Academic Programs Management - Assessment, Planning, and Positioning

Institutions of higher education are facing an increasingly competitive, saturated market with declining overall general demand for traditional programs and delivery formats. At the same time, there is significant increasing demand for programs which are highly focused and industry-specific, many of which are based on credentials and certifications, as well as significant growth in demand for and acceptance of online learning. The result of this is heightened competition where competitors no longer need proximity to students or even a physical campus. These changes in the marketplace reflect the fact that families are increasingly questioning the overall value and return of traditional undergraduate degree programs.

In tandem with these shifts, operating costs continue to escalate during a time in which maintaining, let alone growing, revenue has become increasingly challenging, especially for those institutions which remain focused on recruiting traditional students. Unfortunately, those involved with academic program review at most institutions approach the process from a defensive position with an overriding concern of maintaining existing programs at all costs. This creates inefficient allocation of resources and impedes the institution's ability to response strategically to changes taking place in the industry.