Abstract
As strengths and weaknesses are regarded as internal features of an organization, the present study focused on strengths and weaknesses of Turkish public universities by analyzing the SWOTs (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) of twenty higher education institutions. By applying qualitative content analytical tools, we tried to make some comparisons, twenty universities, ten ranked at the top and ten at the bottom of the URAP list, were chosen to analyze the strengths and weaknesses. Findings show that all universities top or bottom ones have internal strengths and weaknesses on their own. The strengths of universities differ according to their size, field of service, structure, history and geographical locations. Top universities which are in big size, have a deeply rooted history and situated in a better geographical location can enjoy the strengths as qualified faculty members, organizational culture, internationalization process, infrastructure and good alumni relations. On the other hand, bottom universities which have not got those advantages deal with other strengths such as young faculty members, organizational support and internal communication. As for the weaknesses, top universities need more budget and acceptable rate of faculty member and student. Bottom ones need more qualified faculty members, students and staff. As they are located in disadvantageous regions, they are in need of some promotions to attract faculties, staff, national and international students. In addition, they also should be aware of the contributions of good alumni relations.
Highlights
As strengths and weaknesses are regarded as internal features of an organization, the present study focused on strengths and weaknesses of Turkish public universities by analyzing the SWOTs (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) of twenty higher education institutions
As Paris (2003) suggested the systematic analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) is a primary strength of the Harvard model and it is an important step in the strategic planning model. By identifying these four fields, strengths and weaknesses internally and opportunities and threats externally, universities can recognize their main competencies for decision-making, make realistic plans and develop sustainable strategies (Phadermrod, 2016).The present study focused on strengths and weaknesses of universities because these dimensions of SWOT are regarded as internal features of an organization (UN, 2015)
To sum up all those findings, our analysis shows that all universities top or bottom ones have internal strengths and weaknesses on their own
Summary
As strengths and weaknesses are regarded as internal features of an organization, the present study focused on strengths and weaknesses of Turkish public universities by analyzing the SWOTs (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) of twenty higher education institutions. Top universities which are in big size, have a deeply rooted history and situated in a better geographical location can enjoy the strengths as qualified faculty members, organizational culture, internationalization process, infrastructure and good alumni relations. Los resultados muestran que todas las universidades superiores o inferiores tienen sus propias fortalezas y debilidades internas. Strategic planning helps organizations look into the future and identify main trends in their working areas This is a longstanding process that covers aims, missions, visions, strengths, weaknesses etc. By predicting and controlling variables with strategic planning, organizations can understand the strengths, weaknesses, trends and problems and the beneficiaries who are in need of or determine the most effective and efficient way to reach their aims (United Nations [UN], 2015). Many studies suggest that strategic planning is an important tool in strategy development process because it helps modern organizations define their major problems, set reasonable objectives, prepare a, b and c plans, and choose the best or the better strategy for sustainable goals
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