The evolution of the "planning process" from the 1940s to the present is considered, especially as it relates to higher education. It was hypothesized that institutional planning has experienced historical evolution: new planning innovations over the years have added to the existing institutional planning knowledge base. A literature review revealed 14 planning innovations that have generally been incorporated into successive planning models. Each innovation was evaluated on the basis of comprehensiveness, usefulness, endurance, and whether or not the innovation produced an added dimension that became a basic principle or underlying concept in successive planning models. For each innovation, information is provided on the background, the time periods it was most popular, and implications for higher education. The innovations are as follows: planning, organizing, staffing, directing, coordinating, reporting, and budgeting (POSDCORB); formal planning; long-range planning; master planning; contingency planning; systematic planning; program planning and budgeting systems; program evaluation review technique; management by objectives; Delphi studies; zero-based budgeting; futures research; quality circles; and strategic planning. Seven pages of references are provided as well as 14 appendixes giving a one-page summary for each of the planning innovations. (SW)