Johnson & Wales University SWOT Analysis
It should be pointed out that Johnson & Wales University was founded in 1914, and currently operates in Providence, North Miami, Denver and Charlotte. It is a nonprofit, private, accredited educational institution. According to the Johnson & Wales University Official Website and Consolidated Financial Statements, the main strengths of this University are:
Long history and good reputation on the US educational map;
More than 16,000 graduate and undergraduate students;
It is an innovative educational leader;
It proposes degree programs in business, hospitality, arts and sciences, culinary arts, nutrition, engineering and design, education, physician assistant studies;
Alumni from approximately119 countries;
Unique educational model integrating sciences and art and industry-focused education, inspiring students to pursue lifelong personal growth and achieve professional success;
Opportunity to study online;
International students welcoming;
Over the past 10 years, the University invested $338,602,966 in renovation and construction of its four campuses;
It employs more than 2,400 specialists system wide.
High focus to strategic development of the University, its long-term growth (Centennial Plan development and update).
Among the weaknesses of Johnson & Wales University it is necessary to point out the following:
High tuition fees, for instance, annual fee for undergraduate programs is $30,396;
Charlotte and Miami campuses do not provide all the degrees and programs stated, for instance, MBA programs are not available;
Small campuses sizes, including poor infrastructure of the campuses;
It received ranking - 67 in Regional Universities North list;
Relatively low selectivity index impacting the overall academic performance and perception of the University;
Limited choice of student life activities.
The opportunities that are open for the University include:
Increase in the number of students by proposing additional subjects;
Further online education promotion;
Implementation of the latest technology development and innovations into the curriculum;
Attracting more students by providing the opportunity to cut tuition fees with the help of the institutional grants and/or scholarships. Currently, the University claims that 92 percent of its students receive such grants and scholarships decreasing the total fees for the education;
Further marketing of its educational services as niche, specialized educational facility to distinguish the University from the competitors;
As it is stated in the Centennial Plan based on the priority areas of the University development, in 2017 the University will further raise the bar on student selectivity, academic excellence, and affordability.
The threats before the University are:
Tough competition among the educational entities that propose similar degree programs, in particular, for more affordable prices;
Risks associated with the alternative investments made by the University. It invests in hedge funds, various inflation hedging vehicles, non-marketable assets partnerships and marketable assets partnerships;
The worsening of economic state impacting the disposable income of the students and their families;
Inability of returning the loans granted to the students influencing the financial position of the University negatively;
Potential claims and legal actions carried out by students against the University.
Works Cited
Johnson & Wales University. Student Consumer Information. 2016, http://www.jwu.edu/content.aspx?id=30064771207. Accessed 30 Nov. 2016.
Johnson & Wales University. Consolidated Financial Statements. 30 June 2015, https://www.jwu.edu/uploadedFiles/Documents/Policies_and_Procedures/JWUFinancialStatements.pdf. Accessed 30 Nov. …
