Unit Five: Business and Multi-business Strategy MT460 Management Policy and Strategy Case 3: The Apollo Group, Inc. [University of Phoenix] Learner: Debra Hart Notes:

Case Study Agenda Introduction Synopsis/Background Key Issues/SWOT Define the problem Alternative Solutions Selected Solution Implementation Recommendation Conclusion Notes:

Introduction The University of Phoenix is one of the largest colleges of adult higher education learning. It continues to expand its market also the technology of the University of Phoenix brings its students as well as its faculty together, giving them the very best that the school has to offer. The Apollo Group, Inc. Is proudly known as being the largest private university in North America and one of the leading online colleges. The University of Phoenix was founded and is headquarter in Phoenix, Arizona. By expanding in familiar and unfamiliar areas, the University of Phoenix would begin to dominate the area by higher education adult market. Notes:

Synopsis Background Online origin of Apollo Group, Inc. business continues to flourish and grow Observed that adult education is growing The concept of online education is gaining popularity in the US and all over the nation New markets increased the opportunity for students and the rise in online education is economical Apollo Group, Inc. provided higher education to working adults Group operates through subsidiaries: University of Phoenix, Institute for Professional Development, College for Financial Planning, and Western International University Operates in the US, headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, and employs 14,590 people Notes:

Key Issues There is little resemblance of concepts to traditional universities In terms of students recruited Courses offered Operational model Student loan debt Notes:

SWOT Diagram (Internal / External Analysis) Strengths Instructors are working professionals in their field Strong operating performance Broad product portfolio Accredited degree programs Current and relevant standardized programs Weaknesses The professors are working professionals and not tenured professors Most of the revenue comes from federal student financial aid and program Title IV Dependence on University of Phoenix Declining profitability Opportunities The opportunity to amend the instructional model to be more competitive New academic programs Grow strategic acquisitions and joint ventures Threats Other schools offer online classes and degrees Intense competition Government regulation and financial aid policy changing Notes:

Define the Problem University of Phoenix is delivering low quality education The students are unprepared for gainful employment Students are unprepared to compete against the graduates from traditional institutions Students from other universities are better prepared after graduation Notes:

Alternative Solutions Need to determine the average time the faculty devotes to the seminars Determine the parameters for selecting the faculty Determine the faculty mixture such as, tenure, and how many are working professionals Review academic programs and degree requirements Notes:

Selected Solution Study the competition’s student demographics Compare the best practices Examine the shortfalls of online education platform Decide if accusations are worth the attention Update and create more sophisticated technology for the course work Ensure the online format is up-to-date and current Notes:

Implementation Create differentiation strategy and focus on services at lower costs Create speed-based competitive advantages Create rapid response strategies Notes:

Recommendation Examine intrinsic underperformances of and disparagement of online education Recruit tenured professors to facilitate online courses and add credibility to curriculum Analyze and compare other universities student demographics and cater to those students Determine if the allegations have merit Notes:

Conclusion Adult learners do not have time or resources for school attendance Adult learners are faced with challenges of work and family Often are passed over for promotion of certain jobs because of lack of education Adults accept the fact that more education is needed People are finding that higher education for adults is required for success University of Phoenix opened doors for higher education Notes:

References Pearce, J. A., & Robinson, R. B. (2013). Strategic management: Planning for domestic & global competition. (13th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw- Hill/Irwin. Apollo Education Group. (2015). Retrieved April 24, 2015, from http://www.apollo.edu/about/our-history.html Notes: