This paper analyzes planning at Red River College in Manitoba. The paper suggests that the decision-making process be effectively linked with analytics. The fundamental role of institutional research and planning in postsecondary education is to provide the analytic and planning inputs that can facilitate decision-making. It is necessary to gather, organize, and distribute knowledge about the social, economic, technological, and political variables having an impact on postsecondary institutions. The key factors for success at Red River College were: (1) the process was highly structured and organized with a communicated and approved, detailed project management plan including objectives, activities, identified participants, and milestones over four months; (2) there was confidence in the research results; (3) the process recognized the essential collegial nature of a postsecondary educational institution and engaged administrative and academic leaders; and (4) the process was completed on time and in a relatively brief period of time. Successful management of postsecondary institutions utilizes the ability of senior leaders to adapt to change and make strategy that works in the real world. Senior leaders shape the future by moving toward the vision of the organization, which is built on its strengths and takes advantage of the opportunities of the world. (Contains 53 references.) (NB)