The success of management in a typical organization (and hence a school unit) demands effective planning and programming. Planning and clarifying the school goals, and determining ways that these goals can be achieved, are the main responsibilities of the school leader. Indeed, plans are the basis for coordinating and directing school activities so that the school can succeed in achieving its goals. Taking into consideration that, today, schools function within a very complicated and competitive environment, then planning and programming is the most necessary of managerial functions. This chapter:
Briefly analyses the terms “plan”, “purpose” and “strategy” and emphasizes the significance of planning and programming in a typical organization.
Examines the basic elements (procedures, techniques) of planning and programming and refers to factors which influence the determination of a program, both positively and negatively.
Presents, in a practical way, the procedure for planning and programming at the school level.
Examines the necessity of, and the procedure for, strategic management in modern organizations and summarizes aspects of strategic planning within the educational field.
Presents the strategic changes in education and summarizes key aspects of programming and good time management that we should expect of school leaders. Relevant case studies are also presented.