HPU Re-Accreditation, Research Paper Example

What is the situation that is currently preventing the client from realizing greater success in an important performance area? What is the current obstacle facing the client that requires resolution?

The client, Hawaii Pacific University is faced with the major task of re-accreditation by the Western association of schools and colleges. The re-accreditation process is set for the year 2015 and the HPU administration is currently implementing strategies that will ensure availability of financial surplus or at least a break even, to prevent it from getting sanctions from the WASC (western association of schools and colleges) (News, 2013). This situation is currently preventing the university from achieving its target success and the set objectives by forcing them to implement strategies that in the end will help them go through the re-accreditation process easily and cost effectively. Some of the harmful measures and decisions that are likely to demean the university’s performance include removal of some classes and programs and the laying off some administrative staff in efforts to lower operating costs (Pacific University, 2013).

The university is reported to have lost a large amount of money in the previous year hence most of their services are not running efficiently. Preparation for the re-accreditation program will register a change and negative impact on the overall performance and efficiency of the university. From the staff layoffs to removal of certain programs, students are likely to get the biggest blow since these occur drastically. Thus, the biggest obstacle that the university is currently facing is the financial crisis that they are fighting off before the re-accreditation process begins (News, 2013). This is the source of all their problems and requires an instant solution.

How is success measured (this is vital)? What are the major variables that define “success” (often discussed as “critical success factors”)?

Success can be measured using various factors; most of these are the critical success factors. These factors are paramount and define levels of satisfaction that both the students and the university staff get from the manner in which the institution is managed (Pacific University, 2013). For HPU, some of the critical factors that can be used to assess the levels of success include:

The rate at which students get employed after their studies. The labor market is normally on the without for best performers and candidates with excellent knowledge and skills in their areas of study. The HPU can thus rate their levels of excellence with the percentage of their students that are employed annually (News, 2013).

Job performance is also an important success critical factor. The manner in which the university employees carry out their functions and duties can show the success level of the organization. Well-motivated employees especially the lecturers and others staff members can work hard to satisfactorily meet the various student demands. However, cases like layoffs that have been witnessed in the HPU University can act to demoralize them since they do not have job security (News, 2013).

Finally, the steps taken by the administration to combat certain issues can point out their levels of success. For instance suspending certain classes and programs in efforts to saving operating costs may not be so viable since many students are forced to differ from their programs hence costing them time and money.

What specific metrics are used; what is the basis for measuring “success” or performance? These are often not be the same as the general measures above, and may or may not provide the information the client (or consultant) wants.

Metrics for measuring success vary from one organization to another. In the case of Hawaii Pacific University, the college can use a number of metrics to gauge their performance levels. Some of the metrics that can be used to measure success levels of the Hawaii Pacific University include the university’s rank on the college listing in terms of performance, the report issued after the re-accreditation can also be used as a specific metric for measuring the success levels of the college (Pacific University, 2013).

Marketability report of the college’s graduates can also act as good basis for measuring the organizational performance. Evaluation of staff competency is equally important metric for measuring performance. Competent staff is a good sign of excellence in an organization. These metrics among others can be used to measure organization’s level of success (Pacific University, 2013).

References

News. (2013, July 31). To combat a deficit, HPU cuts classes, lecturers – Hawaii News Now – KGMB and KHNL. To combat a deficit, HPU cuts classes, lecturers – Hawaii News Now – KGMB and KHNL. Retrieved November 16, 2013, from http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/22973087/to-combat-a-deficit-hpu-cuts-classes-lecturers

Pacific University. (2013, June 30). Hawaii Pacific University. Hawaii Pacific University. Retrieved November 16, 2013, from http://hpu.edu/CHSS/Communication/advertising_public_relations/index.html