Week 12 - Blog #11

I don't know if anyone else in class experienced this or not, but I had a major panic with this week's lesson. I have gotten so used to having readings that lead directly into the homework (that give the answers) that I was actually lost for a bit on this one. I finally decided to look at weeks 6 and 7 and use the evaluation and analysis techniques we learned there. I hope that was the right thing to do because the given reading didn't mention any evaluation methods and what I pulled up from the internet on that topic didn't either. SO....if I'm right, yeah for me for transferring knowledge and if not, oops...

Week 11 - Bog # 10

I am still having a hard time differentiating between needs and solutions. I don't have difficulty in understanding the difference in my thoughts, but when I sit down to write, I keep including solutions in my needs assessments. The lines start to blur when you start going between what is needed and how to satisfy those needs. The readings have been interesting but still kind of hard relate to my project. I do feel like I am learning a lot about a topic I was totally ignorant of in the beginning.

Week 10 - Blog # 9

While thinking about the causes that have kept the CDC from reaching their vision, I keep coming up with the fact that they are dealing with students who are living for the moment and are very busy and just are not concerned about what they will do when they finish school. I know when I was in school, I never once thought about what would happen at the end. I was actually suprised to see that there were so many students that do use their services. They are really dedicated to advancing their services and reaching more students, so it is not for lack of trying. I am excited about helping them reach some of their goals.

Week 9 Blog # 8

This has been a very long and busy week. I don't know why but I put this class off till the end. I guess because there was a lot more to do for this class. While doing my evaluation mini project and my needs gathering and prioritizing, I found it very difficult to stick with what is currently in place instead of leaping forward into solutions, since in my mind, I have completed the whole project. I have had enough conversations with the main stakeholders to know what they want to have happen with their thechnology offerings and many of these projects are already in motion to some degree, so it is hard to go back to the evaluation stage and gathering stage. I had a hard time with the indicators, so I just winged it.

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!