The Apollo Group, Inc. [University of Phoenix]
Case Study Analysis Report - Webster University – BUSN 6070
Instructor: Jonnie Green
Student: Jacquline Wicks-Callahan
Title of Case: The Apollo Group, Inc. [University of Phoenix]
Case: Andrew: Case #7-1, Assignment # 1
Purpose: The purpose of this case study is to understand the University of Phoenix’s philosophy and business model to develop targeted plans to address identified issues.
Introduction
Apollo Group, Inc., was found in 1973 by John G. Sperling, PhD., in response to a need for a then neglected market of working adults, who were seeking higher education. Dr. Sperling, believed that rather than catering to the traditional student population age 18-22, he would create the University of Phoenix be run as a for profit university to afford, non-traditional students average age 35 an opportunity to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree. His radical ideas have not gone unchallenged; his university has been branded a “diploma mill” sparking controversy since inception and an overwhelming resistance from other educational establishments as a high caliber university.
Problem Identification
University of Phoenix is delivering education of such low quality their students are unprepared for gainful employment or to compete against graduates from traditional institutions.
Diagnosis
The University of Phoenix bore little resemblance to the concepts traditional universities, whether in terms of the students it recruited, courses offered, or operational model.
SWOT
Strengths
• University of Phoenix offers online classes and on campus instruction.
• University of Phoenix offers lower tuition than traditional institutions.
Weakness
• Instructors are working professionals versus tenured professors at traditional institutions.
Threats
• Many other schools offer online classes/degrees.
• University of Phoenix faces constant controversy over accreditation.
Instructor: Jonnie Green
Student: Jacquline Wicks-Callahan
Title of Case: The Apollo Group, Inc. [University of Phoenix]
Case: Andrew: Case #7-1, Assignment # 1
Purpose: The purpose of this case study is to understand the University of Phoenix’s philosophy and business model to develop targeted plans to address identified issues.
Introduction
Apollo Group, Inc., was found in 1973 by John G. Sperling, PhD., in response to a need for a then neglected market of working adults, who were seeking higher education. Dr. Sperling, believed that rather than catering to the traditional student population age 18-22, he would create the University of Phoenix be run as a for profit university to afford, non-traditional students average age 35 an opportunity to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree. His radical ideas have not gone unchallenged; his university has been branded a “diploma mill” sparking controversy since inception and an overwhelming resistance from other educational establishments as a high caliber university.
Problem Identification
University of Phoenix is delivering education of such low quality their students are unprepared for gainful employment or to compete against graduates from traditional institutions.
Diagnosis
The University of Phoenix bore little resemblance to the concepts traditional universities, whether in terms of the students it recruited, courses offered, or operational model.
SWOT
Strengths
• University of Phoenix offers online classes and on campus instruction.
• University of Phoenix offers lower tuition than traditional institutions.
Weakness
• Instructors are working professionals versus tenured professors at traditional institutions.
Threats
• Many other schools offer online classes/degrees.
• University of Phoenix faces constant controversy over accreditation.