Abstract:
The purpose of the study was to determine if a model
could be created which would describe and prescribe a superior
method for strategic problem solving in the community
college. A review of the literature in business and industry
was used to extrapolate a model which might describe the
decision making process.
The hypothesized model was used to analyze the problem
solving process in two case studies at two Oregon community
colleges. The case studies dealt with the problem of creating
a marketing approach for each college and in working
through the budget creation process. Though the model derived
from business and industry proved adequate in describing
the process, it did not give a complete picture of where
the process failed, nor did it suggest how the process could
be strengthened. Socioscientific literature was examined and
certain additional steps were included in a new model. A
second model was then hypothesized combining the best aspects
found in the business and socioscientific literature.
This new model was examined using the case studies of
the institutions and proved superior to the business/industrial
model. The dissertation pinpoints where the process
broke down or failed. The evidence suggests that the model
can be used beneficially for strategic problem solving.
