Today There Are Many Organizations Involved In Strategy ✓ Solved

Today There Are A Lot Of Organizations Involved In Strategic Planning

Today there are many organizations engaged in strategic planning, which has become a vital process for effectively allocating resources to achieve organizational goals. This practice is particularly important for higher education institutions aiming to enhance their competitiveness, improve student outcomes, and ensure sustainability amidst external challenges. This paper specifically focuses on conducting a SWOT analysis and defining a strategic goal for a higher learning institution based in Texas.

Strategic planning involves a systematic process where organizations assess their internal capabilities and external environment to craft strategies that leverage strengths and opportunities while addressing weaknesses and threats. A widely used tool in this process is the SWOT analysis, which facilitates strategic decision-making and competitive positioning. According to Gurel and Tat (2017), SWOT analysis serves as a foundational component for organizations seeking to understand their internal and external context comprehensively.

Overview of the Higher Education Institution

This college operates across various locations within the state of Texas, offering healthcare certificate programs in multiple specialties. Additionally, the institution's online division provides degree programs aimed at expanding access to education. The institution's mission includes preparing students for healthcare careers, giving back to the community, and fostering a positive learning environment.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths (Internal/Execution)

  • Preparing students for careers in healthcare
  • Giving back to the local community through various initiatives
  • Strong leadership committed to institutional growth
  • Competent, caring faculty dedicated to student success
  • Small class sizes allowing personalized attention
  • Recognition as one of the top workplaces in San Antonio
  • Hybrid class offerings combining online and in-person learning
  • Multiple campus locations across Texas
  • High student satisfaction levels
  • Hands-on training opportunities and a bridge program for seamless transitions

Weaknesses (Internal/Execution)

  • Secluded location limiting accessibility and visibility
  • High operational costs affecting financial sustainability
  • Limited physical space constraining program expansion
  • Challenges in student retention and job placement post-graduation
  • No dedicated student services department to support student needs
  • Location in a low-income neighborhood impacting enrollment and resources
  • Students often underprepared for rigorous coursework
  • Employees are underpaid, potentially affecting morale and retention

Opportunities (External/Environmental)

  • Implementing targeted marketing strategies to increase awareness of programs
  • Revisiting tuition structures to enhance affordability and competitiveness
  • Expanding or relocating to larger facilities to accommodate growth
  • Developing programs to improve student retention rates
  • Establishing partnerships for more externship and employment opportunities
  • Adding a comprehensive student services department to meet student needs
  • Requiring entrance exams to ensure student readiness

Threats (External/Environmental)

  • External shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting operations
  • Increased competition from for-profit schools with lower tuition costs
  • Potential loss of funding and accreditation due to external pressures
  • Decrease in student enrollment due to external factors
  • Losing key externship sites affecting practical training opportunities
  • High employee turnover rates influencing institutional stability

Strategic Goal and Action Plan

The primary strategic goal for this institution is to develop and implement a comprehensive Student Services Department aimed at increasing student retention and enrollment. This department would serve as a centralized resource hub addressing critical student needs, including childcare, transportation, financial aid, mental health support, and academic advising.

Establishing a Student Services Department aligns with the institution’s mission to foster student success and community engagement. Such an initiative is expected to:

  • Improve student satisfaction and retention rates
  • Enhance the academic experience through supportive services
  • Reduce attrition caused by external and internal barriers
  • Strengthen the institution’s reputation and competitiveness
  • Prevent potential loss of funding and accreditation issues caused by declining enrollment

Implementation steps include conducting a needs assessment, securing funding through grants or reallocations, hiring dedicated staff, and developing programs tailored to student needs. Continuous evaluation and feedback mechanisms will ensure the department’s effectiveness and adaptability.

Conclusion

In an ever-changing educational landscape, strategic planning facilitated through tools like SWOT analysis is essential for higher education institutions to identify their internal strengths and weaknesses and external opportunities and threats. Focusing on establishing a Student Services Department addresses multiple critical issues such as student retention, enrollment, and institutional stability. By aligning strategic initiatives with organizational goals and external realities, the institution can position itself for sustainable growth and success.

References

  • Gurel, E., & Tat, M. (2017). SWOT analysis: a theoretical review. Journal of International Social Research, 10(51).
  • Bryson, J. M. (2018). Strategic Planning for Public and Nonprofit Organizations. John Wiley & Sons.
  • Donaldson, L., & Preston, L. E. (2020). The stakeholder theory of the corporation: Concepts, evidence, and implications. Academy of Management Review, 20(1), 65-91.
  • Kaplan, R. S., & Norton, D. P. (2001). The Strategy-Focused Organization: How Balanced Scorecard Companies Thrive in the New Business Environment. Harvard Business Press.
  • Johnson, G., Scholes, K., & Whittington, R. (2017). Exploring Corporate Strategy. Pearson Education.
  • Porter, M. E. (1985). Competitive Advantage. Free Press.
  • Daft, R. L. (2015). Organization Theory and Design. Cengage Learning.
  • Mintzberg, H. (1994). The rise and fall of strategic planning. Harvard Business Review, 72(1), 107-114.
  • Hitt, M. A., Ireland, R. D., & Hoskisson, R. E. (2017). Strategic Management: Concepts and Cases: Competitiveness and Globalization. Cengage Learning.
  • McKinsey & Company. (2020). Building resilience in higher education: Navigating uncertainty and safeguarding futures. McKinsey Reports.

Related Assignments