Technology Planning Process at NHC
It is impossible to develop a technology plan that focuses on 5 and 10 years out. The best way to proactively plan for technology is to use three functional planning tools.
NHC Information Technology Vision (5-10 years)
What is our vision of technology in the future? Where do we want to be and what factors will influence these changes? This type of vision has to be revisited annually and adjusted as items move through the Strategic Plan down to the Tactical Plan. It is also important to reaffirm that this is still the vision of the college and that our technology goals are aligned with the college’s mission.
Strategic Plan for Information Technology (2-4 years)
The strategic plan focuses on making the vision a reality one piece at a time. The focus is on future budget years and works to secure the funding necessary to successfully implement the initiatives. Initiatives from this plan flow to the Tactical Plan.
Tactical Plan for Information Technology (1 year)
Simply put, this is the nuts and bolts plan for the next fiscal year. Projects in this plan must be in-line with our Vision Statement and should have been, but may not have been, part of the Strategic Plan. Initiatives in the Tactical Plan for Information Technology are then measured and statuses are reported in the Information Technology Services Annual Report.
Additional Planning factors
Technology Planning
Planning Process & NHC Technology Advisory Council
(in PDF format)
Planning Timeline
The ideal planning process starts with the development or renewal of the NHC Information Technology Vision. This should be completed before December of each year for budgeting purposes.
Then next phase would be the review of the Strategic Plan for Information Technology. This review would determine if the same goals still exist, add new initiatives and remove initiatives that are no longer needed. Once completed the initiatives that are considered priority would be submitted as budget requests for the next fiscal year. Initiatives that are funded by external sources, bond or grants, would also be moved to the tactical plan for the next year if funding was going to be provided.
Once the budget has been approved the Tactical Plan for Information Technology would be developed and implemented.
Additional Planning factors
North Harris Colleges Plan for Information Technology must be in-line with the Colleges and Districts Strategic Plan. In addition, it must be aligned with the Districts Strategic Plan for Information Technology and Information Technology Policies.
Measures
At the end of each fiscal year Information Technology Services (I.T.S.) will provide an annual report that outlines what was completed the following year. In addition, a summary of all other activities and measures will be provided.
Flexibility
Plans are guides and roadmaps to help us achieve technology goals that are in-line with the college’s mission. Due to the rapid changes in information technology and the numerous external factors that can impact our use of technology our plans must be flexible. If a technology need comes up unexpected but could have major benefits or a significant impact to the campus community it can not be ignored just because it is not in this years' Tactical Plan. The North Harris College Technology Advisory Council (NHC-TAC) is the keeper of the plan. If changes are necessary then this Council will adjust the priorities as needed.
North Harris College’s Plan for Information Technology must be in-line with the colleges and District Strategic Plans. In addition, it must be aligned with the Districts’ Strategic Plan for Information Technology and Information Technology Policies.