Steps of Change: Basics of Innovation Diffusion

I. Decide to Plan for Change: Awareness
II. Real vs. Perceived Need: Interest
III. Reason to Implement: Advantage
IV. Mission of the Organization: Evaluation
V. Plan the Program: Trial
VI. Review What Is Done Now: Observability
VII. The Gap: Compatibility
VIII. Contingency: Pre-Adoption
IX. Implementation: Adoption

I. Decide to Plan for Change: Awareness

1. Key Administrators
   
2. Super Leader
   
3. Understand Elements of Change
   
   • Flexible Environment
   • Policy
   • Philosophy
   • Leadership

II. Real vs Perceived Need: Interest

1. Identify the Recipient
   
2. Why have the program?
   
   • Who wants the program?
   • Who needs the program?
     
3. The Competition: Who Else Is Doing It?
   
4. Is the Program Really Needed?

III. Understand Reason to Implement: Advantage

1. Value to the Organization
   
2. Political Issues Involved
   
3. Technology or Need Driven
   
4. Competition Driven for Competition's Sake
   
5. Philosophy of the Program
   
6. Culture of the Organization.
   
   • Affects programs
   • Political issues involved

IV. Mission of the Organization: Evaluation

1. Does the Programming Fit the Organization's
   
   • Goals & Objectives
   • Quality standards
     
2. How Will This Help the Organization? -- If it won't, don't!
   
3. Driving Force to Market the Program?
   
4. Will it Make Money?
   
5. Will It Be Self Sufficient?
   
6. How Large Do We Want It to Become?
   
7. What Is the Return on the Investment?

V. Plan the Program: Trial

1. Time - Take the Time to Plan
   
2. People - Faculty/Staff
   
3. Space, Facilities, Equipment
   
4. Production Capability
   
5. Money - Now & Later

VI. Review What Is Done Now: Observability

1. Will Distance Learning Duplicate Services? Classes? Staff? Departments?
   
2. Is the Organization Working Well In Training & Education?
   
3. Does the Organization Support Education & Training? Change? Technology?
   
4. Do We Have Enough People and Support to Add Change?
   
5. What Are the Organization's Strengths? Weaknesses?

VII. The Gap:Compatibility

1. How Far to Go to Have a Successful Program
   
2. Will the Organization Be Able to Change
   
3. Subtract the Difference Between.... Where We Want to Be - Where We Are Now = The Gap
   
4. Can We Do It?

VIII. Contingency: Pre-adoption

1. Trial & Pilot
   
2. Flexibility
   
3. Client Needs
   
4. Institutional Perceptions
   
5. Success vs. Failure:
   
   • What happens if it won't, doesn't, or can't?
   • Is different?
   • Is better, can, and does?

IX. Implementation: Adoption

(Commit to Ongoing Process)

1. Lead People
   
2. Design Programming
   
3. Train in Production Techniques & Technology
   
4. Faculty Support
   
5. Dollar Support
   
6. On-going Growth
   
7. Continued Resources - Finance the Program
   
8. Plan for Growth
   
9. Plan for Change
   
10. Believe in the Program
    
11. Garnish Support Again and Again
    
12. Evaluate the Program

Conclusion: Follow All Steps of Change & All Conditions of Success

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