Indian River State College Swot Analysis

Assignment #3: SWOT Analysis

Craig Forrestal

MGT6175.E1

Introduction

 The purpose of conducting a SWOT Analysis focused around Indian River State College is so factors, internally and externally, can be recognized and examined regarding how it will impact the college in the immediate future. The SWOT Analysis of Indian River State College will look at both what is working/successful and what is unsuccessful or might need some minor revamping for all impacted by the college. Hopefully, these findings will lead to a strategy and plan that will result in a mission, vision, goal, and priorities that reflect the organization. Those planning efforts should conclude with enhanced results when it comes to providing a quality educational experience that is reflective of the diverse demographics of Indian River State College.

The strengths of Indian River State College lie within its core mission of providing strong academic programs that lead to employment. Indian River State College has both the physical resources and employees dedicated to this mission which serves as the foundation. The employees of Indian River State College are dedicated to the mission of providing strong academics and want to see improvements made that will lead to greater student outcomes and stronger organizational effectiveness. Indian River State College can consider rigorous academic programs, commitment, and engagement of employees, physical infrastructure, support of local employers and sustainability practices.

         Indian River State College does have its unique set of weaknesses as well that need to be given attention.  Addressing the weaknesses, which can be mainly categorized as process driven must be remedied in order for organizational performance and employee satisfaction can flourish. Identified weaknesses include the overall use of data, marketing campaigns, academic counseling, confusing and complicated business practices and educational pathway clarity.

         A vast majority of opportunities for the college rest in external elements. These externally-focused components will give Indian River State College the opportunity to not only build on currents strengths but provide an increase of options for the students as they matriculate through their time here as a student. Opportunities for Indian River State College include work-based learning opportunities, articulation and university partnership, improving community reputation, student body diversity and use available data to increase student success.

         Just as the opportunities were viewed as external elements the same can be said of threats. The threats to the college must be fully comprehended and managed properly as the college will mandate certain policies and procedures as part of the improvement process. The threats to Indian River State College come in a variety of factors, but the following are the most crucial state funding, federal funding, and uncertainty of policies, enrollment, college reputation and other higher education options.

Overview of Strengths

         In all respects, the rigorous academic programs of Indian River State College arm students with the knowledge, abilities, and aptitudes to find success by either continuing with their studies or upon entering the workforce upon completing their program/courses. Information gathered by Indian River State College leave the impression that the students have tremendous confidence in their educational outcomes; as well as with the advising they received from the college discussing their academic options and the professional pathway the academic option translated to upon completion. In feedback provided to the college by employers, Indian River State College students are entering the workforce ready to work and have the appropriate skills based on the academic training they received. Additionally, Indian River State College offers a plethora of academic options that meet the employer demands and student needs in a variety of sectors and academic fields.

         Responses to employee surveys and attendance during sessions point toward a high level of employee commitment and engagement not only to the success of the college but to the success of the students as well. While some employees have made mention of general frustrations and those frustrations should be addressed, the frustrations were made in a positive fashion with an emphasis being placed on getting the issues resolved. The most important element to Indian River State College is the strong faith in the mission of the college. Employees at Indian River State College expressed the importance of understanding core values and how it relates to the mission and how Indian River State College should function as an organization.

The physical layout and infrastructure of Indian River State College are top-notch including a number of buildings that have been certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED. There are also plans for new buildings at the main campus of Indian River State College that will allow for the creation and expansion of facilities to meet the demands of the employment landscape for both employers and students. While a considerable number of institutions are facing a problem with outdated facilities, lack of available space or lack of financial backing Indian River State College is not faced with these predicaments. By not facing these predicaments it allows Indian River State College the ability to grow and adapt the available career-based programs and academic programs offered. This concept is vitally important to a program of study especially if it is considered equipment based or concentrated.

Indian River State College has developed strong relationships with local employers, and other significant relationships which allow for the enrichment, enhancement, and expansion for our programs. For example, the College's Career and Transfer Services department provides potential employers with an experience that meets the needs of the organization. Further speaking on the support of the local employers would be their representation on advisory committees. Every academic department has an advisory committee on-campus and this employer representation ensures that program curriculum is in direct accordance to the most necessary and crucial skills in that particular line of work.

The college has a longstanding commitment to sustainability practices consisting of projects and practices extending beyond the campus and into the community while covering areas such as economic, environmental and social areas of significance. This approach includes all levels of staff, faculty, administration, and students to make sustainability for a focused effort. These sustainability efforts are aimed at improving the social and academic experiences while helping prepare students for life after Indian River State College.