Harvard Case - Notre Dame: Stay Independent or Join a Conference?
"Notre Dame: Stay Independent or Join a Conference?" Harvard business case study is written by George Foster, David W. Hoyt. It deals with the challenges in the field of Organizational Behavior. The case study is 11 page(s) long and it was first published on : Nov 17, 2004
At Fern Fort University, we recommend that Notre Dame remain independent for the foreseeable future. While joining a conference offers potential benefits, the unique identity and competitive advantage Notre Dame has cultivated as an independent institution outweigh the perceived advantages of conference affiliation. This recommendation is based on a thorough analysis of Notre Dame's current situation, the potential impacts of joining a conference, and the long-term strategic goals of the university.
2. Background
This case study examines the strategic decision facing Notre Dame: whether to remain an independent athletic program or join a major conference. Notre Dame, a prestigious private research university with a long-standing tradition of athletic excellence, has enjoyed significant success as an independent entity. However, the changing landscape of college athletics, particularly the rise of lucrative television contracts and conference realignment, has put pressure on Notre Dame to reconsider its independent status.
The main protagonists in this case are:
- Jack Swarbrick, Notre Dame's athletic director, who must navigate the complex strategic considerations surrounding conference affiliation.
- The Notre Dame Board of Trustees, who ultimately hold the decision-making power and must weigh the financial, academic, and reputational implications of joining a conference.
- The Notre Dame football program, which has achieved remarkable success as an independent entity but faces challenges in scheduling and maintaining a competitive edge.
3. Analysis of the Case Study
To analyze this complex decision, we utilize a framework that considers both internal and external factors:
Internal Factors:
- Organizational Culture: Notre Dame's strong tradition of independence and unique identity are deeply ingrained in its culture. Joining a conference could potentially dilute this unique character.
- Leadership Styles: Jack Swarbrick's leadership style, characterized by strategic vision and a commitment to tradition, has played a key role in maintaining Notre Dame's independence.
- Team Dynamics: Notre Dame's athletic programs have a strong sense of camaraderie and shared values, fostered by their unique independent status.
- Financial Resources: Notre Dame's strong financial position allows it to compete at a high level even without conference affiliation.
External Factors:
- Competitive Landscape: The rise of super-conferences and the increasing importance of television contracts have created a more competitive environment for independent programs.
- Market Trends: The growing popularity of college football and the potential for increased revenue through conference affiliations have created a strong incentive for Notre Dame to consider joining a conference.
- Political Landscape: The NCAA's governance structure and the evolving landscape of college athletics create a dynamic and uncertain environment for decision-making.
- Public Perception: Notre Dame's brand and reputation are closely tied to its independent status. Joining a conference could potentially impact public perception and fan loyalty.
Key Considerations:
- Financial Benefits: Joining a conference could provide Notre Dame with access to lucrative television contracts and increased revenue.
- Scheduling Flexibility: Joining a conference would provide Notre Dame with a more predictable and competitive schedule.
- Competitive Advantage: Joining a conference could potentially enhance Notre Dame's competitive edge by providing access to a larger pool of talent and resources.
- Brand Identity: Joining a conference could potentially dilute Notre Dame's unique brand identity and tradition.
4. Recommendations
Notre Dame should remain independent for the foreseeable future, focusing on the following strategies:
- Strategic Partnerships: Forge strategic partnerships with other major programs, both within and outside of conferences, to create a competitive schedule and maximize exposure.
- Enhanced Revenue Generation: Explore innovative ways to generate revenue, such as expanding its brand through licensing agreements and digital media partnerships.
- Talent Development: Continue to invest in talent development and recruitment, ensuring that Notre Dame remains a top destination for athletes.
- Maintaining Tradition: Preserve Notre Dame's unique identity and tradition by emphasizing its independent status and its commitment to academic excellence.
5. Basis of Recommendations
This recommendation is based on the following considerations:
- Core Competencies and Mission: Notre Dame's core competencies lie in its academic excellence, its tradition of athletic success, and its unique brand identity. Remaining independent allows Notre Dame to maintain its focus on these core values.
- External Customers and Internal Clients: Notre Dame's external customers, its fans and alumni, value its independent status and its tradition of excellence. Internal clients, its students and faculty, also appreciate the unique culture and identity that Notre Dame has cultivated.
- Competitors: While joining a conference could provide Notre Dame with a competitive advantage, it could also lead to increased competition from other conference members.
- Attractiveness: Notre Dame's strong financial position and brand equity allow it to compete at a high level without conference affiliation.
6. Conclusion
Notre Dame's decision to remain independent is a strategic choice that aligns with its core values and its long-term goals. By leveraging its unique identity, its strong financial position, and its commitment to excellence, Notre Dame can continue to thrive as an independent athletic program.
7. Discussion
Alternatives:
- Joining a Power Five Conference: This option would provide Notre Dame with access to lucrative television contracts and a more competitive schedule. However, it could also dilute its brand identity and create challenges in maintaining its unique culture.
- Creating a New Conference: This option would allow Notre Dame to maintain some control over its destiny but would require significant investment and coordination with other institutions.
Risks and Key Assumptions:
- Shifting Landscape: The landscape of college athletics is constantly evolving, and Notre Dame must be prepared to adapt to changing market conditions.
- Financial Sustainability: Notre Dame's financial strength is a key assumption in this recommendation. If the university faces financial challenges, it may need to reconsider its options.
- Public Perception: Notre Dame's decision to remain independent could potentially impact public perception and fan loyalty.
8. Next Steps
- Develop a strategic plan: Outline a detailed plan for maintaining Notre Dame's independent status, including strategies for revenue generation, talent development, and brand management.
- Engage stakeholders: Communicate the rationale for remaining independent to key stakeholders, including alumni, fans, and faculty.
- Monitor the landscape: Continuously monitor the evolving landscape of college athletics and be prepared to adjust strategies as needed.
This case study highlights the complex strategic challenges facing Notre Dame and other independent athletic programs. By carefully weighing the potential benefits and risks, Notre Dame can make a strategic decision that aligns with its long-term goals and preserves its unique identity.
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Case Description
In 1993 there was a major realignment of college football conferences, as three schools left the Big East Conference to join the Atlantic Coast Conference, leading to a wave of changes as the Big East moved to replace the departing schools. The University of Notre Dame was the nation's premier independent intercollegiate football program, unaffiliated with any conference. Notre Dame periodically had considered joining a conference, and had done so for its non-football sports, but had remained independent for football. Independence brought considerable financial benefits, primarily in the form of a lucrative television contract, but also caused difficulties. With the conference landscape changing, the school reconsidered its future, and the possible benefits of joining a conference. Describes the intercollegiate conference system and the related economic issues.
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