SWOT Analysis

Question 1

Why should you use SWOT analysis?

Answer 1

To establish your current strategic position prior to the preperation of a long term plan.

Question 2

SWOT Analysis

What are 4 strengths for HCT identified in the case study?

Answer 2

1. Kusanda is a high income country with a good reputation for manageing the economy.
2. Kusanda has maintained low inflation rates.
3. Headstart academy has new state of the art buildings.
4. Has a good reputation and attracts applications outside of the catchment area.

Question 3

What are 4 weaknesses for HCT identified in the case study?

Answer 3

1. Has a forecast overspend of £415,000
2. Reserves of 2.8% (under required 3%)
3. As a federal school they cannot borrow money (loan or overdraft)
4. Paying 10-15% more on their salaries, contributing to deficit position.

Question 4

What are 4 opportunities for HCT identified in the case study?

Answer 4

1. Could increase their incoome by building a new sports facility and renting it out.
2. As a federal school can enter into partnerships with other education providers or local employers.
3. Opportunities to receive sponsorship income.
4. Can use its repuation to attract more puplis to a merged NTS.

Question 5

What are 4 threats for HCT identified in the case study?

Answer 5

1. May be reduced funding in the future due to tightening of government spending amid budget pressures.
2. Sports facility may not generate enoough income to justify capital expenditure
3. Paying of higher salaries could impact future recruitment and increase budget pressures
4. Potential loss of reputation if NTS issues are brought with them into merger.

Question 6

What are 3 strengths identified for NTS in the case study?

Answer 6

1. They are operating at an underspend and have flexibility in their finances
2. They have a strong reserves position which could be invested into the school.
3. They have capacity to increase the pupil numbers further

Question 7

What are 6 weaknesses identifed for NTS in the case study?

Answer 7

1. Is struggling academically
2. Is struggling to recruit and retain good teachers.
3. No financial expertise in management
4. Poor working relationship between NTS & HCT chairs
5. They are under capacity and pupils would rather travel further to go to school at HCT.
6. They have a poor reputation.

Question 8

What are 4 opportunities identifed for NTS in the case study?

Answer 8

1. Can improve its reputation via partnership with HCT
2. Can invest its reserves to improve performance.
3. Has capacity to increase pupil numbers
4. Can enter into partnerships with local employers and education providers.

Question 9

What are 4 threats identified for NTS in the case study?

Answer 9

1. The tightening of government spending may lead to reduced funding.
2. Potential job losses as part of the merger.
3. Disagreement over the use of reserves may hinder merger process.
4. Tensions between HCT & NTS board.