29 Pages
7245 Words
Introduction : Strategic Group Mapping
Figure 1: Strategic mapping
(Source: Self-developed)
Cloud Academy shares the high price, quality quadrant with SitePoint Premium. The positioning of Coursera is somewhat lower in price but still falls into the category of high quality, which means that this website offers good quality at a slightly more affordable cost. The middle position shows Udemy, which could mean that it is perceived to be a compromise between the price and quality. The location could be an attempt to offer a diverse array of classes, with differing levels of quality and price for different market segments. LinkedIn Learning is lower on both axes, which indicates the fact that it works as an option with a relatively smaller price tag and not much specialization. This could show an approach aimed at availability and strength in coverage over depth or specialization.
Differentiation: Cloud Academy has apparently managed to distinguish itself by providing quality content (Xu et al., 2021). To maintain this leading position the company must keep on spending money for high-tech course materials, specialist trainers and advanced technology.
Pricing Strategy: At the higher end of price, Cloud Academy has to ensure that its value proposition justifies for cost (Osterwalder et al., 2020). This can translate to excellent customer care, unique content or even extra features such as individual learning paths and practical projects.
Market Positioning: Given that Cloud Academy is essentially an alternative to SitePoint Premium, it is important to highlight the unique aspects of these two companies. These are features that Cloud Academy may have to emphasize during marketing and product development.
Competitive Landscape: The fact that Coursera occupies a certain position tells of it as one formidable opponent. In this case, Cloud Academy may find out what Coursera is doing differently and know if there are any lessons or how they can beat.
Critical Success Factors and Blue Ocean Strategy
Critical Success Factors |
Cloud Academy |
Coursera |
Udemy |
LinkedIn Learning |
SitePoint Premium |
Course Quality |
5 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
Price Affordability |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
3 |
Range of Courses |
4 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
Technological Innovation |
4 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
4 |
Industry Partnerships |
4 |
4 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
Learning Flexibility |
5 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
3 |
Customer Support |
4 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
2 |
Table 1: Blue Ocean Strategy
Course Quality: Course quality for Cloud Academy is highest which indicates that it has a robust competitive advantage with regard to the provision of superior content. In order to hold this advantage, Cloud Academy should pursue their investment in high-end instructors innovative curriculum development and updated materials. This focus on quality is essential and may enable charging a premium price, attracting professionals or corporations requiring first-class education.
Price Affordability: The lower affordability rate of Cloud Academy is a result of its premium pricing strategy, making it difficult for many students to access education from the institute (Jayathilaka, 2021). This suits its positioning as a high-quality solution, however it in turn enable the platform to consider alternative segmented pricing strategy. Providing tiered pricing or less expensive options can allow the expansion of a customer base without sacrificing the premium perception.
Range of Courses: The breadth of subjects offered by Coursera and Udemy could indicate that Cloud Academy is much more specialized (Shurygin et al., 2021). Although specialization is good, there lies a chance for Cloud Academy to broaden the scope of its courses. This diversification could be into other allied fields that benefit from its existing strengths and competence, which may lead to a blue ocean by combining high quality with greater variety.
Technological Innovation: Although Cloud Academy is rated well, it does not lead in technological innovation. Cloud Academy could set itself apart from its competitors by investing in and leveraging new technologies like AI for personalized learning, VR or AR for immersive environments while at the same time positioning an attractive value proposition which is difficult to replicate (Matthew, Kazaure and Okafor, 2021).
Industry Partnerships: The high rating reveals that Cloud Academy has developed vital industry partnerships, and its courses are up to date (Obradovi?, Vla?i? and Dabi?, 2021). Developing these alliances further, perhaps even creating bespoke content or certifications with industry icons could provide a blue ocean strategy in the form of scarce yet valuable qualifications that are cherished by employers.
