According to Michael Hites and Kelly J. Block, of the University of Illinois, information technology is a "...Field That Changes Rapidly and Disrupts Everything." This week in the Mojo we look at the challenges of planning for information technology and how these integrated processes facilitate different types of higher education planning.

Due to the nature of technological development, IT strategic plans require more frequent updating than department curriculum,  campus facilities plans, university missions, and institutional budgets. On the other hand, the infusion of technology into our institutional systems, structures, and classrooms means that the rate of change and disruption has increased across the board.

How do we integrate new technologies without interruption? With complementary and interdependent processes for IT leadership development, governance, and strategic planning:

1. Leadership Development "The goal is to create a collective of IT leaders who contribute at all levels simultaneously, that is, within the department, college, campus, and university."

2. Governance "Some governance is lightweight, like a single committee that advises a CIO, and some is heavyweight, like a multi-committee, hierarchical structure that includes faculty, staff, and students."

3. Strategic Planning "There are environmental scans and SWOT analyses. Brainstorming sessions lead to more focused goals, and first drafts can be developed to share with constituents and other IT professionals."

"When an institution must respond to disruptive change, good IT planning is a necessity." Do you agree? What are your professional experiences with planning for and responding to information technology?