Accra, April 26, GNA - The Institute of Professional Studies (IPS) on Friday launched a five-year strategic plan, from 2008 to 2012, to serve as a guide in its development efforts.

The Institute, founded in 1965 as a private institution, is currently the only public institution in Ghana that offers Undergraduate Business Degrees and tuition for professional programmes in its mandated fields.

The plan encapsulate key thematic areas covering nine broad strategic goals including an improved environment and requisite facilities for expansion, a student-focused education, an enhanced research enterprise and progressive resource mobilisation and income generation.

The total cost for implementing the plan is estimated at 18,989 Ghana cedis.

Mr Paul Effah, Executive Secretary of the National Council for Tertiary Education said IPS had survived in spite of its difficulties and limitations in academic and physical infrastructure. He said: "This achievement is attributed to three factors, namely, constancy of purpose, flexibility in management practices and

adaptability to change." Mr. Effah said the plan would enhance the institute's expansion and academic work and urged all stakeholders to be committed in marketing the plan to help generate the resources required for its implementation.

Professor Joshua Alabi, Acting Rector of IPS expressed the hope that the plan would serve as a guide to management in the enhancement of the institute's unique profile.

He said as part of the development process, the institute had designed a website, www.ips.edu.gh, to allow students to access provisional examination results and transcripts on-line from the 2008/2009 academic year.