Project overview
Insight-led consultancy:
· Providing expert strategic support
· Developing data-driven plans
· Subject portfolios for the future
BCU were looking ahead
They asked us to provide strategic support, helping them analyse their subject portfolio, consolidate it and identify gaps for new portfolio development. Their ultimate aims? To grow their reputation, the quality of their course provision, student numbers and sustainable growth over the next five years.
Diving deep into the data
We undertook a rigorous research process. We carried out a market-led assessment of BCU’s subject portfolio, identifying its strengths, weaknesses and opportunity gaps. We did this using a vast range of data, looking at competitors, sector trends, industry insight and the student market.
We performed a macro environment and competitor audit
We focused on 15 subject areas identified through the initial phase, to review demand trends versus their peer set and the wider sector. While PEST analysis - in relation to UG degree study in the UK, provided an overview of the different macro-environmental factors to consider when looking to understand market growth or decline, business position and potential. The 15 course titles were scored in terms of the impact they would have on demand and ranked.
Further insight included:
· Subject specific overview - providing market-specific context on the impact on subject and course sustainability.
· Competitor audit – a desk-based review of published course content on each competitor institution’s websites, to identify areas of strength and weakness for BCU.
· Industry understanding – gaining the views of senior contacts at key employers to gauge market demand and employer requirements, to help prioritise courses.
What delivered a five-point plan
We turned all this research and insight into a proposed action plan, focusing on five key areas:
GROW
Areas currently performing well and with greater growth opportunity.
IMPROVE
Areas where additional growth is evident based on market demand.
STOP
Areas in decline and lacking growth opportunity and market demand.
MAINTAIN
Areas of stable recruitment that lack any real growth opportunity.
START
New opportunity areas not currently being maximised.
All underpinned by the insights gained through our robust approach to research.