Micro Environment Analysis: SWOT and TOWS Matrix
SWOT Analysis for Cloud Academy
Strengths
|
Weaknesses
|
- High course quality
- Industry partnerships
- Technological innovation
- Learning flexibility
- Customer support
|
- Premium pricing
- Limited course range
- Limited market reach
- Higher competition
|
Opportunities
|
Threats
|
- Growing demand for online education
- Technological advancements
- Global expansion opportunities
- Industry-specific certifications
|
- Intense competition
- Market saturation
- Economic downturn
- Regulatory changes
|
TOWS analysis
Strengths-Opportunities (SO) Strategies
|
Strengths-Threats (ST) Strategies
|
1. Leverage High Course Quality
|
1. Competitive Pricing Strategy
|
2. Industry Partnerships for Global Expansion
|
2. Diversify Course Range
|
3. Technology-Enhanced Certifications
|
Weaknesses-Opportunities (WO) Strategies
|
Weaknesses-Threats (WT) Strategies
|
1. Affordable Course Range Expansion
|
1. Cost Efficiency Measures
|
2. Market Reach Enhancement
|
2. Regulatory Compliance Planning
|
3. Affordable Technological Advancements
|
Notably, the SWOT analysis for Cloud Academy offers significant insights into its competitive advantage in the domain of online education (Benzaghta et al., 2021). Cloud Academy’s strengths are the excellent quality of courses, effective industry relationships; innovative technology utilized for course delivery methods as well flexibility in training options and that finally strong customer support. These strengths are an indication of the organization’s aspiration to provide the best quality content and support for its learners.
On the other hand, Cloud Academy has premium pricing issues, lack of a wide range of courses as well as market reach limitations In order to take advantage of opportunities, Cloud Academy can use its strengths by increasing coverage in nascent markets; pursuing strategic partnerships with partners across industries; and developing industry-specific professional certifications (Dwivedi et al., 2023). Furthermore, weaknesses remediation via competitive pricing approaches and course diversification can alleviate threats associated with competition rivalry or market saturation. In addition, focusing on cost-efficiency as well as proactive regulatory compliance planning will prevent the organisation from economic slumps and changes in regulations (Helmold and Terry, 2021). All in all, this analysis creates a strategic guide on how Cloud Academy can successfully manoeuvre its micro-environment and perform well amidst the rugged competitive environment of online education.
Value Chain Analysis
Value Chain Component |
Assessment and Comments |
Inbound Logistics |
Evaluation: Effective Comments: Cloud Academy efficiently manages the sourcing and acquisition of course materials, technology, and resources, ensuring timely availability for course development. |
Operations |
Evaluation: Highly Effective Comments: The organization excels in delivering high-quality courses, leveraging technology for seamless learning experiences, and maintaining rigorous content standards. |
Outbound Logistics |
Evaluation: Efficient Comments: Cloud Academy ensures smooth delivery of course materials to learners, both in terms of digital content access and physical materials if applicable. |
Marketing and Sales |
Evaluation: Effective Comments: The marketing and sales efforts effectively promote the value of Cloud Academy's courses, reaching target audiences and converting leads into learners. |
Service |
Evaluation: Outstanding Comments: Cloud Academy provides exceptional customer support, offering prompt responses to learner inquiries, personalized assistance, and a supportive learning community. |
Procurement |
Evaluation: Well Managed Comments: The organization efficiently procures technology solutions, content licenses, and resources, optimizing cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality standards. |
Technology and Infrastructure |
Evaluation: Advanced and Robust Comments: Cloud Academy boasts cutting-edge technology infrastructure, offering a seamless online learning environment with features like AI-driven recommendations and interactive learning tools. |
Human Resources |
Evaluation: Highly Skilled Workforce Comments: The organization invests in a skilled workforce with expertise in education, technology, and customer service, contributing to the overall quality of its offerings. |
Research and Development |
Evaluation: Innovative and Agile Comments: Cloud Academy actively engages in research and development to stay at the forefront of educational innovation, ensuring its courses remain relevant and up-to-date. |
Inbound Logistics: Through efficient procurement of course materials, technology and resources by Cloud Academy there is a smooth flow of essential elements needed for the development process (Mishra and Tyagi, 2022). These efficiencies enable the organization to sustain a steady supply of high-quality educational content, which is an essential element in ensuring successful retention and recruitment initiatives.
