Glossary of Terms

Department/Administrative Unit: The structure in an organization containing jobs with similar purposes. At Mississippi College, a department contains faculty and other personnel that teach or support a special field of knowledge, e.g., Department of Biology. An administrative unit contains administrators, clerical personnel, and hourly employees that provide support or service to the institution, e.g., Office of Admissions.

Mission Statement (Purpose Statement): A broadly framed but enduring statement identifying the organization's fundamental purpose. It embodies the philosophy of the organization, it implies the image the organization is seeking, it reflects the organization's self-concept, and it indicates the service areas and the primary customer needs the organization will attempt to satisfy.

Objectives: The specific actions the organization hopes to accomplish within a specified period of time.

Operational Planning: The establishing of day-to-day or short-term specific actions by a department or administrative unit.

Strategic Directions: Represent the priorities of an organization at a point in time.

Strategic Goals: Statements that translate the organization's mission into measurable commitments. Measuring the organization's effectiveness in meeting strategic goals ultimately indicates the organization's effectiveness in meeting its mission.

Strategic Planning: A conscious attempt to meet an organization's mission and strategic goals within a dynamic external environment.

Strategic Planning Process: The mechanism or procedure to accomplish strategic planning.

Strategies: The specific activities or courses of action to accomplish an organization's objectives.