Business Strategy

Business Strategy- Kean University Five forces analysis ‘Kean University Force Explanation Force strength Parador’s Azul response Rivalry Which Universities does Kean Compete with? Medium - Kean Universities only rivalry would probably be how broad their studies and degrees compared to Universities like “Rutgers and TCNJ” Use “IS” to create new services because the services which are provided by Kean University are not just tuition but the difference of degrees you can learn. Threat of New entrants How difficult is it to start a University? 

Low - Most Universities are historic and have strong brand loyalty when it comes to attracting students. Use “IS” for entry barriers because the difficulty to attract students and economies scale from starting a University Substitute products/ Services Is there another way to gain a degree without the university Medium - Nowadays you have online learning programs, vocational school or trade to even corporate training and certifications Use “IS” for the services that students can learn and acquire their degree Bargaining Power of suppliers Who are the University supplied from Low - Professors, technology and textbooks are all high in demand and all bargaining for power is low Use “IS” for the ability to gain easy and low cost access to have majority rule over the bargain and due to competitive options . Bargaining power of customers Can students bargain with the prices of the University Medium - I say medium because there are many Universities not just in the United States but also New jersey. Kean university does differ because of the low and reasonable tuition unlike higher ones like “Rutgers” but around the same range as “Rowan and TCNJ” Use “IS” for the ability to create switching costs. “IVY” league colleges would mostly likely be low but Kean would be medium because of the financial aid and tuition rate packages in which students can choose. 

 Competitive Analysis used by Kean University -  Cost Differentiation Industry-wide Low cost tuition across the country Unique programs, research, or services across the country Focus Lowest tuition for students and specialized, tailored programs and services for specific groups Specialized, tailored programs and services for specific groups and student groups Kean University can address the competitive pressures from Porter’s Five Forces by adopting cost leadership or differentiation strategies. With cost leadership, Kean can keep tuition affordable, making it difficult for new schools to compete on price. This approach also helps reduce dependence on suppliers by negotiating better deals. Alternatively, by offering unique programs and services, Kean can differentiate itself, creating barriers for new entrants who may struggle to match its distinct offerings. By keeping tuition low or offering specialized programs, Kean can attract price-sensitive students, lowering their bargaining power and making them less likely to push for further discounts. In terms of substitutes, Kean can either provide affordable education that makes it hard for alternatives like online courses or vocational programs to compete, or offer unique opportunities such as specialized degrees and research that substitutes can’t replicate. For industry rivalry, Kean can reduce competition by offering unique experiences and specialized programs that set it apart from other schools, attracting students who value these offerings. Whether through cost leadership or differentiation, Kean can strengthen its position and manage competitive pressures effectively. 

 Primary Activity and Business Processes Part 1: Primary Activities at Kean University Activity Description Inbound Logistics: This involves procurement, warehousing, and administration of educational materials such as textbooks, laboratory equipment, computer technology, and library materials. Kean University ensures access to such materials for students and faculty in order to enable learning and research processes. Efficient management of inventories and cooperation with providers is key in ensuring a reliable availability of materials. Operations: The backbone of operations at Kean University is delivering high-quality educational service. This involves planning for lectures, seminars, and workshops; coordination of research programs; and management of academic programs. Besides, the university prioritizes developing curriculums, accreditation processes, and compliance with educational standards. Outbound Logistics: This involves distribution of educational success, including issuing degrees, certification, and transcripts to students. Kean University ensures processing of such documents with accuracy and delivering them in a timely manner, in many cases using electronic platforms in an effort to maximize efficiency. Marketing and Sales: Kean University actively engages in marketing its academic programs, extracurricular experiences, and campus life in an attempt to attract potential students. Involvement in such programs involves electronic marketing, open campus days, high school collaboration, and college recruitment fairs. The purpose is to transmit the value proposition and unique offerings of the university to its target group. Service: Support after graduation forms a critical part of Kean University's offerings. This involves networking for its alumni, career development, job placement, and ongoing access to university assets. In addition, the university organizes mentorship programs and career development programs geared towards supporting its graduates in becoming successful in career life. 

 Part 2: Processes at Kean University Process Type Description Structured Process The admissions process at Kean University is marked by a sequential, well-established series of events. First, students submit their applications, and then follow an evaluation of academic record, testing performance, and extracurricular achievement. Once evaluated, acceptance letters are sent, and students seal their admission with course selection and payment of the required fee. All of this takes place through an electronic system that maximizes transparency and efficiency. Dynamic Process The collaborative research at Kean University is a flexible and changing activity. Faculty and students conduct a series of investigations that respond to new findings, funding availability, and cross-disciplinary contribution. Involvement can include external parties such as industry leaders and representatives of other schools, and often involves changing methodologies, timelines, and goals. All such adaptability generates innovation and maximizes real-world applicability. 

 Examples of Information Systems (IS) used by Kean - 

Kean University uses many examples of information systems. For the structured processes, which are routine and well-defined, an example would be TouchNet which is an information system that helps the financial department process transactions and billing for students. Another example could be KeanWISE which is the information system that helps students register for courses, manage academic records, and financial aid processing. For the dynamic processes, which are flexible and adaptive, an example of an information system would be CougarLink, which helps process student engagement and marketing of connecting with organizations, school events, and university resources. One other example would be Instagram/Facebook, which help the University leverage social media for dynamic interactions with students, event promotions, and community engagement. These systems are integral to the university’s operations, enhancing both educational, social, and administrative processes. 

 Examples of Management the Miron Student Center at Kean University has numerous management system examples. The Miron Student Center's event management system is among its most important management tools. The center provides a variety of venues for events, meetings, and performances by faculty, student clubs, and outside organizations. Kean University has a reservation system that enables customers to make reservations, request event setups, and handle logistics in order to guarantee effective scheduling and coordination. By offering a structured platform for managing requests and averting scheduling problems, this solution simplifies the event hosting process. It also guarantees the proper use of resources for every event, including security measures, seating arrangements, and audiovisual equipment. Kean University uses a student engagement technology called Cougar Link to improve communication and involvement among its students. This digital platform aids in the promotion of campus events, tracking of event participation, and management of student organizations. Students can view event calendars, sign up for groups, and get information about forthcoming events via Cougar Link. Student leaders can also use the system to administer their organizations by scheduling meetings, keeping track of membership, and requesting money. This platform promotes a lively campus environment and student involvement in extracurricular activities by centralizing student engagement initiatives. 

There are multiple dining options at the Miron Student Center, such as Auntie Anne's Pretzels, Smashburger, and a food court. The eating establishments use point-of-sale systems to handle transactions, inventory, and customer orders to guarantee efficient operations. Accurate record-keeping, effective service, and real-time food supply monitoring are all made possible by these technologies. To make sure that students can quickly access food services, Kean University may also use meal plan management systems to monitor student meal swipes and dining spending. In conclusion, The Miron Student Center at Kean University uses many management tools to improve everyday operations and enhance the general educational experience. These capabilities, which range from dining services and facility maintenance to event management and student engagement platforms, make sure the center runs smoothly and serves the needs of the campus community. Kean University uses contemporary management techniques to improve campus life, encourage student participation, and deliver necessary services in a systematic and orderly way.