Table of Contents

Vision
Mission
Critical Success Factors
Goals, Strategies and Tactics
Appendix 1: Stakeholder Map
Appendix 2: SWOT Analysis
Appendix 3: Legacy Exercise Summary

Vision

Central Connecticut State University's School of Business aspires to provide a high quality education for Connecticut's future business leaders through:

• A Student-centric Focus, willing to challenge students with a global view of business;
• A Quality Business Education curriculum that is rigorous, holds students to high standards, and provides the foundation for intellectual enrichment and life-long learning;
• A Collegial and Collaborative Faculty, respected for the quality of its teaching and its relevant scholarship, and being active in Connecticut's business community; and
• Its Reputation as an accredited business school, recognized within the University, the business community and the profession for its exceptional graduates, value, and for measurably contributing to Connecticut's economic capabilities.

Mission

We provide the opportunity for an education in the field of business that is recognized by our stakeholders for its quality. The faculty, dedicated to teaching, and informed by their scholarship, prepares students to be thoughtful and responsible business professionals.

Outcomes

Observable results that provide evidence that we are moving towards our mission and achieving our purpose. (Written in the present tense from our “Stakeholders” perspectives)

1. Our selection process raises the quality of the students in the program without sacrificing access to education.
   
   Amplifying detail:

   Our selection criteria results in hardworking and motivated students eager to learn, willing to face the challenge of our rigorous program, and happy they chose CCSU. Owing to the quality of our students, our curriculum results in enriching their lives while helping the CT business economy.

2. Graduates are very competitive in the work place and are known to be well-prepared, productive, hardworking, analytical thinkers, articulate communicators, independent learners, and team players.
   
   Amplifying detail:

   Employers are delighted with the graduates they've hired and look forward to hiring more. Many of our key leadership positions are filled by CCSU SOB grads.

3. SOB has a reputation for providing a rigorous, high-quality education; being exceptionally well managed, a good corporate citizen, and supported by the legislature through its investment in infrastructure.
   
   Amplifying detail:

   Our curriculum imparts sought-after business competencies and a "world view" while enabling the successful performance of the graduates in their work. Parents eagerly send their children to CCSU because they get high value for their dollar. The legislature provides investment in the SOB infrastructure because of the value the school provides to the state economy.

4. Our school's culture engenders faculty commitment, nurtures and challenges students, encourages openness and trustworthiness, and is a fun, rewarding atmosphere.
   
   Amplifying detail:

   Faculty are more than advisors; they are caring professionals and knowledgeable mentors. Our student environment is conducive to learning and developing life-long learning skills. We've raised the expectations without becoming exclusive.

5. Our faculty are known to be qualified and relevant educators recognized by both business and academic professionals.
   
   Amplifying detail:

   We are an employer of choice for business faculty. We attract and retain the best faculty; a tenure track position at CCSU SOB is considered a good career choice. Our faculty conduct relevant research, contribute to the academic body of knowledge through publishing, and are involved in the business community.

6. There is wide recognition of the School of Business and its efforts by all stakeholders both internal and external.
   
   Amplifying detail:

   We celebrate / recognize the successes and accomplishments of our students, alumni, and faculty. This recognition results in increased funding for research and endowments.

Critical Success Factors

Those essential things that we must do right and manage correctly to successfully achieve our Outcomes.

1. Obtain AACSB accreditation as a measure of our high standards.
2. Assure the quality of learning by establishing processes to include:

   Assessing the needs of employers and other key stakeholders; Developing a methodology for screening incoming students; Designing and assessing our curriculum; and Establishing a faculty development and performance review process.

3. Get the message out by marketing our successes to key stakeholders:

   Celebrate our accomplishments (students, alumni and faculty); and Share our vision for a rigorous program both internally and externally.

4. Promote a supportive infrastructure that focuses on:

   Endowments; creating stable funding from the outside community; A culture of teaching excellence; supportive of new ideas that justifies competitive salaries; and Scholarship; provides flexibility for faculty to pursue research and publishing.

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