Week 8 - Blog # 7

OK, I have to eat my words! After bad-mouthing the Cassidy book earlier, I must say I was very impressed with all of the great examples given in Chapter 6. I should have read ahead when I was working on my mission and vision. It doesn't really go with my project, but will be good info to store and use later. The Witkin and Altschuld chapter gave some good practical definitions and explanations that will help with my project. As far as my project is going, I didn't even think about it this week because due to a family emergency, I was out of town dealing with other things this week. I will get back after it tomorrow!

Week 7 - Blog #6

I feel like I have a better understanding of the Analysis phase after the readings for this week. I really like the SWOT analysis, but my project doesn't really lend itself to the use of that one. It was good to read about how to set up an individual interview as well as focus groups and how to get the information you need from them. I did have a little trouble with the survey tool since I only want to know one thing, so I turned it into a marketing tool as well. My Vision meeting went well, though it was very brief. This is a very busy time of year for the Career Development Center. Everyone is on board with the project and excited to see it moving forward.

Week 6, Blog 5

I think the Evaluation/Analysis part of strategic planning is the most important part and it makes me wonder if it shouldn't come first. I know that I have been considering this part long before I put it on paper. How else do you know where you want to go if you don't know where you are? It is hard for me to see each piece as a different step when they build on each other so much. As far as the text reading goes...wow, it just boggles the mind to look at something with so much detail. I am very impressed by those who do this on that broad of a scale. I think I would go completely crazy with that much tedium and detailed planning/thinking. However I do appreciate that it has to be done and I will know what type of person to hire to do it for me!