3 years of college in the next five years are:years of college in the next five years are: Health care practitioners and support; 8%Health care practitioners and support; 8% Personal service workers and managers; 8%Personal service workers and managers; 8% Computer engineers, programmers, and Computer engineers, programmers, and

support; 13%.support; 13%.


Through 2030 the Washington labor force will Through 2030 the Washington labor force will have greater participation by older workers, have greater participation by older workers, people of color, women, and people with people of color, women, and people with disabilities.disabilities.

The new workforce is requiring more education, The new workforce is requiring more education, different skill sets, and presents new challenges.different skill sets, and presents new challenges.

Some workers groups (e.g. people with Some workers groups (e.g. people with disabilities, youth in their 20’s, African American disabilities, youth in their 20’s, African American men) are not fully participating in the current men) are not fully participating in the current labor force.labor force.

During the period of 2000 – 2010, the state labor During the period of 2000 – 2010, the state labor force will grow at a projected rate of 1.5% force will grow at a projected rate of 1.5% reflecting a slower growth rate in the past.reflecting a slower growth rate in the past.


Washington State Board for Washington State Board for Community and Technical Community and Technical

CollegesCollegesOlympia, WAOlympia, WA

Workforce Education CouncilWorkforce Education Council

August 16, 2006August 16, 2006

Core TrendsCore Trends

Technology (Trend #10)Technology (Trend #10) Technology is the impetus for on-going institutional Technology is the impetus for on-going institutional

change with respect to the delivery of educational change with respect to the delivery of educational services, driven by the respective needs of students, services, driven by the respective needs of students, business, industry and the community.business, industry and the community.

Economics (Trend #5)Economics (Trend #5) In the future, there will be less of a national In the future, there will be less of a national

competitive economy and more of a global competitive economy and more of a global competitive economy composed of regional competitive economy composed of regional economics like those of Spokane, Puget Sound, and economics like those of Spokane, Puget Sound, and Southwestern Washington State.Southwestern Washington State.

Politics (Trend #1)Politics (Trend #1) Projected demographic changes in the period 2005 – Projected demographic changes in the period 2005 –

2009 will require higher education to compete for 2009 will require higher education to compete for government resources requested for corrections, government resources requested for corrections, medical assistance, long-term care and K-12 medical assistance, long-term care and K-12 education.education.

Social Values and Lifestyles (Trend #16)Social Values and Lifestyles (Trend #16) Beginning in 2000, three unique generations in the Beginning in 2000, three unique generations in the

workplace and community and technical college workplace and community and technical college system are present. Each generation has very unique system are present. Each generation has very unique values, expectations, wants, desires, etc. and these values, expectations, wants, desires, etc. and these may clash in the workplace and classroom. This trend may clash in the workplace and classroom. This trend will continue over the next 3 – 5 years.will continue over the next 3 – 5 years.


Demographics (Trend #1, #4)Demographics (Trend #1, #4) Between 2005 and 2010, the number of poor people Between 2005 and 2010, the number of poor people

in Washington State is projected to exponentially in Washington State is projected to exponentially increase to more than 20% of the population or increase to more than 20% of the population or 1,329,963 people.1,329,963 people.

Between 2005 and 2030, the Washington State Between 2005 and 2030, the Washington State population, especially those under 25 years of age, population, especially those under 25 years of age, will become increasingly more diverse and the largest will become increasingly more diverse and the largest increases in ethnic groups will be Hispanics (242,863 increases in ethnic groups will be Hispanics (242,863 to 487,703), those of two or more races (100,789 to to 487,703), those of two or more races (100,789 to 240,281), and Asian/Pacific Islanders (129,988 to 240,281), and Asian/Pacific Islanders (129,988 to 171,598).171,598).


Educational Competition (Trends #4, #5)Educational Competition (Trends #4, #5) Online training and education continues to Online training and education continues to

expand rapidly.expand rapidly. Colleges are spending more resources and Colleges are spending more resources and

time on transitional and developmental time on transitional and developmental education rather than advancing workforce education rather than advancing workforce skills which ultimately compromises skills which ultimately compromises achievement of economic development goals.achievement of economic development goals.


Education (Trends #2, #9)Education (Trends #2, #9) A widening gap will continue to exist between low A widening gap will continue to exist between low

literacy and non-native speaking workers entering our literacy and non-native speaking workers entering our system and the level of skills required by our system and the level of skills required by our employees.employees.

There is a continuing disparity among postsecondary There is a continuing disparity among postsecondary racial and ethnic groups in measures of student racial and ethnic groups in measures of student outcomes, such as certificates and degrees awarded, outcomes, such as certificates and degrees awarded, which is not expected to improve in the near future.which is not expected to improve in the near future.

Labor Force (Trend #6)Labor Force (Trend #6) Through 2030 the Washington labor force will have Through 2030 the Washington labor force will have

greater participation by older workers, people of color, greater participation by older workers, people of color, woman, and people with disabilities.woman, and people with disabilities.


SWOT AnalysisSWOT Analysis

StrengthsStrengths Cost effectiveCost effective Serve diversity of state (regions) and people Serve diversity of state (regions) and people

(students)(students) Relationships/collaborationsRelationships/collaborations

WeaknessesWeaknesses Lack of student success and retentionLack of student success and retention Responding to the challenge of ongoing Responding to the challenge of ongoing

changes in instructional and technological changes in instructional and technological methodologiesmethodologies

OpportunitiesOpportunities Economic development, collaborations, and Economic development, collaborations, and

partnershipspartnerships Legislative supportLegislative support Growing and changing economics and Growing and changing economics and

demographicsdemographics ThreatsThreats

Competition from other public and private Competition from other public and private institutionsinstitutions

Lack of prepared studentsLack of prepared students

SWOT AnalysisSWOT Analysis

WEC Executive CommitteeWEC Executive CommitteeDraft Strategic PlanDraft Strategic Plan

VisionVision WEC will be the statewide leader in building a WEC will be the statewide leader in building a

dynamic and skilled workforce in a global dynamic and skilled workforce in a global economy.economy.