Operations: The operations of Cloud Academy are exemplified to be effective, which showcases its dedications to providing great quality training (Wang, 2023). Organisation uses latest technology to provide interactive and easy learning process for its users. In addition, the strict content standards are highly emphasized to ensure that learners receive premium education.
Outbound Logistics: The efficiency in outbound logistics guarantees a stress-free process for learners when retrieving course resources (Bozzi, Neves and Mont’Alvão, 2022). Regardless of whether it is digital content or physical materials, the procedure delivered by Cloud Academy guarantees a seamless delivery process.
Marketing and Sales: Cloud Academy successfully promotes its courses, attracting and converting targets into learners (Alenezi, 2023). However, the importance of marketing and sales in its development as an organization that offers such wide accessibility to education cannot be overstated.
Service: Cloud Academy stands out for the quality of its customer support. The organization addresses learner inquiries promptly, provides individualized assistance and encourages a positive learning space (An and Mindrila, 2020). This outstanding service greatly increases learner satisfaction.
Procurement: Cloud Academy’s procurement management is properly executed, achieving a balance between cost-efficiency and value (PUICA, 2020). This approach ensures that the organization purchases technology solutions, content licenses and resources to support its operations.
Technology and Infrastructure: Cloud Academy has cutting-edge and robust technology and infrastructure which help in creating a hassle free online learning environment (Begum and P., 2021). These features include AI-driven recommendations and interactive learning tools that create a unique educational experience, making Cloud Academy an innovative pedagogue.
Human Resources: Firstly, the organization highly esteems its people who are experts in education, technology and customer service. This cloud workforce experience is a crucial resource that enhances the quality of Cloud Academy solutions.
Research and Development: Being dedicated to research and development, Cloud Academy keeps its courses cutting edge. The organisation’s ability to adapt and innovate in response to the dynamic education environment and emerging technologies makes it a leader within the sector, ensuring that its courses are always current (Bhatia, 2021).
VRIO Analysis
Resource / Capability
|
Value
|
Rarity
|
Inimitability
|
Organization
|
High-Quality Course Content
|
Valuable
|
Rare
|
Inimitable
|
Organized
|
Industry Partnerships
|
Valuable
|
Rare
|
Inimitable
|
Organized
|
Technological Innovation
|
Valuable
|
Rare
|
Inimitable
|
Organized
|
Customer Support
|
Valuable
|
Common
|
Sustainable
|
Organized
|
Skilled Workforce
|
Valuable
|
Common
|
Sustainable
|
Organized
|
Brand Reputation
|
Valuable
|
Common
|
Sustainable
|
Organized
|
High-Quality Course Content
The course content offered by Cloud Academy is beneficial owing to the fact that it attracts learners seeking quality education. It is rather exceptional since not all providers of online education are able to provide such high-quality services. It is un-replicable since imitating the depth and mastery in creation of content would be difficult to achieve. The organization manages this resource in an effective way and utilizes it as a source of competitive advantage.
Industry Partnerships
Industry partnerships are also important because they improve course practicality (Dai et al., 2021). It is uncommon for the reason that not all rivals have such close relationships with players in the industry. They are unique as creating such bonds require time and energy. Cloud Academy effectively structures these alliances to achieve a competitive advantage.
Technological Innovation
Technological innovations are useful because they improve the quality of learning (Cheong et al., 2021). It is infrequent due to the fact that not all competitors spend a lot of money on technology. It is also unique because mimicking the sophisticated technology infrastructure is difficult. The organization effectively manages and uses technology to provide a competitive advantage.
Customer Support
While being highly valuable, remarkable customer support is quite common in the industry. It is sustainable in that it can be sustained over time. Cloud Academy effectively manages and maintains its customer support.
Skilled Workforce
The workforce is a valued quality, but it is widely prevalent in the industry (Ghobakhloo et al., 2021). It is sustainable only if the organization does not lose its talented employees. Cloud Academy is very effective in organizing and managing its human resources.
