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Abstract
This paper focuses on conceptual and process issues related to strategic planning in international agricultural research organizations. A strategy outlines where the organizations is headed, what course it plans to follow to get there, and why the chosen course is the best. An integrated planning, evaluation, and control framework consists of (1) strategic concerns - any system needs a process and criteria for arriving at a system strategy; (2) operational concerns - a medium-term plan is needed, including a program and budget; and (3) monitoring, evaluation, and control concerns - thorough impact assessment and input monitoring is needed for progress of the system. This framework can be applied at three levels: (1) multi-institute activities, (2) institute activities, and (3) program activities. One of the most important challenges facing research institutions is to find ways of encouraging stra tegic thinking at all levels of the organization. For organizations that have not gone through the experience, strategic planning helps initiate and motivate strategic thinking.