Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats
The first step in the strategic planning process was to conduct an
assessment of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT)
that could affect the College of Business. The following section addresses
the findings of that assessment.
Strengths
- Accredited Member of AACSB since 1998
- Dynamic growing institution
- Supportive community
- Value ($) business education in the region
- Class environment (class size, personal contact)
- Qualified and dedicated faculty
- Cohesive learning environment
- Physical facilities & technology
Weaknesses
- Lack of unique niche (teaching, research, & service)
- Budget limitations for faculty development
- No discretionary endowments
- Limited learning outcomes assessment
- Small alumni base
- Space limitations (offices & classrooms)
- Increasing class sizes
- Development of organizational processes (e.g. planning)
Opportunities
- Quality growth of student body
- Develop external relations
- Growth of small business in area (opportunity to interface)
- Fund raising & grants
- Naming of college & facilities
- Establish distinct niche (teaching, research, & service)
- Partnering/synergy with other USI programs (e.g. Engineering)
- Embrace continuous improvement
Threats
- State budget limitations
- Competition with other colleges, businesses, on-line programs
- Faculty turnover & shortage
- Potential tuition increases
- Decreasing tuition support by firms for students in Masters Programs