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Abstract
The purpose of this Delphi study was to identify strategic indicators for use at Assemblies of God colleges. Strategic indicators are metrics which synthesize data to report on the current condition and trajectory of an institution in terms of the institution's ability to pursue its mission. While some indicators are useful to almost all types of institutions of higher education, other indicators reflect the unique mission and goals of the individual institution. These indicators can be used to monitor trends over time at the same institution, or to compare data among a group of peer institutions. Peer institutions compare their indicator data in order for academic leaders to see how their own institution is faring in relation to its peers.
This study consisted of three Delphi rounds, using a panel of 40 academic leaders from five Assemblies of God colleges. The panel identified the spiritual formation of students as the most important aspect of the mission of Assemblies of God colleges. The integration of faith and learning was identified as the main contributor to spiritual formation. The panel selected a total of 28 strategic indicators, 14 of which were selected from among indicators that are typically used in higher education. The panel also selected 12 indicators that were suggested by panelists, as well as 2 indicators that were suggested by the researcher. The panel reported that the set of indicators they identified would provide a suitable framework for data sharing among Assemblies of God colleges.
