Harvard Case - Linda Oubré at Whittier College
"Linda Oubré at Whittier College" Harvard business case study is written by Debora L. Spar, Haley P. Brown. It deals with the challenges in the field of Strategy. The case study is 20 page(s) long and it was first published on : Jun 18, 2021
At Fern Fort University, we recommend Whittier College adopt a strategic plan focused on enhancing its competitive advantage through a multi-pronged approach. This plan will leverage Whittier's existing strengths, address its weaknesses, and capitalize on emerging opportunities within the higher education landscape. The plan will involve a combination of strategic initiatives aimed at improving student experience, enhancing brand reputation, and securing financial sustainability.
2. Background
Whittier College, a small liberal arts college in Southern California, faces a challenging environment. The college faces declining enrollment, increasing competition, and rising costs. Linda Oubr', the new President, is tasked with revitalizing the institution and securing its future. She must navigate a complex landscape of changing student preferences, evolving technology, and a competitive higher education market.
3. Analysis of the Case Study
We will analyze the case using a combination of frameworks, including:
- SWOT Analysis: This will help identify Whittier's internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats.
- Porter's Five Forces: This will assess the competitive landscape and identify key industry forces affecting Whittier.
- Value Chain Analysis: This will examine the key activities within Whittier's operations and identify areas for improvement.
- Resource-Based View: This will analyze Whittier's unique resources and capabilities, including its faculty, alumni network, and location, to identify potential sources of competitive advantage.
SWOT Analysis:
- Strengths: Strong academic reputation, dedicated faculty, strong alumni network, location in a desirable area, commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Weaknesses: Declining enrollment, limited resources, outdated facilities, lack of a clear brand identity, limited online presence.
- Opportunities: Growing demand for online learning, increasing focus on experiential learning, potential for strategic partnerships, expanding international student recruitment.
- Threats: Increasing competition from larger universities, declining birth rates, rising costs of education, changing student preferences.
Porter's Five Forces:
- Threat of New Entrants: High due to the increasing number of online universities and the ease of entry for new institutions.
- Bargaining Power of Buyers: High due to the increasing number of choices available to students and the growing importance of student satisfaction.
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers: Moderate due to the limited number of suppliers for certain services, such as faculty and technology.
- Threat of Substitutes: High due to the availability of alternative educational pathways, such as online learning and vocational training.
- Rivalry Among Existing Competitors: High due to the increasing number of colleges and universities competing for students.
Value Chain Analysis:
Whittier's value chain can be segmented into key activities:
- Inbound Logistics: Recruiting and retaining faculty, sourcing learning materials, managing facilities.
- Operations: Delivering academic programs, providing student support services, managing research activities.
- Outbound Logistics: Graduating students, providing career services, maintaining alumni relations.
- Marketing and Sales: Recruiting students, promoting the college brand, managing admissions.
- Service: Providing student support services, offering alumni benefits, maintaining relationships with donors.
Resource-Based View:
Whittier possesses several valuable resources:
- Faculty: Highly qualified and dedicated faculty with strong academic credentials.
- Alumni Network: A large and engaged alumni network with strong ties to the college.
- Location: Located in a desirable area with access to cultural and recreational opportunities.
- Reputation: A long-standing reputation for academic excellence and commitment to liberal arts education.
4. Recommendations
Whittier College should implement the following strategic initiatives:
1. Enhance Student Experience:
- Invest in technology: Upgrade IT infrastructure and implement innovative learning technologies to enhance the online learning experience.
- Expand experiential learning: Develop new programs and partnerships that provide students with real-world experience through internships, research opportunities, and community engagement.
- Personalize student support: Develop a comprehensive student support system that provides individualized guidance and mentorship.
2. Strengthen Brand Reputation:
- Develop a clear brand identity: Create a compelling brand narrative that highlights Whittier's unique strengths and values.
- Increase online presence: Develop a robust online presence that showcases the college's academic programs, student life, and alumni achievements.
