STRATEGIC PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND SCHOOL MANAGEMENT IN DAY SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MASINGA AND YATTA SUB-COUNTIES, MACHAKOS COUNTY, KENYA
Abstract
Purpose of the Study: The purpose of the study was to establish how the implementation of strategic plans affects school management.
Statement of the Problem: Despite the growing emphasis on strategic planning in educational institutions, many schools continue to face management challenges in coordination, accountability, decision-making, and efficient resource allocation. Some schools develop strategic plans but fail to implement them effectively, limiting their ability to achieve institutional goals.
Methodology: The study employed a mixed-method research design using a convergent parallel approach. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected simultaneously and analyzed to provide comprehensive findings. Regression analysis was conducted to assess the predictive impact of the independent variable, namely the development and implementation of strategic plans, on the dependent variable, the institution's management.
Findings: The study established that strategic planning had greatly influenced the management of Board of Management affairs, teachers' and school staff affairs, and students’ affairs. The findings further revealed that the development and implementation of strategic plans were positively and significantly correlated with school management. Regression analysis also indicated that strategic planning positively and significantly predicted effective institutional management.
Conclusion: The study concludes that the development and implementation of strategic plans significantly enhance school management. Strategic planning enables schools to define long-term goals, improve resource allocation, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and promote effective coordination of institutional activities.
Recommendation: Schools should invest in training programs to enhance skills in data management, monitoring, and evaluation to improve strategic plan implementation.
Keywords: strategic plans, school management, coordination, accountability, and decision-making processes
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