MissionMission WEC promotes collaborative partnerships that WEC promotes collaborative partnerships that

support innovative educational opportunities support innovative educational opportunities for a diverse workforce which increases for a diverse workforce which increases Washington’s competitiveness.Washington’s competitiveness.

GoalsGoals Develop and implement a framework for career Develop and implement a framework for career

pathways that create access and lifelong learning pathways that create access and lifelong learning opportunities.opportunities.

Promote and support faculty development for the use Promote and support faculty development for the use of multiple teaching strategies and technologies.of multiple teaching strategies and technologies.

Advocate and support funding initiatives that address Advocate and support funding initiatives that address workforce education and cyclical fluctuations in the workforce education and cyclical fluctuations in the economy.economy.

Support student success with special emphasis on Support student success with special emphasis on under-represented populations.under-represented populations.

Create and share resources and innovative practices Create and share resources and innovative practices between and among CTCs to anticipate and respond between and among CTCs to anticipate and respond to industry needsto industry needs..

WEC Executive CommitteeWEC Executive CommitteeDraft Strategic PlanDraft Strategic Plan

WA Workforce Education Council WA Workforce Education Council Activities and Timelines Activities and Timelines

for Completionfor Completion

1.1. Select project manager and select date Select project manager and select date for workshop (July 14, 2005)for workshop (July 14, 2005)

2.2. Conduct workshop one---Intro to Conduct workshop one---Intro to Environmental Scanning and Strategic Environmental Scanning and Strategic Planning (October 21, 2005)Planning (October 21, 2005)

3.3. Scanning underway (November 4, 2005)Scanning underway (November 4, 2005)

4. Completed scanning abstract forms, materials 4. Completed scanning abstract forms, materials and draft list of trends and emerging issues and draft list of trends and emerging issues submitted for review (March 19, 2006)submitted for review (March 19, 2006)

5. Written review of scanned materials completed 5. Written review of scanned materials completed by Lapin shared with project manager (April 7, by Lapin shared with project manager (April 7, 2006)2006)

6. Work session with each scan team and review 6. Work session with each scan team and review interviews with community leaders (May 5, interviews with community leaders (May 5, 2006)2006)



7. Interviews with community leaders 7. Interviews with community leaders conducted and responses shared (June conducted and responses shared (June 9, 2006)9, 2006)

8. Final list of trends and emerging issues 8. Final list of trends and emerging issues submitted to Lapin for changes and submitted to Lapin for changes and editing ( June 30, 2006)editing ( June 30, 2006)

9. Final list of trends sent to community 9. Final list of trends sent to community representatives for review (July 14, 2006) representatives for review (July 14, 2006)



10. Preliminary SWOT analysis completed and 10. Preliminary SWOT analysis completed and organizational values identified (July 28, 2006)organizational values identified (July 28, 2006)

11. Conduct workshop for community 11. Conduct workshop for community representatives and college planners to identify representatives and college planners to identify implications of trends (August 18, 2006)implications of trends (August 18, 2006)

12. Conduct workshop to develop strategic plan 12. Conduct workshop to develop strategic plan (September 15, 2006)(September 15, 2006)

13. Present strategic plan to external and internal 13. Present strategic plan to external and internal community for feedback. Make final appropriate community for feedback. Make final appropriate changes (October 13, 2006)changes (October 13, 2006)



Benefits of the Strategic Benefits of the Strategic Planning ProcessPlanning Process

Since the process is participatory it attracts more Since the process is participatory it attracts more support and legitimacysupport and legitimacy

Leaders and participants are satisfied that the Leaders and participants are satisfied that the process made for a better strategic plan and process made for a better strategic plan and provided a “road map” for the future.provided a “road map” for the future.

Leaders and participants believe the strategic Leaders and participants believe the strategic plan will improve the basis for decision making.plan will improve the basis for decision making.

Colleges benefit themselves and the Colleges benefit themselves and the communities they serve by concentrating communities they serve by concentrating planning from the “outside-in” rather than the planning from the “outside-in” rather than the “inside-out.”“inside-out.”

Colleges involve their communities in their Colleges involve their communities in their planning process and provide their trends planning process and provide their trends to the community.to the community.

Colleges become more active partners in Colleges become more active partners in community and economic development community and economic development efforts.efforts.

Colleges are better able to develop and Colleges are better able to develop and implement operational plans to carry out implement operational plans to carry out their strategic plan.their strategic plan.

Benefits of the Strategic Planning Process

Colleges generally receive recognition and Colleges generally receive recognition and praise for their process and strategic plan praise for their process and strategic plan from accrediting agencies.from accrediting agencies.

Benefits of the Strategic Planning Process

Contact InformationContact Information

Joel D. LapinJoel D. LapinProfessor of SociologyProfessor of SociologyThe Community College of Baltimore CountyThe Community College of Baltimore County800 S. Rolling Rd.800 S. Rolling Rd.Baltimore, MD 21228Baltimore, MD 21228

E-mail: E-mail: [email protected]: 443-840-4568Phone: 443-840-4568FAX: 443-840-5321FAX: 443-840-5321

using external environmental scanning and forecasting to improve strategic planning

Documents

external trends

external environmentdeals

external environmentdefining

strategic plandeals

strategic planningjoel

organizational goals

strategic planninga

consequential trends