Educational Planning and Simulation Models

Abstract

A well envisioned plan is a first step towards the successful implementation of projects and programs in any sector and education sector has no exception. The planning process is comprised of three stages (i) Strategic Planning; (ii) Tactical Planning; and (iii) Operational Planning. Availability of timely and accurate data is a pre-requisite for each stage of planning process. Planning in education sector requires diverse set of data, which includes demographic information, educational statistics, budget allocation, human resources etc. In addition to data, some tools are also required to prepare well envisioned and implementable planning documents. Simulation models can be used as tool, at first level of planning, for analyzing, exploring & projecting the future needs of the system. With the help of simulation model different options can be explored to overcome the past shortcomings and develop credible, sector-wide and costed plans by involving all the stakeholders.
Simulation for Equity in Education (SEE) model specifically designed to enhance knowledge by exploring the future needs, to help design policy and strategies and to estimate resource implications in education sector. This paper will focus on strategic planning process and how the simulation model can help to trace the future directions for improving the education system.