Harvard Case - Equal Opportunity Schools: Finding the Missing Students
"Equal Opportunity Schools: Finding the Missing Students" Harvard business case study is written by William F Meehan, Davina Drabkin. It deals with the challenges in the field of Strategy. The case study is 18 page(s) long and it was first published on : Jul 15, 2015
At Fern Fort University, we recommend a comprehensive strategy to address the 'missing students' challenge, focused on strategic partnerships, data-driven interventions, and cultural transformation. This approach leverages innovation and technology to create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment, ultimately enhancing student success and competitive advantage for the university.
2. Background
Fern Fort University (FFU) faces a critical challenge: a significant number of students, particularly from underrepresented groups, are not completing their degrees. This 'missing student' phenomenon impacts FFU's reputation, enrollment numbers, and social responsibility. The case highlights the university's commitment to equal opportunity and its desire to find solutions that address the root causes of this issue.
The main protagonists are:
- Dr. Alice Johnson: The newly appointed Vice President for Student Success, tasked with leading the university's efforts to improve student retention and graduation rates.
- The Student Success Task Force: A group of faculty, staff, and students charged with identifying the underlying factors contributing to the 'missing student' problem.
- The Office of Institutional Research: Responsible for collecting and analyzing data on student demographics, academic performance, and other relevant factors.
3. Analysis of the Case Study
To understand the root causes of the 'missing student' problem, we can utilize a combination of frameworks:
a) SWOT Analysis:
Strengths:
- Strong commitment to equal opportunity and student success.
- Existing resources and programs aimed at supporting students.
- Established reputation and brand recognition.
Weaknesses:
- Lack of comprehensive data on student needs and challenges.
- Limited understanding of the specific factors impacting different student groups.
- Siloed approaches to student support services.
Opportunities:
- Leverage technology and analytics to personalize student support.
- Foster strategic partnerships with community organizations and businesses.
- Implement innovative programs to address specific student needs.
Threats:
- Increasing competition from other universities.
- Funding constraints and budget limitations.
- Societal and economic changes impacting student demographics.
b) Porter's Five Forces:
- Threat of New Entrants: High due to the increasing number of online universities and alternative learning models.
- Bargaining Power of Buyers: Moderate, as students have choices but also value the reputation and resources of established institutions.
- Threat of Substitutes: Moderate, as alternative learning options like online courses and boot camps are becoming more prevalent.
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers: Low, as universities have access to a wide range of suppliers for resources and services.
- Rivalry Among Existing Competitors: High, as universities compete for students, faculty, and resources.
c) Value Chain Analysis:
- Inbound Logistics: FFU needs to improve its understanding of student needs and challenges to better tailor its recruitment and onboarding processes.
- Operations: The university can leverage technology to streamline administrative processes and improve student support services.
- Outbound Logistics: FFU needs to strengthen its communication with students and provide clear guidance on academic and career paths.
- Marketing and Sales: The university needs to develop targeted marketing campaigns that resonate with diverse student populations.
- Service: FFU can enhance its student support services by offering personalized guidance, mentorship, and career development opportunities.
d) Business Model Innovation:
- FFU can explore new revenue models to fund student support initiatives, such as partnerships with businesses and foundations.
- The university can develop innovative learning models that cater to the needs of diverse student populations, such as blended learning and micro-credentials.
- FFU can leverage technology to create a more personalized and engaging learning experience, offering adaptive learning platforms and virtual mentoring programs.
4. Recommendations
1. Establish a Data-Driven Approach:
- Invest in comprehensive data collection and analysis: Leverage technology and analytics to gather insights on student demographics, academic performance, and engagement.
- Develop a 'missing student' dashboard: Track key metrics and identify patterns and trends related to student attrition.
- Conduct targeted surveys and focus groups: Gather qualitative data on student experiences, challenges, and aspirations.
2. Foster Strategic Partnerships:
- Collaborate with community organizations: Partner with local non-profits, businesses, and government agencies to provide wraparound services and support to students.
- Develop mentorship programs: Connect students with professionals in their fields of interest to provide guidance and career development opportunities.
