1. Unit Six: Business and Multi-business Strategy MT460 Management Policy and Strategy Case 7: The Apollo Group, Inc. (University of Phoenix)

2. Case Study Agenda Case Recap Problem Identification Case Analysis SWOT Diagram Identifying Root Problem Components Evaluation of Alternatives Recommendation Conclusion

3. Case recap Introduction: The Apollo Group Inc.. A for profit corporation with its headquarters based in Phoenix, Arizona, is a private own education provider that operates mainly in the United States of America. It was launched in 1976 by John G. Sperling whose focus was for working adults to have a better education because he thought they were being neglected. The University of Phoenix was birthed by Sperling who after doing a lot of research found it profitable to start such an institution. Many who thought they could not improve themselves academically because they had to work and had families saw the opportunity to do so online when this unique institution “University of Phoenix” began the online program. “ The Apollo Group, Inc. through it s four subsidiaries; The University of Phoenix, Institute for Professional development, The College for Financial Planning Institutes and Western International University ,provided higher education to working adults for over 30 years”.32 In 2005 Phoenix went global and continue to be a motivation to the University's mission, purposes, strategies and in addition remain committed to the educational needs of the working adults,. doing so for over 30 years. 32 - The Apollo Group, Inc. (University of Phoenix) 7-7

4. Problem Identification Defining the Problem There are other recognized colleges and universities that are providing most of their educational programs to students between the ages of 18 – 24 years but not for the adults who are also seeking accredited degree programs to meet their WORKING schedules and commitments since most of them have families. University of Phoenix thinks that other institutions even those that are raising up new training technology are not focusing on the education of adult students who are working. Ultimately these adults also want to improve their skills and get a better education or better jobs.

5. Case Analysis The online elements for Apollo Group’s business continues to grow and flourish. The access of adult education is escalating. A great deal of opportunity is online and this concept is not growing in the US only but around the world. New markets have opening opportunities and the rise is very economical. Many developing countries are rapidly moving into the information age.

6. SWOT Diagram Strengths The president noted several strengths he believes UOP is working to improve and these are just a few of them. Accredited Degree Programs.UOPcurrently offers 15 degree programs across these eight core program areas that are accredited by the Higher Learning commission or the regional accrediting associations.3a Current and Relevant Standardized Programs. UOP uses content experts selected from AGI’s approximately 17,600 faculty to design UOP’s curriculum. This enables UOP to offer current and relevant standardized programs to UOP’s students. 3c 3a – The Apollo Group, Inc. (University of Phoenix) 7 – 8 3c - The Apollo Group, Inc. (University of Phoenix) 7 – 9 Weaknesses UOP will have to invest more money in their technology in order to stay ahead of the game UOP faces disagreements over traditional higher educational schooling

7. SWOT DIAGRAM Threats UOP became a threat to other universities: Many colleges see the University of Phoenix as a threat. There are many threats, however. The Internet has decreased barriers to entry, reducing physical costs significantly. Furthermore, traditional universities and colleges are dedicating more resources to the development of adult education, in part as a way to generate new revenue streams. www.acdemon.com/research Opportunities Evening classes and classes at peculiar hours are offered by UOP to accommodate their adult students. Online classes for adults with varying work schedules are also offered. Adult students are given the opportunity to create their own schedule that will fit around their work schedules. www.acdemon.com/research

8. Identifying Root Problem Components Mass Market

9. Evaluation of Alternatives Over the past several years, the industry of higher education has changed greatly over the past several years. Education has put more effort into changing their class schedules to accommodate nontraditional or working adult students. Years

10. Recommendation

11. Conclusion

12. References SWOT analysis. (n.d.). Retrieved March 2, 2010, from http://lifesci.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/swot-analysis-sm.jpg&imgrefurl=http://lifesci.wordpress.com/swot-analysis/&usg=__mgoKo54kTtIK8waiSN2Raa7TxgU=&h=371&w=368&sz=79&hl=en&start=3&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=ui8SJD5slVcCMM:&tbnh=122&tbnw=121&prev=/images%3Fq%3DSWOT%2BAnalysis%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26sa%3DX%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26channel%3Ds%26tbs%3Disch:1