The authentic, unfiltered voice of parents is largely absent from the education reform dialogue. Hearing that voice was an important objective for UNCF (United Negro College Fund) when we at Monitor Institute worked with them on their strategy. As a result, we conducted a two-pronged research study, including focus groups and phone surveys, with a sample population of approximately 1400 low-income, African-American parents and caregivers with school-aged children (aged 4-18) living to their household to understand their views on K-12 education.  MORE ››

Last time, we discussed three more ways that strategy at a for-impact enterprise is different than at a for-profit. Today let’s wrap up with the final two that we’ve experienced: different data requirements and a longer time horizon.

6. The supporting analysis is qualitative and targeted

While data-driven decision making is equally important in any strategic planning process, the kind of MORE ››

As we’ve been discussing, strategy at a for-impact enterprise can be very different than at a for-profit. Last time, we discussed how growth is not always the goal and the organization’s purpose is rarely settled. Today let’s discuss three other areas of difference: process, audience, and decision rights.

3. Bottom-up engagement can be essential

In our experience, corporate strategic planning processes often start from the C-suite down, MORE ››