Director's Report March 2008

Hi Everyone,

I hope your preparations for  attendance at SoutheastCon, and the ExCom
e-conference on 3/24 are proceeding well.

In order to maximize the use of our time together it would seem appropriate to
discuss a few basic principles of Strategic Management:

The strategic view of Region 3 as developed by the Region 3 Strategic Planning
Committee defines the why and where our journey will take us. It is meant to be
the Compass for all of us to use in aligning toward a common direction. The
strategic plan is not the end of the definition of the journey. 

The Tactical Plans define the "what" we are doing along the way and  milestones
we expect to reach. The tactical view is the road map that defines the major
points on the journey and contains the first estimates of time. 

The Operational and Project Plans define the "how" we are going to perform the
tasks required, the capabilities needed and who travels with us.

The Region 3 Committees will begin the task of developing the Tactical views and
some of the outlines of the Operational / Project plans at the meetings in
Huntsville at SoutheastCon. This is not a standalone function of the Region 3
Committees, the Area/Councils or the Sections but rather a collaborative effort.

At the conclusion of SoutheastCon you should be prepared to carry on the
development of the plans for your respective functions because you have
developed an understanding of ...

** the strategic direction of Region 3
** the 18-24 month view of the tactical objectives 
** the committee(s) you choose to actively engage.
** the tools for collaboration and communications that are available

Preparation for Sections Congress 2008 in Quebec City, Canada is another major
objective for our meetings in Huntsville. The recommendations developed at
Sections Congress should be aligned with the plans and needs to achieve the
direction of Region 3 and those of the IEEE as a whole. This is the only
opportunity for a face to face discussion prior to Sections Congress so please
make maximum use of the time.

I am looking forward to seeing you again in Huntsville and wish you a safe
journey.


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  William B. Ratcliff
Region 3 Director 2008-2009
e-mail  w.ratcliff @ ieee.org