ASSESSMENTOFSTRATEGICPLANIMPLEMENTATIONANDITSCHALLENGES: CASEOFWOLKITEUNIVERSITY

Abstract

This study assesses the implementation of the strategic plan and identifies the challenges faced by Wolkite University in achieving its strategic objectives. Strategic planning is vital for higher education institutions to align their goals with national priorities, enhance performance, and ensure long-term sustainability. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research collected data from key stakeholders, including university administrators, academic staff, and planning experts, through surveys, interviews, and document analysis. The findings indicate that while Wolkite University has made commendable efforts in initiating strategic planning processes, the implementation phase faces several critical challenges. These include inadequate resource allocation, limited stakeholder engagement, weak monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and institutional capacity constraints. The study concludes by recommending strategies to strengthen implementation, including improved leadership commitment, enhanced training, and development of robust evaluation frameworks. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of strategic planning effectiveness in public universities within developing contexts.