Examine factors influencing formulation of strategic plans in public secondary schools in Kiriny aga county, Kenya
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Date
2013-02-21
Authors
Gachogu, Nicholas Githinji
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Abstract
A strategic plan is a management tool for organizing the present for the purpose of
projections of the desired future. While strategic planning has been emphasized in
many organizations, not much attention has been given to school strategic planning.
Yet, school management is a complex process that requires committed, visionary
leaders and managers. As a result of poor planning, most schools fail to achieve their
goals and objectives, and this is reflected in poor academic performance. The study
sought to examine the factors influencing formulation of strategic plans in public
secondary schools in Kirinyaga County. The study was guided by the Goal-Based
strategic planning model. Compared to others the Goal-Based strategic planning
model is more effective and comprehensive. However, each organization ends up
developing its own nature and model of strategic planning, often by selecting a model
and modifying it as they go along developing their own planning process. The study
employed the descriptive survey research design. The study investigated the
approaches of strategic planning employed, the impact of financial and human
resources, the influence of school leadership and the policy framework guiding
Strategic Planning in Public Secondary Schools. From 118 public secondary schools
in Kirinyaga County, 24 schools (20.3%) were selected by first stratifying them
according to their types,' then selecting the requisite number of schools from each
stratum and 2 teachers per sample school through simple random sampling. The
principal of each sample school and the County Director of Education were automatic
participants in the study. The data collected was organized as per items in the
questionnaires and interview schedules, and then analyzed using SPSS computer
software. The study established that formulation of strategic plans in Public secondary
Schools was hindered by absence of policy framework, inadequate knowledge and
skills on strategic management among school leaders, and inadequate allocation of
resources to the process. The stuQYis significant to the ministry of and school
managers since if identified challenges facing strategy formulation in public schools.
The study recommended that the Ministry of Education should provide the policy
frame work that would make formulation of strategic plans compulsory in public
secondary schools. Also teacher trainers should include strategic planning in their
curricula so that teachers entering the profession have knowledge and skills in
strategy formulation. This clearly underscores the importance of concern in the
formulation of strategic plans in Secondary Schools in Kirinyaga County, and
possibly a generalization to the rest of the country.
Description
Educational Management Policy and Curriculum Studies, 77 p. The LB 2970 .K4G3 2012
Keywords
School administration and organization --Kirinyaga County --Kenya, Education --Kirinyaga County --Kenya, Strategic planning --Kirinyaga County --Kenya