Strategic Planning in Higher Education Institutions : A Case Study of SIMS - VISION 2025

Every organization should have a vision which spells out what it expects to realise in the long run, and continuously strive towards converting it into reality. Vision is born out of the minds and hearts of its propounders - ever constant and persistent, yet adaptive and responsive to rapidly changing conditions. The question of what SIMS as an educational institution would be like in 2025 is attempted to be outlined in this paper. Vision realization in some areas is possible to estimate quantitatively with a fair degree of confidence. In some others the broad direction is perceivable but unable to reasonably put in numbers the likely accomplishments. The institution itself is instrumental in determining its quality and furthering it strategically towards its future. Admissions should reflect heterogeneity of student population in terms of gender, regional, religious, cultural & linguistic differences. Courses should cover all realms of human life from technology to business and social service. Faculty should have a functional area of specialization and bend of mind for research and continuous improvement. This apart, the infrastructure should be sound. Teaching learning methods should incorporate a variety of pedagogy. Research and collaboration should be strong. Consultancy and training should be manifold. Industry exposure and placement should be extensive. Social service and civic responsibility should form the pillar of student orientation. Value addition through certificate courses, modular courses and soft skill should be incorporated. Beyond all this, there should be sufficient scope for horizontal and vertical integration. The perspective plan aligned with the vision and mission should spell out clearly, various aspects considered for students, faculty, courses, employers, infrastructure developments should be in the plan. Appropriate strategy development is required for planning and deployment of the various elements mentioned above.