As the world changes and adapts to Covid-19, no otherindustry has been impacted more than the education sector. As schools anduniversities struggle to adapt to the changes the Pandemic has brought, it also gives birth to an important question: isstrategy planning important for the education sector?
Unfortunately, many educational institutions arecynical and sceptical about the importance of strategy planning. They believethat it ruins their culture and traditions. However, Covid-19 has proved time and time again that certain policies and changes need to be adopted by the education sector in developing countries in order to cater to the population and economy.
With that in mind, here’s why strategy planning isimperative for higher education in developing countries:
It Helps SpecifyLong-Term Goals
Schools and universities have objectives and long-termgoals: to provide quality education to the masses and improve the country’seconomy. But there are other goals that vary from institute to institute. Some universities have long-term goals to ensure there are certain number of graduates each year, and that the university’s culture keeps changing and improving.
Creating a strategy plan can help universities meetthese long-term goals.
Evaluate Their Curriculum and Cater to theNeeds of Students
An exceptional strategy plan will also helpeducational institutes re-evaluate their curriculum, resources, and teachingstaff annually or bi-annually. This will help them understand the needs ofstudents, as well as implement changes in the curriculum according to ever-changing trends.
For example, working with teachers and organisationsto provide students with the latest research materials, or changing booksaccording to their latest version.
Preparing forUnforeseen Circumstances
Unfortunately, not a lot of educational instituteswere prepared for the Pandemic. Because of the number of lockdowns indeveloping countries, schools and universities were forced to shut down.
Strategy planning can help mitigate such risks bycreating plans for unforeseen circumstances. This includes epidemics and evenbad weather conditions.
For example, providing students with laptops orrecorded lessons to ensure they don’t lag behind.
Aisha Alisha is an experienced researcher with exceptional knowledge of planning andmanagement. Her special interests lie in strategic management.
Herbook, “Strategy Planning in Developing Nations” provides authentic informationon strategic planning to decision-makers from multiple backgrounds. It also discusses the concepts involved in great detail to help identify the errors in the existing plans and improve them.
