ISS OPtimize Strategic Planning Case Studies:
International School of Dhaka and Branksome Hall Asia
ISS OPtimize is a global leader in international school planning, startup, management, and operations. ISS’ dedicated team of experts work with you to help achieve your school goals. Interested in learning more about how ISS OPtimize can maximize your school’s performance with timely assessments and proven solutions, offered by our experts through virtual and school site consultancies? Find the right ISS OPtimize service for you by clicking the button below or keep reading to learn about how ISS OPtimize helped improve school functions through two unique case studies.
International School of Dhaka Case Study
The International School Dhaka (ISD), a premier IB World School in Bangladesh, partnered with International Schools Services (ISS) to develop a comprehensive three-to-five-year strategic plan aimed at revitalizing its operations, reputation, and growth trajectory. Guided by ISS experts Dr. Tom Hawkins and Mr. Steve Plisinski, the strategic planning process began in January 2024 with extensive stakeholder engagement, including parents, staff, and students. Key findings revealed significant challenges, including declining enrollment, high leadership turnover, and reputational concerns within the community. Through a situational analysis and SWOT exercise, the team identified opportunities to redefine the school’s vision and align its operations with its mission to inspire and empower students. The process emphasized actionable strategies to rebuild ISD’s reputation, enhance student outcomes, and improve operational efficiency.
The resulting strategic imperatives addressed critical areas: increasing enrollment to full capacity, strengthening academic performance, improving faculty retention, and developing new guiding statements to redefine the school’s identity. Implementation plans included the formation of Action Teams led by trained Champions, ensuring measurable outcomes and a structured timeline. The strategic plan, approved by the ISD Board, set a roadmap to achieve long-term sustainability and reinforce ISD’s standing as a top international school. By collaborating with ISS, ISD leveraged expertise in governance, operational restructuring, and community engagement, positioning itself to meet ambitious goals and foster meaningful cultural change within the school.
Branksome Hall Asia Case Study
Branksome Hall Asia (BHA), an internationally renowned IB World School located in Korea, embarked on a comprehensive strategic planning initiative in collaboration with International Schools Services (ISS) to address key institutional challenges and chart its future direction. Prompted by leadership transitions and a mandate to expand enrollment to include boys in its Middle and Senior Schools, BHA engaged ISS consultants Dr. Tom Hawkins and Dr. Glenn Odland. Their process involved extensive stakeholder engagement, with over 60 members of the BHA community participating in focus groups and interviews. Initial findings revealed both strengths, such as BHA’s robust academic programs, dedicated faculty, and exceptional facilities, and areas for improvement, including community cohesion, long-term facilities planning, and faculty retention. The consultants facilitated workshops and analyses, including a detailed SWOT exercise, to inform the development of strategic imperatives aligned with BHA’s mission to inspire students and foster global-minded leadership.
The resulting strategic plan outlines key imperatives, including achieving sustainable enrollment, enhancing faculty recruitment and retention, and strengthening academic and extracurricular programming. Specific initiatives include creating a campus master plan, improving staff well-being, and leveraging flagship programs like fine arts and design technology. Action Plan Champions and teams were tasked with implementing manageable, measurable steps to ensure progress. An ‘Implementation Structure’ with three categories of involvement was developed to allow for widespread engagement among the school community. As a result the strategic process was able to achieve a high level of inclusivity, aligning with BHA’s core values, while maintaining focus on long-term sustainability and cultural growth. By addressing these imperatives, BHA aims to solidify its position as a premier educational institution and meet its ambitious vision of becoming a globally recognized community of learners and leaders.
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