Last Modified July 2012

SWOT ANALYSIS FOR CYCLICAL PROGRAM REVIEWS

A SWOT Analysis is tobe completed as part of the self-study brief component of the cyclical program review. The questions in each section are to guide discussion and do not need to be individually answered. To help facilitate the SWOT analysis process, please contact the Manager, Faculty & Curriculum Development Centre for assistance at ext. 2787.

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Discussthe strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that may affect the Program’s ability to meet its objectives, as listed on the six sheets provided.
  2. Remember that strengths and weaknesses should address aspects of the Program that are subject to internal influence such as curriculum, facilities, etc. and opportunities and threats should address factors external to the Program that are beyond the direct control of the Program, but capable of influencing the quality and direction of the program.
  3. Record the ideas from the SWOT analysis on the tables provided or in some other format for the purposes of inclusion in the documentation of your cyclical review.
  4. Discussion related to the SWOT analysis should conclude on how to use the information gathered from the SWOT to inform your next steps.

SWOT ANYALSIS ONE:

PROGRAM DEMAND AND OBJECTIVES

GUIDANCE QUESTIONS

  • Discuss the societal need for the Program.
  • What short and long term goals and objectives of the Program addresses societal needs?
  • How are the short and long term goals of the program being supported?
  • How could these goals and objectives be better supported?
  • How is the Program positioned to support the priorities and strengths of itshome Faculty?
  • How is the Program positioned in relation to the University’s mission and Academic Plan?

STRENGTHS / WEAKNESSES
OPPORTUNITIES / THREATS

SWOT ANYALSIS TWO:

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

GUIDANCE QUESTIONS

  • How do admission requirementssupport student success in achieving the learning outcomes established for completion of the Program?
  • For reference see:

STRENGTHS / WEAKNESSES
OPPORTUNITIES / THREATS

SWOT ANYALSIS THREE:

CURRICULUM DESIGN

GUIDANCE QUESTIONS

  • What aspects of the curriculum are contemporary?
  • How does curriculum support the objectives of the New Ecology of Learning?
  • How does curriculum support the objectives of the home Faculty’s Academic Plan?
  • How does the curriculum support the university’s Degree Level Expectations?
  • How is the Program unique and/or innovative in comparison to similar programs in other institutions?

STRENGTHS / WEAKNESSES
OPPORTUNITIES / THREATS

SWOT ANYALSIS FOUR:

MODES OF DELIVERY

GUIDANCE QUESTIONS

  • What are the innovative features of the Program delivery?
  • How does curriculum delivery as well as other program-related initiatives support the broader community awareness/involvement (outside OCAD University)?

STRENGTHS / WEAKNESSES
OPPORTUNITIES / THREATS

SWOT ANYALSIS FIVE:

ASSESMENT OF TEACHING AND LEARNING

GUIDANCE QUESTIONS

  • How do required student efforts and assignments support and assure high levels of performance at every year level, especially in the final year of study?
  • How does the range of assessment criteria of student work address a wide range of student needs?

STRENGTHS / WEAKNESSES
OPPORTUNITIES / THREATS

SWOT ANYALSIS SIX:

RESOURCES FOR PROGRAMS

GUIDANCE QUESTIONS

  • How do the faculty’s experience and expertise support the needs of the Program?
  • How do resources (space, equipment, library etc.) sustain the quality of production and scholarship to be expected of undergraduate students?
  • What are the potential areas of growth and development for the Program?
  • What is the relationship between technological resources, facilities, and curriculum delivery?

STRENGTHS / WEAKNESSES
OPPORTUNITIES / THREATS