The role of strategic planning in achieving institutional excellence at Wasit University: An analytical study of the opinions of a sample of employees at Wasit University

Abstract

This research aims to determine the impact of strategic planning, with its dimensions (mission, objectives, strategic environmental analysis, and strategic choice), on achieving institutional excellence, with its dimensions (distinguished leadership, policies, resource management, operations management, relationship management, educational services management, and business results management). The researcher sought to measure and test the correlation and influence relationships between the research variables. To achieve this, the study relied on the contributions of a group of specialized researchers and reputable studies that addressed the three variables under investigation. The research sample consisted of (100) employees at the University of Wasit. The data obtained through the study instrument were analyzed using the SPSS version 23 statistical software to arrive at the relevant results. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to measure the correlation between the variables, the t-test to determine the significance of this relationship, multiple regression analysis, and the F-test to determine the significance of the regression equation. The R² coefficient was also used to interpret the magnitude of the independent variables' influence on the dependent variable. The study also reached a number of conclusions, most notably that there is a statistically significant correlation and influence between strategic planning and organizational differentiation. The study concluded with a set of recommendations, including the need to increase attention to the study variables by focusing on the strategic planning variable. This involves developing future plans and programs and involving employees in the decision-making process, each according to their responsibilities, which contributes to achieving sound planning and performance that fosters excellence in the organization's work.