part a: strategic overview - Department of Education
part a: strategic overview - Department of Education
part a: strategic overview - Department of Education
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10. DESCRIPTION OF STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS<br />
It should be noted here that this document is a revision and update <strong>of</strong> the previously published<br />
<strong>strategic</strong> plan <strong>of</strong> the De<strong>part</strong>ment for 2005/6 to 2009/10. As a result, the planning process<br />
described in this section refers to the analysis, engagements and activities which resulted in<br />
this updated version <strong>of</strong> the De<strong>part</strong>ment’s plan for education within the planned period. The<br />
major components <strong>of</strong> the planning process were analysis, consultation, rationalization<br />
prioritization, plan preparation, review and approval.<br />
A reconsideration <strong>of</strong> the De<strong>part</strong>ment’s <strong>strategic</strong> position was initiated by the MEC when<br />
he requested the preparation <strong>of</strong> a paper on the manner in which the De<strong>part</strong>ment should<br />
transform in order to fulfil its obligations and be responsive to the development<br />
circumstances <strong>of</strong> the Province. On this basis, an in-depth analysis was conducted on<br />
the circumstances <strong>of</strong> the De<strong>part</strong>ment historically and currently in order to isolate critical<br />
problem areas which affect the overall performance <strong>of</strong> the system. The result <strong>of</strong> this<br />
investigation was the preparation <strong>of</strong> a monograph on “A Transformation Agenda” for the<br />
De<strong>part</strong>ment. This agenda <strong>of</strong> objectives and activities sought to overcome the problems<br />
which exist in the De<strong>part</strong>ment and set out a new framework for the equitable and<br />
efficient delivery <strong>of</strong> educational services. A Province-wide consultation involving all<br />
stakeholders was convened on the monograph as a basis for service “buy-in”, but more<br />
importantly as a basis for enabling stakeholders to secure a better understanding <strong>of</strong> the<br />
issues which affect education and thereby soliciting further input for the improvement.<br />
When the consultation was completed, it was evident from the input provided that the<br />
<strong>strategic</strong> plan for the De<strong>part</strong>ment had to be revised in order to respond to a variety <strong>of</strong><br />
issues raised and the scope <strong>of</strong> solutions rendered. Even more so, it was now more<br />
critical than before to ensure that the <strong>strategic</strong> plan <strong>of</strong> the De<strong>part</strong>ment serve as a clear<br />
and articulated statement <strong>of</strong> the manner in which the De<strong>part</strong>ment seeks to meet its<br />
obligations and priorities and in the process continue to enhance its performance. A<br />
consultative process was set in place to secure input for the development <strong>of</strong> the plan.<br />
A series <strong>of</strong> consultative workshops were convened involving all managerial staff <strong>of</strong> the<br />
De<strong>part</strong>ment. These workshops sought to delineate <strong>strategic</strong> objectives for each <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>strategic</strong> goals <strong>of</strong> the De<strong>part</strong>ment, to identify measurable objectives and performance<br />
measures and to decide on organizational assignments for undertaking responsibilities<br />
under the plan. The De<strong>part</strong>ment sought to make the planning process both informative<br />
and empowering as a measure to enable a more in-depth understanding <strong>of</strong> the plan.<br />
However, this process also served as a vehicle to secure commitment, promote interunit<br />
collaboration and instil renewed vigour for facilitating the transformation <strong>of</strong> the<br />
De<strong>part</strong>ment.<br />
Because <strong>of</strong> the level <strong>of</strong> broad-based consultation, the number <strong>of</strong> <strong>strategic</strong> objectives<br />
generated was unmanageable. It was necessary, therefore, to engage in a<br />
rationalization and prioritization process in order to reduce the complexity <strong>of</strong> plan<br />
implementation. These objectives were reduced by shifting some objectives to<br />
performance measures, by consolidating related objectives and by eliminating objectives<br />
that were duplicative. In spite <strong>of</strong> this, all the inputs regarding the critical activities to be<br />
undertaken were retained in the presentation <strong>of</strong> the plan.<br />
Managers in the De<strong>part</strong>ment undertook several interactions <strong>of</strong> revision and review in order to<br />
prepare the document <strong>of</strong> approval. The document was finally approved and submitted.<br />
All input was prepared in accordance with the National Treasury Guidelines. On<br />
occasions it as necessary to go beyond these guidelines so that the document will serve<br />
its purpose in enlightening and empowering <strong>of</strong>ficials in the De<strong>part</strong>ment.<br />
5 Year ECDoE 5 Year Strategic ECDoE Strategic Plan for 2005/06 Plan for to 2005-06 2009/10 to March 2009-10. 2006 21 F (6).doc Page 18<br />
contents <strong>part</strong> A: <strong>strategic</strong> <strong>overview</strong>