Exploring the Factors Behind the Success of University of Phoenix

This case study examines the factors contributing to the University of Phoenix's success as a for-profit college. Founded in 1976, the university quickly became a popular choice among students due to its innovative online classes, financial aid options, and corporate-level training. The university's dual-mode classroom approach, combining online and traditional learning, has been a key element in attracting a large student body. The case study also highlights the university's focus on meeting the needs of international students, particularly those from ethnic backgrounds, by bridging cross-cultural gaps and providing quality education. By employing strategies that cater to both domestic and international students, the University of Phoenix has established a strong brand reputation and achieved significant growth.

Running head: FACTORS BEHIND UNIVERSITY’S SUCCESS
Factors behind University Of Phoenix’s Success
Name of the university
Name of the student
Author note

1FACTORS BEHIND ORGANISATIONS’ SUCCESS
Question 1
University of Phoenix falls under the category of ‘for profit College’ which has been
offering facilities in higher studies in various spectrum like bachelors, master’s and doctoral
degrees as well as certificate degrees for high school diploma holders. It has been operating
the institute since 1976 and came under the most preferred universities among students within
a short duration. Phoenix practices dual mode of classroom culture starting from innovative
online classes, monetary support as loans along with professional corporate level training.
Such strategies led towards positive consequences with the progression of time and the
founder John Sperling was proud enough to announce this.
As stated in a ‘theory led’ case study written by Hope (2006), Phoenix university has
applied both the mode of classroom scenario; whether it may be online or traditional, has
been consistently considered as best practice to accomplish organisational objectives in terms
of increasing bulk amount of students at every academic year. Phoenix has brought the
concept of dual mode of studies within a classroom scenario maintaining a cost efficient
manner which directed them towards universities’ achievement. Apart from that, the
authority executed the offered curriculum satisfying the students’ perception of studying in a
foreign land. It supported to generate an elite brand reputation for Phoenix University.
Additionally, according to an ‘Ethnographic approach’ the case study of Austin and
Shen (2016) indicates, students from ethnic families with privileged background are being
progressively concerned for studying under a foreign curriculum, especially in United States.
Higher authority of University has decided to apply ethnographical approach and seek for
fulfilling requirements of students coming from ethnic background like China for achieving
future goals. The case study that has been mentioned previously by Austin and Shen (2016),
has highlighted the tendency of Chinese students while looking for a university or institute in

2FACTORS BEHIND ORGANISATIONS’ SUCCESS
a foreign country. To accomplish the target of admitting a certain number of students and
retain prosperity, Phoenix prefers to emphasize diminishing cross cultural gap and increasing
the quality education simultaneously.

3FACTORS BEHIND ORGANISATIONS’ SUCCESS
References
Austin, L., & Shen, L. (2016). Factors Influencing Chinese Students' Decisions to Study in
the United States. Journal of International Students, 6(3), 722-739.
Hope, A. (2006). Factors for success in dual mode institutions.