Analysis and evaluation of strategic planning and implementation at TVET colleges : a case study of Lovedale College

Abstract

The aim of this study was an evaluation of strategic planning and implementation at Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges. The study was premised on the rationale that besides the significance of strategic planning as an effective tool for organisations to employ, given the constant changing digitalised and globalised environment, there is documented evidence of academic institutions, particularly TVET Colleges not implementing strategic plans or alternatively not having a functional and up-to-date strategic plan. Such a situation certainly impedes the colleges’ efforts to achieve their developmental goals and objectives, and may additionally contribute to possible threats to the TVET colleges’ competitiveness, given that there is an emergence of newer types of colleges and universities which are dynamic and in touch with the changing environment. They tend to use these tools for their planning purposes. Lovedale College in the Eastern Cape was selected as the case study college for this research.

The study employed the mixed method approach; utilising quantitative and qualitative approaches. The qualitative research method used in-depth interviews while the quantitative research method used questionnaires with key informants in the study area. The study found that the respondents had a reasonable knowledge of the concept of strategic planning. This finding has relevance for future studies. The reasonable knowledge that the staff have in respect of strategic planning is mainly due to the length of service or stability of the workforce or the continuous involvement of all staff in the strategic planning exercises over the years. This points to important lessons for other colleges. The study pointed to the need for a greater improvement with respect to strategic planning and the implementation process which may result from appropriate financial support. Furthermore, the colleges should have experienced and skilled human resources to undertake such planning exercises. The study also established that there is a positive and significant relationship between stakeholder experience, inhibitors and enablers, monitoring and intervention, and strategic planning and implementation. The study recommended that in order for the action plans of strategic planning and implementation are executed, it is useful to establish clear objectives and a roadmap to achieve these objectives.