A thorough examination of the internal and external environments in which the University of the Incarnate Word functions is provided by the SWOT analysis.
McCaffery (2004) asserts that the management of the institution can use the analysis of the institution's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and dangers as a tool for planning. The following list includes the main SWOT elements;
Strengths
Student, professor, staff, employee, and leadership morale are all boosted by the welcoming environment and general sense of wellbeing at UIW. A key characteristic of UIW is the significant economic influence on the neighborhood. In addition to directly employing locals, UIW pays taxes to the Texas government and participates in various community programs. The quality programs offered at UIW and incredible student services largely contributes to the growth of the university. Moreover, the powerful international programs supported by the university's powerful partnerships attracts foreign students.
Weaknesses
As a private university based in Texas, UIW faces some weaknesses including limited resources for staff growth as well as faculty development. It also faces fierce competition from state-owned universities and other private universities for students and staff. As a private institution, UIW lacks political representation to enhance promotion. Furthermore, continuous environmental assessment is required to keep UIW at the core of the ever-changing higher education dynamics.
Opportunities
UIW has numerous opportunities for growth including opportunities for global focus, new programs, and fresh partnerships. Other opportunities include expanded enrollment through enforcement of the recruitment and retention plan that provides for the empowerment of the enrollment management department. The strategic location gives UIW access to students from multiple states increasing its opportunities for growth.
Threats
Some of the threats that UIW encounters according to the UIW strategic plan (2017) includes state and federal policy changes pertaining higher education. UIW also faces fierce competition for students from local colleges and other institutions of higher learning based in Texas. The uncertain economic conditions threats the affordability of higher education and maintenance of quality education. The perception that higher education is losing its importance relative to the availability of well-paying jobs is a major threat.
The VIRO Analysis
If I were the dean of students at UIW with a lean budget, I would dedicate the precious financial resources towards administrative efficiency. Administrative efficiency is core to the accomplishment of any institution's mission, goals, and objectives. With a sound administrative efficiency, UIW will make optimal use of time, energy, the materials, and personnel available to produce the required outcome. According to Bush & Coleman (2000), when administrative efficiency is enhanced, the cost of training decreases dramatically while the student-faculty ratio increases. Moreover, administrative efficiency ensures that the various faculty staff work towards accomplishing a set of goals and objectives. Students receive incredible services, and as a result, their morale is enhanced. Satisfied students are more likely to perform well academically as well as in other co-curricular activities. As a result of administrative efficiency in the key areas, the overall institution will perform well.
Dimension
My School
Competitor 1
Competitor 2
Competitor 3
Perceived Reputation
UIW
The University of Texas at Austin
Texas A&M University
Rice University
Faculty Strength
UIW
University of Houston
Baylor University
Southern Methodist University
Student Quality
UIW
The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Dallas
Lamar University
Administrative Efficiency
UIW
Texas State University
Rice University
University of Houston
Information Systems
UIW
Texas Tech University
The University of Texas at Austin
Baylor University
Building Maintenance
UIW
Texas A&M University
Texas State University
Texas Tech University
References
Bush, T., & Coleman, M. (2000). Leadership and strategic management in education. London: Paul Chapman.
McCaffery, P. (2004). The higher education manager’s handbook: Effective leadership and management in universities and colleges. London: Routledge.
UIW. (2017).University of Incarnate Word strategic plan: Vision 2020. Retrieved from official website: hhttp://www.uiw.edu/strategicplan/index.html
