TOWS/SFAS Matrix

TOWS MATRIX

Internal Factors (from IFAS)

External Factors (from EFAS)

Strengths (S)

S1 Use of lower-cost adjunct faculty

S2 Full-time faculty

S3 MIS Department

S4 Improved library

S5 Popular format

Weaknesses (W)

W1 Administrative costs of Adjuncts

W2 High cost, yet non-profit

W3 Administrative infrastructure

W4 Lack of high-tech AV in classrooms

W5 Dispersed locations

Opportunities (O)

O1 Internet-based education

O2 Pool of potential adjuncts

O3 Demand for advanced Bus. Degrees

O4 Need for school teachers

O5 Adults reentering college later

S / O Strategies

· Continue to develop NU Online and use adjunct faculty to staff it with a couple of full-time faculty to oversee the process. Link the online library and use the MIS expertise.

· Increase the use of adjunct faculty in the on-ground classrooms.

· Market to 30-50 year old adults the advantages of our format in getting advanced business degrees.

W / O Strategies

· Group adjuncts by their home and office location: key training and their classes to these common locations.

Threats (T)

T1 Increased competition from

traditional schools

T2 More non-traditional schools opening

T3 Lack of nation-wide standards

T4 Prejudice against non-traditionals

T5 Slick internet non-accredited schools

S / T Strategies

· Market the advantages of our rapid format as opposed to traditional school calendars.

· Fight prejudice and bad press generated by the non-accredited schools with aggressive marketing campaign emphasizing the quality of our education -- use alumni who are successful in the workplace.

W / T Strategies

· Invest in upgrading the on-ground classrooms to outdo the offerings of traditional schools.

· Try to consolidate locations to gain economies of scale and reduce costs.