Brand Reputation
Brand reputation can be valuable and long-standing (Dann and McLeod, 2020). Although it may not be uncommon, keeping a favorable brand image is essential. Cloud Academy operates and maintains her reputation.
Furthermore, Cloud Academy has unique and valuable resources as well as core competencies which include the superior content quality, strong industry partnerships, a steady flow of innovative technologies. Such resources are arranged efficiently, which ensures a stable competitive advantage. Further, customer support, strong human capital and brand reputation help build the overall competitive advantages of this firm in online education market (Kryscynski, Coff and Campbell, 2020).
Culture Web
This makes Cloud Academy’s Culture Web assessment very important because it helps to understand the organization specific cultural attributes that take a critical role in determining strategic orientation (Azeem et al., 2021). The behaviors that lie at the core of Cloud Academy’s culture revolve around innovation and continuous learning. The attitude of employees and instructors also indicates the approach to comply with trends in technology and education being proactive, making changes a must (Azeem et al., 2021). Collaboration is not just a catchy phrase, but an inherent tenet that fosters knowledge and skills exchange to improve the quality of course material. This collaborative nature manifests in the organizations’ customer-centric behavior, where a high dedication towards offering excellent support to clients is visible.
As far as physical environment is concerned while specific details are absent but it seems reasonable to assume that Cloud Academy’ space aligns with its culture of innovation and technology, which ensures the facilitative condition for creativity and progress (Batra et al., 2020). Symbolically the branding materials of the organization such as its logo denote themes on innovation, technology and education which serve to act out embodiment of it’s core personality.
Values also form the bedrock of these behaviours and symbols (Sutrisno Sutrisno, 2023). Information quality is considered to be Cloud Academy’s top priority, as evidenced by its consistent focus on high-quality course content and strategic partnership with leading industry partners. The values of continuous improvement and adaptability lay the groundwork for efforts aimed at developing innovations in technology to maintain organizational agility upon technological changes (Grass, Backmann and Hoegl, 2020). Furthermore, the organization strongly embraces customer-centric values that connect all learners through their diverse needs and concerns being served in a timely manner which nurtures trust and satisfaction.
The procedures of the Cloud Academy are evidence to its quality orientation. All these practices are also routines, and their implementation guarantees that the course materials stay relevant to modernity standards. These routines enable interdependent work, whereby the culture is one of continual learning by employees and teachers (Mullen and Klimaitis, 2019). Narratives either about learner successes or the organization’s future from its beginnings in 2013 to present-day growth and industry acclaim serve as motivational stories. They motivate workers and stakeholders towards the actualization of its mission vision.
Control mechanisms are present to sustain the quality of course material and ensure that it meets what industry requires (Ammar et al., 2021). The company monitors KPIs regarding customer satisfaction, course completion rates and revenue generation in order to measure the success rate of its strategies employed as well analyze whether their cultural values are turning into results.
The McKinsey 7S Model
Value Chain Component |
Assessment and Comments |
Inbound Logistics |
Evaluation: Effective Comments: Cloud Academy efficiently manages the sourcing and acquisition of course materials, technology, and resources, ensuring timely availability for course development. |
Operations |
Evaluation: Highly Effective Comments: The organization excels in delivering high-quality courses, leveraging technology for seamless learning experiences, and maintaining rig
Aspect |
Description |
Alignment/Renforcement |
Strategy |
Cloud Academy's strategy focuses on delivering high-quality online education through technological innovation and industry partnerships. |
Aligned |
Structure |
The organizational structure is designed to support innovation, with cross-functional teams and a flat hierarchy. |
Aligned |
Systems |
Systems are in place to support continuous improvement, including content updates, technology integration, and customer support. |
Aligned |
Shared Values |
Shared values include a commitment to learning, innovation, quality, and customer-centricity. |
Reinforced |
Skills |
The organization invests in a skilled workforce with expertise in education, technology, and customer service. |
Aligned |
Staff |
The workforce is aligned with the organization's values and strategy, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. |
