Strategic planning of urban infrastructure for environmental sustainability: Understanding the past to intervene for the future

A framework for information services strategy using the application of strategic
planning processes to library information services is described in this study. A
survey was carried out in Thailand in order to examine the internal and external
environments of the Thai library and information society.
From the survey findings, it was found that misunderstanding of the full
implication of information services by library and information professionals is
the major obstacle to service provision in Thailand. The lack of relationship
between user surveys and service provision create the missing link in effective
information service provision and use. Improved interpersonal communication
skills and the application of strategic thinking are needed in the information
services process. A proper understanding of the communication chain relating
to service elements is essential for future planning of information services. The
development of an information society in Thailand depends on library and
information professionals understanding their role better and appreciating the
full potential for access to infonnation.
The study of the application of strategic planning processes to one function of
the library / information system, information services, is an early attempt to
reflect its potential to improve the whole system.

Strategic planning for information services: a study of an application to Thai libraries and information centres

Despite being accepted as a key function in research management, research planning seems to be a neglected practice in some higher education institutions, particularly in economically disadvantaged countries such as Vietnam. This paper addresses a research gap in this area by examining (1) the practices of research planning at four leading Vietnamese universities and (2) the extent to which research planning is undertaken. Through 55 semi-structured interviews with university participants, the study found that despite having goals to be research leaders in the country, the four Vietnamese universities pursue a compliance-based rather than a strategic-based approach to research planning. Based on a framework for measuring strategic research planning, this study proposes strategies and processes to enhance such planning capacity, which may improve research performance.

B. Wagle

Papers

Management science and strategic planning