Issues and Problems of Birmingham City Business School - Essay Example

? Birmingham Business School Birmingham Business School Introduction Birmingham Business School is a part of the called Birmingham City University and is located in Perry Barr, and is located in the northern part of the university, termed the North Campus. The business school offers various courses based in business and accounting such as advertising, law, finance and economics, human resource management, marketing, public relations, and others related to information technology. Moreover, the courses offered are such that the ACCA ones are taught based on the highest standards in the industry making it a benchmark for other universities and business schools. The business school is also well known for the situation where it publically made available the fact that students were outsourcing their assignments and coursework to suppliers who would bid and finish their work for them. The business school at this point in time has five different departments which offer specialized programs to the students. The specialized programs have been designed based on the current market needs and analyzing the requirements of the business industry. These needs have clarified the types of programs that the requirement of today and, thus the structure is based on providing the best quality intellect to the businesses of today. (Birmingham, 2010) This paper specifically aims to identify the issues and problems that exist within this organization along with ways and measures to help improve Birmingham City Business School, so that it becomes a better and more effective organization. Various theoretical frameworks will be used to analyze the organization and come up with solutions grounded in theory. Feasibility of each idea and measure has been evaluated as well to see which set of solutions would be most effective for improving the business school in the longer term. (Birmingham, 2012) Current Issues and Problems within the Organization Birmingham City Business School is one of the key business schools in the world and is well known across the world. However, like any other organization, there are certain problems and issues faced by the Business School are on the strategic level. (Anon., 2012) One of the main problems is the slow managerial decision making within the entire organization. Thus, implementation of organizational strategy is delayed which give rise to other organizational issues with respect to proper alignment of resources, human resources on board and development of a task force. The problems multiply manifold since decision making is extremely bureaucratic. As a result, the organization is facing issues that lead to lower revenues and lower utilization of key resources. (Harris, 2004) Moreover, there is male domination across the organization. There are more male professors and male students in every field. There are just 30% female students compared to 70% male students in all disciplines. (Economist, 2012) Thus, there is a need for gender balance. Birmingham Business School and all the other Universities across UK are trying to create gender balance. (Dingley, 2012) Furthermore, in Birmingham Business School only 16% students are enrolled from Europe, whereas 61% are enrolled from Asia and Australasia. Even though, Birmingham Business School is proud of the level of international students, there is a need to create a balance and try to hire students from other parts of the World such as Middle East, North America, Latin America and Africa. (Economist, 2012) (Anon., 2010) Another key problem within Birmingham City Business School is that of communication. Communication between departments is not strong because of which each department works in a silo and does not find out about the achievements and requirements of other departments. In addition to that, external communication of the organization is impacted since the organization cannot cater to immediate needs of the external stakeholder because the internal stakeholders do not have complete and accurate information from within different departments. Therefore, this key area needs a clear solution in order to help the organization to meet the needs of its external stakeholders, primarily the prospective and current students. (ABS, 2012) Amongst other areas of concern, another key area to look into is high employee turnover. With high attrition rates within the organization, it has become difficult to ensure a smooth flow of communication and coordination within and outside the organization. Along with that, this also leads to problems with implementation of decisions within the organization. This is a key strategic area that needs to be looked into in order to improve the organization’s utilization of key resources. With implementation of better employability processes, key resources need to be retained in order to improve the organization’s strategic positioning within the industry of education particularly in the area of business schools. (West, 2012) Theoretical Framework to Analyze Birmingham City Business School There are 18 subject areas taught in London School of Economics alone. If other Universities are considered, they have vast number of degree programs and departments. (LSE, 2012) Hence, it is easier for students to enroll in their field of interest. However, in Birmingham Business School there are only 5 departments; thus, wide choice is not available to students. (ABS, 2009) Moreover, the amount of e-learning has increased in the past 10 years. This tremendous increase has lead to more students enrolling in distant learning and e-learning courses. Quality Assurance Agency and the Adult Learning Inspectorate assess and keep a check on education standards. They keep a check whether universities are following the standards and are using best teaching technologies and learning strategies to teach the students. Also, there is an increase in competition not only in UK but across the World. E-universities are being set up throughout the world and distant learning program have been launched by many UK’s universities. (Dunn, 2003) According to the statistics of Disability Rights Commission, 1 in every 20 disabled people is enrolled in universities; however, the number of disables in UK is in the ratio 1 to 10. A survey was conducted by the commission and was found out that 16% of the disabled people who are enrolled in universities are discriminated and 30% are not when given admission. They are not provided with the opportunity to study further. (Dunn, 2003) Moreover, universities across the globe are rated by Times Higher Education. According to the 2012 rating, Western Universities have lost their prestige and Eastern Universities are now becoming more popular. University of Tokyo and National University of Singapore are ranked as top 20 and 23 in the World which is a huge achievement for Asian Universities. Slowly and gradually, they are coming to the level of the best western universities. (Hor & Lau, 2012); (TopMBA, 2012). Birmingham Business School is analyzed based on these facts and figures and recommendation is provided to enable the Business School to become more competitive. STEEPLE Analysis for Birmingham City Business School Steeple analysis includes an evaluation of the political, economic, social, technological, legal, ethical and environmental elements that would concern and impact the organization. (Anon., 2012) The business schools across United Kingdom are affected by the new fees funding system known as the Top Up fees system which has led to the underfunding of business schools. They have to hire part time instructors due to underfunding. Furthermore, the academic career is becoming unattractive; hence, people are not willing to work as instructors. (Economist, 2005) Also, the economies throughout the World are developing at a fast pace, especially Middle Eastern and Asian economies. The academic institutions in Asia and Europe are gaining importance and are coming at par with the United Kingdom’s Business schools. The ranking of Asian and European Universities are improving at a fast pace. (Godemann, et al., 2011) Thus, people now prefer to study in Asia or Europe rather than UK. Moreover, the teaching methods and demands of students are changing worldwide; thus, UK business schools have to keep up the pace and provide students with better teaching material and comfortable environment. The schools need to focus on flexible learning style to promote a better and interactive learning environment. (Randor & Bucci, 2011) Social The social environment is changing. Now there is an increase in two income families and the life expectancy is increasing; thus, people are looking for new ways to earn their income. (Times, 2012)The income earning methods and demographics are changing, and people tastes and preferences are also changing. More students now prefer European or Asian Universities over UK’s universities because they are cheaper and provide students with similar level of education. (Times, 2012) Technological There is an increase in internet based learning or e-learning. Most of the students enroll in online courses or distant learning rather than visiting and enrolling in universities. Thus, the number of students enrolled in universities is declining in the United Kingdom. Many Asian students feel it is convenient and cheaper way of studying. Also, in class rooms new technology integrated learning methods are widely used and universities have to keep up the technological advancement. (FT, 2006) Economic The universities are affected due to the recession in the economy. More students have started paying through top up fees system. Thus, the universities are dependent on mentors and trustees. However, due to the recession they are not able to pay enough. Hence, the universities are highly underfunded which has led to an increase in part time professors rather than full time. Also, the universities due to lack of funding are not able to keep up with the technological advancement. Also, other universities in Europe, Asia, America and Africa have improved significantly and are providing similar quality information at lower fees; thus, they are becoming quite popular among students. (Morrison, 2009) Environmental With the reduction in government funding and increase in fee across United Kingdom, lean approach is taking roots, which is to create more value for the students with limited resources. This has led to a positive impact and has improved the delivery process of knowledge and has improved the level of experience enjoyed by the students. (Randor & Bucci, 2011) Political There has been a reduction in the funds provided to the Universities by government and public bodies. Due to the recession, the government has reduced the level of funding, and the fellowships and scholarship programs for students. (Independent, 2010) Thus, it has become difficult for students to pay the fees and have to rely more on student loans. Also, the fee structure has been changed across the United Kingdom. The fee is raised significantly for both UK residents and international students. Thus, less international students prefer UK over other countries. The trend is changing and more students are going to Singapore, Malaysia, Germany, Netherlands and South Korea for education. (Randor & Bucci, 2011) Legal Moreover, in Europe standardization is done of all business schools in terms on the curriculum and the level of education they provide (Godemann, et al., 2011). The universities impart knowledge in accordance with the Bologna Accord. There was a need of standardization because of the fierce competition faced by universities. However, each university is allowed to charge its own fee structure. Thus, there is a significant difference in fee of universities based on their ranking. Hence, students now prefer other universities in Europe compared to UK as the level of education is similar. (Kotiadis & Robinson, 2008) Also, there are different program accreditation and school approvals such as AMBA, EFMD and AACSB. The programs offered have to be accredited accordingly. Furthermore, there is a pressure on research and teaching quality of schools. (BCBS, 2012)There are certain research assessment exercises conducted by the Quality Assurance Agency to check the level of research activity and its quality in different school. Based on which, the schools are ranked and the rankings is published in journals. Moreover, after the incident of 9/11 and increase in terrorism worldwide, strict visa regulation has been implemented to secure and protect the country firm potential attack. (Thomas, 2007) Ethical The universities are bound to perform according to the rules and laws of the government and are doing their best to provide quality education to students. The business schools are trying to justify the increase in fees by providing better educational experience to students and using lean approach to provide them with better exposure and quality education. (Morrison, 2009) RICH Picture Analysis for Birmingham City Business School Some of the main elements within the rich picture include structures, processes and concerns. These key areas help identify the problems at hand and how these problems can be solved. (Lawson, et al., 2009) Birmingham City Business School’s organizational structure is highly bureaucratic in nature and has many layers and levels through which decision making and communication has to pass. As a result, most of the decision making elements are conflicted and do not get any light. In addition, communication is a problem because the number of layers within the organization distorts various messages being transferred within the hierarchy. (Kotiadis & Robinson, 2008) With respect to processes and concerns within this business school, the processes for communication, decision making and management of human resources are extremely ill planned because of which problems such as lack of communication, slow implementation of decisions and extremely high attrition rates are a result. The main issues within the organization therefore crop up to be lack of effective motivation and clear definition of hierarchy as a result of which the organization is not able to cope with its problems and the issues are becoming critical in terms of its strategic positioning amongst the business schools it competes with. (Lawson, et al., 2009) SWOT Analysis for Birmingham City Business School A critical SWOT analysis for the organization is extremely important to identify the various elements that can be leveraged in order to be a better school on a strategic basis. (Anon., 2007) Strengths Birmingham Business School is the first business school and is accredited by EFMD. It believes on continuous improvement and the traditions of excellence ate deeply rooted in the school’s corporate culture. (Colby, 2012) It provides vast variety of programs which cover a large range of business disciplines. It is known internationally and is ranked in top 100 universities worldwide. (BCBS, 2012)Moreover, it enrolls more than hundred students belonging to different nationalities every year. It has overall five departments. It is known to deliver quality education to its students and hires 80 researchers and lecturers to provide best education to students. Its MSc International Business program and Pre-experience Masters Program was recently accredited by Chartered Institute of Marketing and AMBA respectively. (BCBS, 2012)Furthermore, the University has recently developed a new strategy called “Shaping Our Future: Birmingham 2015”.According to this strategy, it is trying to establish itself as a leading organization worldwide by provide best research and education facility. Birmingham Business School is famous for its research and has undertaken projects for the government, EU, councils and other institutes. (Colby, 2012) Weakness The major weakness in Birmingham Business School is the bureaucratic system. Thus, strategy implementation takes a lot of time. Hence, effective and timely decisions cannot be taken and students cannot be provided with efficient teaching assistance. (Chibber, 2009) Opportunities Birmingham can start the distant learning program through which international students can easily gain degree without attending classes and visiting UK. It will enable more people to acquire education from Birmingham. (Anon., 2012) Moreover, it has only five major departments under which various degree programs are offered. Nowadays, there are a lot more fields in which students are interested such as tourism, organizational