In order to formulate an effective learning- and development strategy one would first have to determine the organisation’s position within the current social-, political-, economic-, and financial domains (Kreitner & Kinicki, 2007; DeCenzo & Robbins, 2005; Swanepoel, Erasmus, Van Wyk & Schenk, 2003; Eade, 1997). Through utilising an effective strategic planning method, one would be able to determine new opportunities that are well placed to be exploited (Kreitner & Kinicki, 2007; Netmba, 2007). In contrast, one would need to determine the weaknesses of the organisation in order to effectively manage- and/or eliminate current- and future threats (Kreitner & Kinicki, 2007; Netmba, 2007; Eade, 1997). It is therefore important to consider utilising the SWOT strategic management matrix in order to determine the organisations position in the aforementioned domains. A SWOT Analysis is a strategic planning method used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats of the internal of external environment that is involved in a project or business (Netmba, 2007; Eade, 1997)
Through utilising the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) strategic management matrix, and determine its position within the market, one could develop a strategy which could distinguish the organisation from its competitors in order to gain-, and maintain a competitive advantage (Netmba, 2007; Morrison, 2006).
Ubuntu University has recently been voted the country’s leading private tertiary educational institution, and it is top management’s decision to start and compete, not only in an academic sense, but also in a research capacity with other mode two universities. A SWOT analysis was conducted in order to determine the organisations position within the various domains and the results are summarised in Table 3.