Strategic planning: a tool for effective management of schools
The aim of this study is to investigate the role of strategic planning in the management of schools. Strategic Planning refers to the combined effort of people with interest in education (stakeholders) to develop a common goal for a particular school. Everyone within the boundaries of the school (teachers, learners and parents) then work toward the attainment of such a goal. From the literature study it becomes clear that strategic planning should commence with a study of the environment. “Environment” is an all inclusive word in this context that refers to both internal and external environments. The internal environment includes inherent factors that strengthen or weaken the school’s position. The external environment includes outside opportunities that the school may have as well as the threats that are brought by outside influences, including other schools or the community. The literature survey supplies a vast amount of evidence to support the belief that successful organisations are goal orientated. What all successful schools have in common is a well discussed mission / goal that people in that particular school works towards. A goal orientated school is characterised by parental involvement in matters concerning the school; by learner performance because of set standards; by educator competence because of available resources for effective teaching; and by teamwork, trust and participation in all activities in the school. For the purpose of the empirical investigation, a self-structured questionnaire for educators was utilized. The data obtained from the completed questionnaires was processed and analysed by means of descriptive statistics. The findings from the empirical study confirmed that most schools are still lacking in goal setting and- management expert skills. In conclusion a summary of the study, based on the findings of the literature and empirical studies is presented, with the following recommendations: • Programmes in the form of workshops should be developed to empower parents in their involvement in schools. • Implementation of training and education of the school management teams with regard to the running of the schools. • Further research should to be done to improve planning and management of the schools.
Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations