Critical success factors
University of Missouri Extension has identified five areas as critical
to success in the 21st century:
- Access and
Quality
- Learning and
Achievement Processes
- Innovation
- Human
Resources
- Stewardship
of Resources.
These success factors were
identified as a result of careful
study of outcomes expected by
learners, stakeholders, and public and
private partners. Each factor
specifies expectations and performance
indicators that will be monitored to
evaluate the success of programs,
support systems, faculty and staff.
1. Access and Quality
In keeping with the land-grant
mission, University of Missouri Extension improves people's lives by
expanding learning in community-based
environments convenient to the
learner. This includes place-specific
communities and communities of
interest. Access and quality standards
ensure that programs are made
available to a diverse learner
population and that programs are
financially affordable for all who
choose to participate. The perceptions
of learners and stakeholders are used
to gauge access, relevance, quality
and continuous improvement.
2. Learning and
Achievement Processes A
successfully engaged University of Missouri Extension learner
acquires the essential knowledge,
skills and ability to learn
independently, think analytically and
provide leadership in making
high-quality decisions that affect
their personal well-being, family,
business and community. Effective
learning is achieved through
high-quality, timely and cost
effective, learner-centered
programming. High-performing internal
support systems enhance learning and
achievement.
3. Innovation University of Missouri Extension
in
the 21st century must plan for
innovation to occur through strategic
relationships and the use of
technology to provide greater learner
access. Success is dependent on
scanning the environment to anticipate
the needs and aspirations of
Missouri's people. Innovation requires
a critical response to new
opportunities and engagement of key
stakeholders. Innovative programs are
capitalized through the development of
new partnerships and alliances.
4. Human Resources
University of Missouri Extension's
success is contingent upon attracting
and maintaining high-performing
faculty, staff, volunteers and council
members who support continuous
improvement in learning and
achievement, access and quality,
innovation and stewardship of
resources. Visionary workforce
planning ensures an effective and
efficient workforce that is diverse,
stable, motivated, competent and
accountable.
5. Stewardship of
Resources Effective
stewardship is accomplished through
careful and responsible management of
the resources entrusted to University of Missouri Extension. University of Missouri Extension
leverages
multiple resources to support 21st
century priority programming that
benefits Missourians. Primary
resources include internal allocations
(state appropriations), federal
appropriations (USDA), grants and
contracts, county extension councils
(including appropriations from county
commissions), program income (fees for
programs and services), contributions
(gifts and endowments) and
partnerships (in-kind support).
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