Aligned |
Style |
The leadership style emphasizes collaboration, open communication, and a focus on results. |
Aligned |
orous content standards. |
Outbound Logistics |
Evaluation: Efficient Comments: Cloud Academy ensures smooth delivery of course materials to learners, both in terms of digital content access and physical materials if applicable. |
Marketing and Sales |
Evaluation: Effective Comments: The marketing and sales efforts effectively promote the value of Cloud Academy's courses, reaching target audiences and converting leads into learners. |
Service |
Evaluation: Outstanding Comments: Cloud Academy provides exceptional customer support, offering prompt responses to learner inquiries, personalized assistance, and a supportive learning community. |
Procurement |
Evaluation: Well Managed Comments: The organization efficiently procures technology solutions, content licenses, and resources, optimizing cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality standards. |
Technology and Infrastructure |
Evaluation: Advanced and Robust Comments: Cloud Academy boasts cutting-edge technology infrastructure, offering a seamless online learning environment with features like AI-driven recommendations and interactive learning tools. |
Human Resources |
Evaluation: Highly Skilled Workforce Comments: The organization invests in a skilled workforce with expertise in education, technology, and customer service, contributing to the overall quality of its offerings. |
Research and Development |
Evaluation: Innovative and Agile Comments: Cloud Academy actively engages in research and development to stay at the forefront of educational innovation, ensuring its courses remain relevant and up-to-date. |
Strategy (Aligned):
The strategy of Cloud Academy is consistent with the mission and vision. The strategic orientation towards the delivery of high-quality online education through technological innovation and industry partnerships is readily observable in everyday activities. This vertical integration makes sure that all organizational activities are geared towards the achievement of strategic goals. It is also important to note that employees have a clear understanding of the strategic direction as well its vision and purpose.
Structure (Aligned):
The organizational structure of Cloud Academy is in line with its strategy and provides the necessary support. It demonstrates agility and adaptability, featuring cross-functional groups and moderate hierarchical approach. The sort of structure promotes innovation and makes fast decisions helping the organization keep up with its status as a technological pioneer in education. It makes certain that the structure of organization does not become a constraint in strategy execution but rather an enabler.
Systems (Aligned):
The existing systems of Cloud Academy fit well with its strategic goals. Such systems feature continuous content refreshes to ensure the relevance of courses, technology integration that makes learning easier, and responsive customer service. These are tailor-made operational systems designed to support the broad strategy of offering quality education. They promote an environment whereby the organization can respond to learners’ changing needs and trends of online learning.
Shared Values (Reinforced):
The values on which Cloud Academy is based are not only consistent with the company’s strategy but also inextricably linked to its culture. Learning, innovation, quality and customer-centricity are not just mere phrases but a way of life for employees (Fader, 2020). These values represent norms that influence behavior as well as decision-making process at all levels. They enhance the direction of strategy in an organization by creating a common perspective on importance.
Skills (Aligned):
The investment that Cloud Academy makes in a skilled workforce is closely linked to its strategic purposes. The organization understands the need to have experts in education, technology and customer service for its promise of quality educational services delivery (Dimitrov et al., 2020). These competencies are not only appreciated but effortlessly cultivated to make sure that the workforce remains focused on the organization’s strategic mandates.
Staff (Aligned):
Cloud Academy’s workforce fits the setting of its norm and mission. Employees also have a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. Further, this alignment is not only a matter of inductive but persistent engagement to guarantee that the organizational culture supports strategic embodiment. Staffers understand how their role aids in attaining the strategic objectives.
Style (Aligned):
In Cloud Academy, leadership plays a role in the alignment. Emphasizing teamwork, clear communication and delivery of results drives the organization in its direction (Gutierrez et al., 2022). This form of leadership is compatible with the internal structure and values of the organization, leading to an environment that fosters innovation through which strategic execution becomes evident. leaders set the template for all employees in the workplace.