- Engage with social media: Utilize social media platforms to connect with prospective students, alumni, and the broader community.
3. Secure Financial Sustainability:
- Optimize resource allocation: Conduct a thorough review of operational expenses and identify areas for cost savings.
- Diversify revenue streams: Explore new revenue streams, such as online learning programs, corporate training, and research grants.
- Enhance fundraising efforts: Develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy that targets alumni, foundations, and corporations.
4. Embrace Innovation:
- Explore new academic offerings: Develop innovative academic programs that meet the evolving needs of the job market.
- Foster entrepreneurship: Create an environment that encourages student entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Partner with industry leaders: Form strategic partnerships with businesses and organizations to provide students with access to cutting-edge technologies and industry insights.
5. Basis of Recommendations
These recommendations are based on a thorough analysis of Whittier's internal and external environment. They align with the college's mission and core values, address its key weaknesses, and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
1. Core Competencies and Consistency with Mission: The recommendations are consistent with Whittier's mission of providing a high-quality liberal arts education and preparing students for success in a globalized world. They leverage the college's core competencies, such as its dedicated faculty, strong alumni network, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
2. External Customers and Internal Clients: The recommendations are designed to enhance the student experience and attract new students. They also consider the needs of faculty, staff, and alumni.
3. Competitors: The recommendations are designed to differentiate Whittier from its competitors and position it as a leader in the higher education landscape.
4. Attractiveness: The recommendations are expected to generate a positive return on investment by increasing enrollment, improving student satisfaction, and enhancing the college's financial stability.
Assumptions:
- The recommendations assume that Whittier is committed to investing in its future and embracing innovation.
- They also assume that the college will be able to attract and retain qualified faculty and staff.
6. Conclusion
Whittier College has a strong foundation for success. By implementing the strategic initiatives outlined in this plan, the college can enhance its competitive advantage, attract new students, and secure its future.
7. Discussion
Alternatives:
- Mergers and Acquisitions: Merging with another institution or acquiring a smaller college could provide access to additional resources and expand the college's reach. However, this option carries significant risks and requires careful consideration.
- Focusing on Niche Markets: Whittier could specialize in a specific area of study, such as STEM or the arts, to attract a more targeted audience. However, this could limit the college's growth potential.
Risks and Key Assumptions:
- Economic downturn: A significant economic downturn could negatively impact enrollment and fundraising efforts.
- Technological disruption: Rapid technological advancements could render current learning technologies obsolete.
- Changing student preferences: Student preferences are constantly evolving, and the college must be responsive to these changes.
8. Next Steps
- Develop a detailed implementation plan: Outline specific actions, timelines, and resource requirements for each recommendation.
- Secure funding: Identify funding sources for the proposed initiatives.
- Engage stakeholders: Communicate the strategic plan to faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the broader community.
- Monitor progress: Track the progress of the strategic plan and make adjustments as needed.
By implementing these recommendations, Whittier College can position itself for success in the ever-changing higher education landscape.
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Case Description
The case follows President Linda Oubré (HBS MBA Class of 1984) as she seeks to move Whittier College towards a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus. In 2020, the student body of Whittier, a private liberal arts college in Los Angeles County, California, is slowly evolving to represent the growing diversity of the surrounding area. Roughly 70 percent of Whittier students are non-white, and 59 percent are female. The college's leadership, however, remains largely white and male. Oubré, who had spent most of her previous career in business, was selected as the college's president in 2018-the first black woman to serve in that role. Almost immediately upon stepping into the role, Oubré set her sights on diversifying the college's staff, administration, and board of trustees; in 2020, the racial reckoning that swept across the United States only heightened the urgency of her task. Oubré knows that sweeping change is needed at Whittier. But change, of course, is hard. How can she continue to push for diversity among faculty, staff, board members, and students? And how can she galvanize support among all of the college's many constituents?
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