Strategic planning in ireland's institutes of technology
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2012-02-16Author
Elwood, Larry
Rainnie, Al
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Elwood, Larry; Rainnie, Al (2012). Strategic planning in ireland's institutes of technology. Higher Education Policy 25 (1), 107-129
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Abstract
This article focuses upon Ireland's institute of technology sector, which has been transformed from a 1970s technical orientation to its broader current role of research and higher education provision. The transformational shifts experienced by institutes over the previous three decades have been profound: increased autonomy, new managerial and organisational paradigms, and demands for greater transparency, accountability and responsiveness. The legislative requirement on these institutes to publish 5-year strategic plans is seen by Ireland's higher education policy makers as a critical planning and coordinating mechanism; yet little empirical work exists on the degree of alignment engendered by strategic planning among academics and manager-academics. Through an exploration of the experiences of these stakeholders in four institutes, this research reveals a dilemma for Ireland's higher education policy makers; how can the practice of strategic planning become mainstreamed in the unique workplace that is higher education. Higher Education Policy (2012) 25, 107-129. doi:10.1057/hep.2011.25