Introduction

The relationship between “what we get” (inputs) and “what we accomplish” (results) is defined by “what we do” (transformation). Selecting those actions that can be taken to achieve outputs is the usual task in a university strategic planning effort. All institutions have limits on what they are willing or able to do to achieve their vision. However, few have a vision that specifies in measurable terms what outputs the academic system aspires to achieve over a period of time, typically referred to as the planning horizon. Instead, most vision statements are qualitative and descriptive such as Old Dominion University’s vision statement from their 2000−2005 strategic plan:

Old Dominion University will be a preeminent national and international ...

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