Environmental Factors - Assignment Example

The University of Phoenix is committed to the cause of the environment. It already has an agenda set to ensure that its students learn about and respect the environment. "Go Green" is an initiative taken by the University to familiarize the students with environmental issues. In the future, not only would the University have to sustain its efforts in this direction, but it would also have to scale them up. A change in the political leadership of the country would lead to changes in the way the University is governed.

Compliance with new and changed rules and regulations for Universities might be necessary. The grants/subsidies given by the government for various courses (if any) might be subject to change with a change in the political situation in the country. A definite shift in people's income levels and social standing might have a direct influence on the number of students enrolling in a particular course. There might be a number of people enrolling for advanced courses over the next ten years as compared to the enrollment in basic courses.

With advances in technology and global connectivity, students might prefer more online courses as compared to classroom courses. The University would be required to take into consideration the changes in technology being brought about every day. The teachers and lecturers would have to be trained in the latest trends in research and referencing. While online classes might become popular in the next ten years, the University would have to scout for collaborators in the local regions/classes where practical classes could be conducted.

Industry EnvironmentAccording to the website of the University of Phoenix, (accessed on 16th June 2008)"The mission of University of Phoenix is to provide access to higher education opportunities that enable students to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their professional goals, improve the productivity of their organizations, and provide leadership and service to their communities."As in any other industry, when there is a shift in the needs/tastes of the students, there will be a need to change the content of the courses at the University.

The knowledge and skillsets required to achieve professional goals generally undergo a periodic change. What is relevant today will be obsolete in a few years.Thus, the University needs to research the market, identify the latest trends and major shifts in education and adapt their courses accordingly.Operating EnvironmentsThe operating environment in a University's context could refer to the way libraries and reference materials are used. It could also mean how the way the courses are conducted: the ie.

online or classroom. With advances in technology and connectivity getting simpler every day, there will certainly be a huge demand for online courses in the near future.