STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT

ANALYSIS OF STRATHMORE
UNIVERSITY
ROBERT OCHIENG

STUDENT NO.: R1407D245484

MARYMOUNT CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY

TUTOR: DR. URSULA SCHINZEL

Analysis of Vision & Mission
The university’s Vision gives a clear picture of the institutions aspirations and what all others
who joins Strathmore should aim for. It give a clear direction.
The mission as well helps us understand who the institution aims to achieve its vision on a daily
basis having mentioned freedom, responsibility in teaching, research and scholarship, ethical
and social development and service to society as qualities they apply in their operations to aid
them achieve their end.
Analysis of strategic pillars
The three strategic pillars listed on their site refer to their core competencies as a university.
Teaching: As a learning institution, they are required to teach above all else.
Research: The school has established mlab and has a partnership with Safaricom (the countries
biggest telecoms provider) for research purposes
Service to society: Through the community outreach program as well as the opus dei wing the
university supports a number of community outreach programs.
Analysis of motto
The motto “Ut omnes unum sint” translated into “That all
may be one” communicates a message of unity through a
common interest as opposed to differences in backgrounds
or opinions.
Through this motto, the university supports all their strategic
pillars especially the third “ service to society” which sees
the community as a single being
Does the organization engage in strategic
planning?
The answer is Yes.
A look at the universities key historical points gives hint into a carefully planned growth from an
arts college to one with 7 schools or faculties.
In addition, a visit to the university site shows a clearly managed physical facilities expansion plan
that gives an insight into the university’s current and future plans, from a Law building to a
management sciences building, all buildings designed with a clear intent to interact with the
physical environment around them.
What elements of strategic planning can
be found within the organization?
Partnerships: Strathmore has partnered with a number of instituions both local and internation
to help not only raise the quality of learning at the school as with University of Navarra but also
in job creation as with SAP Africa, Stanbic bank, Safaricom universities among others
Student inductions: As an alumni, I attest that the school takes from 1 to 4 days to induct
students into the Strathmore values, way of life and expectations. As a result Strathmore
students are among the most sought after in the Kenyan Job market.
What elements are missing?

The school has grown to fill its initial land capacity and its
ambitions may have it expand to other locations soon. In this
sense I opine that the university is not adapting as fast as it
should to the growing market demands for its service.
Strategic strengths
Partnerships: Its partnerships with renowned brands has helped Strathmore refine it brand as a
premier learning institution.
Differentiation: The school was the first in the region to formulate the Business in Information
technology course and as such attracted a huge demand for a course that merges the
competencies of IT and business into a single offering.
Alliances: Its alliance with other schools such as the university of Navarra, Safaricom academy
(Which initially was an alliance with MIT to teach advanced programming) have aided the school
refine its courses to challenge market problems as well as advance the courses.
Strategic weaknesses
The Location of the institution makes it difficult to expand without incurring significant financial
investment and/or losing some of its brand value.
The weak mentorship system between senior and Junior faculty may pose a danger in how
values are passed on between the old and the new guard of university leadership.
With the university having very few hostels on offer, it becomes unattractive to students who
are from distant communities. (Most hostels are privately owned and are much expensive
compared to other university locals)
Recommendations
As the university approaches the end of a cycle with its leadership, it should invest in a
mentorship program that would help solidify its values moving into the moving.
Expansion of campus should be managed in a manner that doesn’t adversely affect the
university’s books. I recommend buying out some of the local real estate as opposed to starting
satellite campus.
Partnering with local real estate developers to develop student friendly housing around the
school to cushion foreign students from a rough experience with the brand.
References
About SU Kenya | Strathmore University. (2018). Strathmore.edu. Retrieved 11 March 2018,
from https://www.strathmore.edu/about-su/