behavior, hospital management, mathematics, engineering, management sciences, and other. The University can expand in these fields and can open new facility for research activity so that students can conduct research in a better way. (Anon., 2010) Threats One of the key threats that the Birmingham Business School faces is that other universities have harnessed the power of technology and have a number of years of experience based on which they are ahead of Birmingham. As a result of this fact, the organization is facing stringent competition in the market which can only be eliminated if a strong plan of action is implemented to counter the competition. (BCBS, 2012) Recommendation and Further Research Areas Identify the Root Causes 1. One of the key areas that the business school needs to focus on is to identify the key root causes which are creating problems with respect to high attrition rates, lack of communication amongst channels within the organization, and slow implementation of key decision elements. These key root causes can help figure out the reasons why the organization is facing such critical concerns in the first place. (Morrell, 2007) Use of Key Performance Indicators 2. Another area that the organization needs to focus on is the introduction and implementation of key bench marks and key performance indicators with respect to decision making and communication through which the organization can then improve its implementation of strategic decisions, and help ease the flow of communication within and amongst departments. (Chapain & Comunian, n.d.) Motivating Employees 3. It is extremely important to understand that other business schools have a number of years of experience in comparison to Birmingham City Business School and thus can easily take its place if the business school does not focus on its problems and key areas of concern. (Prodromou, 2010) One element to evaluate is the high attrition rate within the organization which is perhaps a key symptom to a larger problem. In most cases, organizations only face this problem of attrition when there is a larger problem looming such as lack of motivation, ill use of human resources where core competencies of the resources are not being utilized, and when the organization is not catering towards its human resources, thus divorcing the strategy of the business against its resources, causing concerns where people within the organization do not feel connected to the vision of the organization. (Cornelissen, 2011) Evaluation of Satisfaction Levels 4. In this respect, Birmingham City Business School needs to conduct a significant and thorough research where the key areas of research would include satisfaction levels within the human resources. This evaluation of satisfaction levels can help identify the key causes of low motivation amongst the employees because of which there is a high attrition rate. (Mallin, 2012) Process Redesign 5. Other areas of research within the organization include implementation of decision making and how this can be enhanced through the channels and routes that exist within the organization. On a radical basis, the organization may think about process redesign elements and how the organization can improve on its structure and design in order to help in improving the communication and coordination flow, along with improving decision making and its implementation within the organization. Process redesign can help target core competencies within the organization and define how the business school can then compete to become better and more competent in comparison to its competing business schools. (Ashcraft, et al., 2009) References: 1. ABS, 2009. Data & Surveys. [Online] Available at: http://www.associationofbusinessschools.org/node/2000072 [Accessed 18 June 2012]. 2. ABS, 2012. Creative clusters and innovation. [Online] Available at: http://www.associationofbusinessschools.org/sites/default/files/6_Media%20Bulletin%2022.pdf [Accessed 18 June 2012]. 3. Anon., 2007. SWOT analysis. [Online] Available at: http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=88150 [Accessed 17 June 2012]. 4. Anon., 2010. Association of Business School-Data and Analysis. [Online] Available at: http://www.associationofbusinessschools.org/node/2000072 [Accessed 17 June 2012]. 5. Anon., 2012. Business Schools and Management Training in Uk. [Online] Available at: http://www.learn4good.com/great_schools/business_schools_united_kingdom.htm [Accessed 17 June 2012]. 6. Anon., 2012. Steeple Analysis. [Online] Available at: http://steepleanalysis.co.uk/ [Accessed 17 June 2012]. 7. Anon., n.d. Pest Analysis London Business School. [Online] Available at: http://www.oppapers.com/subjects/pestel-analysis-of-london-business-school-page4.html [Accessed 17 June 2012]. 8. Ashcraft, K., Kuhn, T. & Cooren, F., 2009. Constitutional Amendments: Materializing Organizational Communication. In: The Academy of Management, pp. 1-62. 9. BCBS, 2012. Department Information. [Online] Available at: http://www.hotcoursesabroad.com/study/profile/uk/university-of-birmingham/birmingham-business-school/overview/5666/18030/info.html#tips [Accessed 17 June 2012]. 10. BCBS, 2012. Rankings and Ratings. [Online] Available at: http://www.hotcoursesabroad.com/study/profile/uk/university-of-birmingham/birmingham-business-school/rankings-and-ratings/5666/18030/23/info.html#tips [Accessed 17 June 2012]. 11. Birmingham, 2010. Birmingham Business School- Our Core Value. [Online] Available at: http://www.birmingham.edu.sg/Our_Core_Value.htm [Accessed 18 June 2012]. 