Weighted Average Matrix for Strategic Actions
Strategic Action
|
Potential Impact (Weight: 1-5)
|
Feasibility (Weight: 1-5)
|
Alignment with Goals (Weight: 1-5)
|
Overall Score (Potential Impact x Feasibility x Alignment)
|
1. Expand Course Offerings
|
4
|
4
|
5
|
80
|
2. Enhance Technological Infrastructure
|
5
|
4
|
4
|
80
|
3. Strengthen Industry Partnerships
|
5
|
3
|
5
|
75
|
4. Invest in Marketing & Promotion
|
4
|
5
|
4
|
80
|
5. Improve Learner Experience
|
5
|
4
|
5
|
100
|
The Weighted Average Matrix has been used to determine the level of impact, feasibility and proportionality that potential strategic actions aimed at Cloud Academy would have. Each action was carefully evaluated, and the outcomes indicate promising directions for future organizational development (Lopez, Rangel and Fernández, 2022).
Furthermore, the idea to enlarge course lists appears as a beneficial solution that can attract different people and reinforce incomes. This blends perfectly with Cloud Academy’s vision of providing quality online education. Second, the development of technical infrastructure offers a promising opportunity. It has the ability to dramatically enhance learning experience, hence boosting satisfaction and leaving users retained an essential feature in the contemporary online education market.
Third, the decision to build industry partnerships is very effective because it gives an organization access to resources and has a chance of acquiring understanding from industries that boost course offerings hence strengthening its reputation (Dentoni, Pinkse and Lubberink, 2020). Fourth, marketing and promotion investment is regarded as beneficial. This step can radically improve Cloud Academy’s popularity, growing the number of users and making this organization a brand name in online educational courses. Furthermore, the attempt to enhance learner outcomes is particularly commendable. This activity carries significant promise to increase learner satisfaction, raise the completion rate of courses and spread positive word-of-mouth recommendations that are directly linked with Cloud Academy’s mission for premium online education services.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
KPI |
Measurement |
Elaboration |
User Growth |
New user registrations per month |
Measures the growth of Cloud Academy's user base, indicating the effectiveness of marketing and promotion efforts. |
Course Enrollment Rate |
Percentage of registered users who enroll in a course |
Evaluates the attractiveness of course offerings and user engagement strategies. |
Course Completion Rate |
Percentage of enrolled users who successfully complete a course |
Assesses the quality of course content, user experience, and teaching methods. |
User Satisfaction Score |
User ratings and feedback on course content and the learning platform |
Indicates the quality of education provided by Cloud Academy and learner satisfaction. |
Revenue Growth |
Monthly or quarterly revenue growth compared to previous periods |
Ensures that strategic actions contribute to financial success. |
Industry Partnerships |
Number of new industry partnerships established |
Monitors the effectiveness of efforts to strengthen relationships with industry leaders. |
Technological Infrastructure Performance |
Platform uptime, load times, and user-reported technical issues |
Gauges the performance of the technological infrastructure and user experience. |
Marketing ROI |
Return on investment from marketing and promotional activities |
Assesses the efficiency of marketing efforts in acquiring new users. |
Course Quality Metrics |
User ratings for individual courses, completion rates, and course update frequency |
Helps identify areas for improvement and ensures up-to-date course content. |
Learner Progress Tracking |
Average time spent on the platform, number of courses completed per user, and progression through learning paths |
Evaluates user engagement and the effectiveness of the learning journey. |
Customer Support Metrics |
Average response time to user queries, resolution rates, and user satisfaction with customer support |
Assesses the efficiency and effectiveness of customer support. |
Retention Rate |
Percentage of users who continue using the platform after initial course completion |
Signifies success in providing ongoing value and engagement to learners |
Risk Management
Strategic Action |
Potential Risks |
Impact |
Likelihood |
Mitigation Strategies |
Expand Course Offerings |
1. Market Saturation |
High |
Moderate |
Conduct thorough market research to identify gaps and demand. Diversify course offerings. |
2. Resource Overstretch |
High |
Moderate |
Carefully allocate resources and prioritize high-impact courses. |
3. Quality Control |
Moderate |
Low |
Implement a rigorous quality assurance process for new courses. |
Enhance Technological Infrastructure |
1. Technical Glitches |
High |
Moderate |
Regularly monitor and update the infrastructure. |
2. Implementation Challenges |
High |
