Finding the way: a model for educational system analysis

Administrators new to an academic setting experience a steep learning curve in finding their way around the organization. Leadership strategies that have proven effective in a previous setting or in another role may not be appropriate to or effective in the new setting. Disruptive effects of such leadership transitions can be minimized if newly employed administrators take a systematic approach to learning about the organization. The educational systems analysis model (ESAM) described here provides direction for new academic administrators in rapid analysis of a nursing education program. ESAM is comprised of both external and internal elements that influence system operation and the role of the administrator within the system. External elements include environmental factors that influence the program as well as the community of interest. Internal elements include the mission and goals, culture, relationships, structure, programs and services, resources, and outcomes of the program. Each of the internal elements is considered from both content and process perspectives. Relationships among the elements in the model are dynamic and reciprocal.