12. Birmingham, U, 2012. Centre for Research on the Economy and the Workplace. [Online] Available at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/business/research/research-centres/crew/centre-research-economy-workplace.aspx [Accessed 18 June 2012]. 13. Chapain, C. & Comunian, R., 2012. Enabling or Inhibiting the Creative Economy: the Role of the Local and Regional Dimensions in England. [Online] Available at: http://www.egrg.org.uk/pdfs/egrg_wp0309.pdf [Accessed 18 June 2012]. 14. Chibber, K., 2009. Business Schools Face Test of Faith. [Online] Available at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7941385.stm [Accessed 17 June 2012]. 15. Colby, J., 2012. University of Birmingham-Department of Accounting and Finance. [Online] Available at: http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/assets/ps/documents/events/john_colby.pdf [Accessed 17 June 2012]. 16. Cornelissen, J., 2011. Corporate Communication: A Guide to Theory and Practice. 3rd ed. s.l.:Sage Publications Ltd. 17. Dingley, A., 2012. Business Schools move towards an improved gender balance. [Online] Available at: http://www.associationofbusinessschools.org/sites/default/files/Media%20Bulletin%20No%2015.pdf [Accessed 18 June 2012]. 18. Dunn, S., 2003. Implementing accessibility for disabled students in virtual learning environments in UK further and higher education. [Online] Available at: http://www.saradunn.net/VLEreport/section05.html [Accessed 17 June 2012]. 19. Economist, 2005. The brains business. The Economist. 20. Economist, 2012. University of Birmingham - Birmingham Business School. [Online] Available at: http://www.economist.com/whichmba/university-birmingham-birmingham-business-school [Accessed 17 June 2012]. 21. FT, 2006. Issue on distance learning. Financial Times. 22. Godemann, J., Herzig, C., Moon, J. & Powell, A., 2011. Integrating Sustainability in Business Schools. [Online] Available at: http://www.google.com.pk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=6&ved=0CG4QFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nottingham.ac.uk%2Fbusiness%2FICCSR%2Fresearch.php%3Faction%3Ddownload%26id%3D77&ei=By7dT63pFtGtrAfj69DBDQ&usg=AFQjCNFzV22Jv6qjOYtEPhvwmUGbQQ3Ptg&sig2=vNr [Accessed 17 June 2012]. 23. Harris, T., 2004. Small Group and Team Communication. 3rd ed. Allyn & Bacon. 24. Hor, J. & Lau, C., 2012. Asian Colleges Gaining Respect. [Online] Available at: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/19/world/asia/asian-colleges-gaining-respect-report-finds.html [Accessed 18 June 2012]. 25. Independent, 2010. Birmingham Business School. [Online] Available at: http://www.independent.co.uk/student/postgraduate/business-schools/birmingham-business-school-1206244.html [Accessed 19 June 2012]. 26. Kerth, N., 2001. Project Retrospectives: A Handbook for Team Reviews. New York: Dorset House. 27. Kotiadis, K. & Robinson, S., 2008. Conceptual Modelling: Knowlegde Acquisition and Model Abstraction. [Online] Available at: http://www.informs-sim.org/wsc08papers/114.pdf [Accessed 17 June 2012]. 28. Lawson, B., Petersen, K. & Cousins, P. a. H. R., 2009. Knowledge Sharing in Interorganizational Product Development Teams: The Effect of Formal and Informal Socialization Mechanisms. Product Innovation Management, II(26), pp. 156-172. 29. LSE, 2012. London School of Economics and Political Science- degree programs. [Online] Available at: http://www2.lse.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/degreeProgrammes2013/degreeProgrammes2013.aspx [Accessed 17 June 2012]. 30. Mallin, P. C., 2012. CSR: UK Business Schools Have Been Active for Many Years. [Online] Available at: http://www.associationofbusinessschools.org/sites/default/files/Media%20Bulletin%20No%2013.pdf [Accessed 18 June 2012]. 31. Morrell, D. K., 2007. Leadership, Communication and Ethics. [Online] Available at: http://www.kevinmorrell.org.uk/Leadership%20Communication%20and%20Ethics.pdf [Accessed 18 June 2012]. 32. Morrison, M., 2009. Pestel-Analysis for Schools or Education. [Online] Available at: https://rapidbi.com/pestle-analysis-for-schools-and-education/ [Accessed 17 June 2012]. 33. Prodromou, Z., 2010. An analysis of entrepreneurship education. [Online] Available at: http://etheses.bham.ac.uk/734/ [Accessed 19 June 2012]. 34. Randor, Z. & Bucci, G., 2011. Analysis of Lean Implementation in UK Universities and Schools. [Online] Available at: http://www.the-abs.org.uk/files//Lean%20Report%20Executive%20Summary%20Final%20%282%29.pdf [Accessed 17 June 2012]. 35. Sagar, M., n.d. SWOT analysis. [Online] Available at: http://www.mbaprojectreport.net/SWOT-Analysis.html 36. Thomas, H., 2007. An analysis of the environment and competitive dyanamic of Management Education. [Online] Available at: http://www.the-abs.org.uk/files/Bkgd%20JMD%201%20THOMAS.pdf [Accessed 17 June 2012]. 37. Times, 2012. The Sunday Times-Appointment to Director Birmingham. [Online] Available at: http://appointments.thesundaytimes.co.uk/job/417518/appointment-to-director-of-birmingham-business-school [Accessed 17 June 2012]. 38. Times, 2012. The Times-External Environment Theory. [Online] Available at: http://businesscasestudies.co.uk/business-theory/external-environment/social-and-other-opportunities-and-constraints.html [Accessed 17 June 2012]. 39. TopMBA, 2012. Birmingham Business School. [Online] Available at: http://www.topmba.com/institution/birmingham-business-school [Accessed 18 June 2012]. 40. West, M., 2012. Effective Teamwork: Practical Lessons from Organizational Research. 3rd ed. Wiley-Blackwell. Read More