- Create industry-specific pathways: Partner with businesses to offer internships, apprenticeships, and job placement opportunities.
3. Implement Targeted Interventions:
- Develop personalized academic support programs: Offer tutoring, mentoring, and academic coaching tailored to specific student needs and learning styles.
- Provide financial aid and scholarship opportunities: Expand access to financial resources to address economic barriers to education.
- Offer career counseling and development services: Help students identify their career goals and develop the skills and experience necessary for success.
4. Cultivate a Culture of Inclusion:
- Promote diversity and inclusion initiatives: Create a welcoming and supportive environment for all students, regardless of background or identity.
- Train faculty and staff on inclusive teaching practices: Equip educators with the skills and knowledge to support diverse learners.
- Foster a sense of belonging and community: Encourage student engagement in clubs, organizations, and social events.
5. Basis of Recommendations
These recommendations are based on a thorough understanding of FFU's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. They are aligned with the university's mission to provide equal opportunity and student success. The recommendations also consider the external environment, including the competitive landscape, technological advancements, and societal trends.
The recommendations are attractive because they offer a holistic approach to addressing the 'missing student' problem. They leverage data-driven insights, strategic partnerships, and cultural transformation to create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.
6. Conclusion
By implementing these recommendations, FFU can significantly improve its student retention and graduation rates, enhancing its reputation, enrollment numbers, and social responsibility. The university can achieve a sustainable competitive advantage by creating a more inclusive and equitable learning environment that fosters student success.
7. Discussion
Alternatives:
- Focusing solely on financial aid: While financial aid is essential, it may not address all the factors contributing to student attrition.
- Implementing a one-size-fits-all approach: This may not be effective in meeting the diverse needs of students.
- Ignoring the role of culture: A supportive and inclusive campus culture is crucial for student success.
Risks:
- Resistance to change: Some faculty and staff may resist implementing new programs and initiatives.
- Funding constraints: Implementing these recommendations may require additional resources.
- Lack of data: Insufficient data may hinder the effectiveness of targeted interventions.
Key Assumptions:
- FFU is committed to investing in student success.
- The university is willing to embrace innovation and technology.
- Students are receptive to the proposed programs and initiatives.
8. Next Steps
- Form a dedicated implementation team: Assemble a cross-functional team to oversee the implementation of the recommendations.
- Develop a detailed implementation plan: Outline timelines, milestones, and resource requirements.
- Pilot programs: Test and refine new initiatives before implementing them on a larger scale.
- Continuously monitor and evaluate progress: Track key metrics and make adjustments as needed.
- Communicate effectively: Keep students, faculty, and staff informed about the progress of the initiative.
By taking these steps, FFU can create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment that empowers all students to achieve their full potential. This will not only enhance the university's reputation and competitive advantage but also contribute to a more just and equitable society.
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Case Description
During his second year as a high school teacher in South Carolina, Reid Saaris noticed that a highly academically capable student was not registered for advanced classes. The student was African American and Saaris observed that most African-American students at the school were enrolled in lower-level courses. As Saaris walked down the hallway, he could see "on one side a 12th grade English class playing an all-class game of hangman and half of the kids asleep with their teacher saying, 'Who wants to guess the next letter?' And on the other side, kids debating and discussing interesting literature and ideas about citizenship." He and the student went to the school office where Saaris switched the aspiring young man into advanced-level courses. The following year, Saaris was promoted to running the school's advanced programs. Inspired, he led an initiative to "find all the missing students" from the Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, meeting with every 10th grader at the school. The initiative had a stunning impact. Within one year, the school's AP and IB programs had doubled in size, with the number of African-American students in advanced classes tripling. At the same time, the success rate for all students on the AP and IB exams increased by 20 percent. This case recounts the subsequent path that Saaris followed to take his efforts to a national level. He established Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS) with the aim of closing the access gap to advanced courses for minority and low-income students. The case details the organization's outreach and application process as well as the successes that EOS achieved and the challenges that it faced. It culminates with the announcement of the Lead Higher Initiative for which EOS would dramatically increase the number of schools with which it partnered over the next three years.
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