From what I've seen, my applied study site is very successful. Everyone knows their job responsibilities and more importantly everyone seems passionate about "ending educational inequity" so I don't have much to suggest for improvement. The main thing I would suggest is to take advantage of the close relationship they have with ASU and have as many interns as they can work with them. Everyone works over 60 hours a week and I think if there were interns there to take on some of the load it could help avoid burnout. I am choosing to use SWOT analysis to help develop a plan for this organization.
Strengths: good relationships within organization and community, organized, good communication, very flexibile.
Weaknesses: constantly need money from donors, constantly need to maintain relationships with alum and donors, work too many hours.
Opportunities: Pepsi grant, word-of-mouth, new relationships with universities.
Threats: Economy cutting jobs, similar non-profits taking available grants, employee burnout.
By allowing more interns to work for this organization, employees can focus on more urgent tasks and let the interns take care of the less urgent but still important assignments.
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Hi Nicole,
ReplyDeleteIt's good to hear that you're involved with an organization that is successful. I've heard of so many intern students who get stuck working for an organization or company that isn't doing too well or function properly and therefore, they don't learn anything. I understand your organization deals with ending educational inequality but what is it called? and you're right! 60 hours a week almost sounds ridiculous, if I worked there I would definitely try to find interns to help out and there are so many students right now looking for intern work anyway. If your company's weakness is trying to maintain relationships with potential donors, why not start a contact email list. This way the company could send email news updates and keep potential donors constantly informed about the organization.
Hi Nicole,
ReplyDeleteI thought it was great that not only is Teach for America a well functioning organization but you took a great approach to analyzing it for weaknesses. My two concentrations are business and psychology and I thought the SWOT analysis was really great from a business perspective. Unfortunately, our country is a long way from ending the educational inequity but with help from well run organizations like Teach for America, the end could be in our future. I suppose that the large gap in education could be considered an opportunity for TforA as well. I enjoy hearing that non-profits like your applied studies site are high functioning. I see for-profit businesses that run efficiently and make large profits, but dont help the community or well being of others. The non-profit sector can be a real challenge with the lack of funds, tight budgets and more need for the service than the organization can meet. At first glance, it seems like TforA is a non-profit that has no apparent issues in common with that of a smaller non-profit but I guess the similarity lies in not meeting the demand for its services. And, as your SWOT analysis reminded me, TforA competes for grants like many other non-profits. I think a SWOT analysis would be great for my applied studies site to consider as a tool to help things run a little better!
Greetings,
ReplyDeleteThe SWOT analysis allowed you to determine areas of success and opportunities. The hour load seems to be quite burdensome which can lead to stress and overall reduced morale. Hiring more interns could be useful in the aspect of alleviating some of the workload. However, caution should be given as to the amount of interns hired. Recent news has been spotlighting many companies abusing interns for cheap labor. Since most work for free, the companies have them do their difficult tasks without the need to pay. This is especially true in light of the economy issues. The company will continue to give false hope to the interns that a spot will open up for them down the road. If moderated appropriately, your idea will greatly aid the burdened workers. Keep up the good work!
Hello Nicole,
ReplyDeleteFirst starters I like the usage of the SWOT analysis. It is important as a intern or employee to be able to understand the functions and the big picture of the place in which your work. I'm glad you have that capability and that you understand the responsibility of taking action or bringing ideas to the table when the time is given. Utilizing interns to relief staff of work so that their load becomes lighter and then in turn they are able to focus on other more important tasks. It is also important for there to be a solid financial structure and for there to be a rolling attempt in getting sponsorships donations etc. Keeping a record of past donors and continue updating that list so it turns into a database of possible contributors. That would be key. Either way it sounds like you are learning lots. Good Luck!