Moderate |
Plan and execute upgrades systematically. |
Strengthen Industry Partnerships |
1. Partnership Dissolution |
High |
Low |
Establish clear partnership agreements and communication channels. |
2. Dependent on Partner's Success |
Moderate |
Low |
Diversify partnerships across different industries. |
Invest in Marketing & Promotion |
1. High Marketing Costs |
High |
Moderate |
Optimize marketing strategies to maximize ROI. |
2. Increased Competition |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Focus on unique value propositions and differentiation. |
Improve Learner Experience |
1. Resistance to Change |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Implement change management strategies. Involve users in design. |
2. Technical Challenges |
Moderate |
Low |
Provide comprehensive user support and training. |
Change Management: Force Field Analysis
Strategic Action |
Driving Forces (Supporting Change) |
Restraining Forces (Opposing Change) |
Mitigation Strategies |
Expand Course Offerings |
- Market demand for diverse courses. - Potential for revenue growth. - Alignment with growth strategy. |
- Resistance from current course developers. - Resource constraints. - Quality concerns. |
- Engage course developers in decision-making. - Allocate sufficient resources and training. - Implement rigorous quality control. |
Enhance Technological Infrastructure |
- Improved user experience. - Competitive advantage. - Alignment with tech-savvy culture. |
- Resistance to change among staff. - Budget constraints. - Technical glitches. |
- Communicate benefits to staff. - Secure budgetary support. - Regularly monitor and maintain upgrades. |
Strengthen Industry Partnerships |
- Access to industry expertise. - Enhanced course content. - Increased credibility. |
- Skepticism from existing partners. - Potential conflicts. - Uncertainty about value. |
- Transparently communicate benefits. - Establish clear agreements and guidelines. - Showcase success stories. |
Invest in Marketing & Promotion |
- Increased brand visibility. - Attraction of a larger user base. - Revenue growth potential. |
- Resistance to increased expenses. - Concerns about overemphasis. - Attracting unqualified users. |
- Provide ROI analysis of marketing. - Balance marketing with quality. - Implement user qualification processes. |
Improve Learner Experience |
- Higher learner satisfaction. - Positive word-of-mouth. - Enhanced course completion rates. |
- Resistance to platform changes. - Technical challenges for users. - Disruption of learning patterns. |
- Involve users in design. - Provide comprehensive support and training. - Communicate benefits of improvement. |
Recommendations
- Diversifying Course Offerings for Market Expansion:
Taking advantage of its knowledge and market strength, Cloud Academy can gradually develop the variety if its courseware offer (Mok and Marginson, 2021). This strategic option includes the development of a broader range courses dedicated to different learner groups’ skill levels and dealing with modern trends in technology. While doing this, Cloud Academy can capture a wider target market and earn its income from different industries so that it becomes the only technology learning center. This growth is aligned with what the organization targeted and it would translates to significant revenue generation as well as high market penetration.
- Investment in Technological Advancements:
Cloud Academy has to strengthen its technological infrastructure in an attempt to stay ahead of the competition or succeed amidst a highly volatile market condition created by online education. This strategic alternative encompasses investing in LMS platform enhancement to provide a glitch free user interface, faster loading times and fewer technical issues. A technological advanced and easy to use platform can improve the satisfaction, retention rates as well as engagement of learners offered by Cloud Academy (Abuhassna et al., 2020). In the same vein, this is in line with organization’s tech-oriented culture and a need to offer only top quality online teaching.
- Strengthening Industry Partnerships for Content Relevance:
One of the most powerful strategic alternatives that help to significantly enhance Cloud Academy instructional material especially its relevance is engaging in industry partnerships (How and Cheah, 2023). This approach involves the collaboration with renowned professionals who provide beneficial resources, niche-specific expertise and related content. Taking this route, Cloud Academy can assist the learners in acquiring knowledge relevant to their subject based on current industrial trends. Not only does this increase the quality of education, but it also *enhances* credibility and reputation in industry. Building these alliances helps the organization achieve its objective of ensuring that the education offered is on par with industry standards and being aware of technological trends.
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