Premium Essay

Apollo Group (University of Phoenix) Case

In:

Submitted By lspires87
Words 1497
Pages 6
1. Briefly describe Apollo group's original mission. What is their mission now? How has their mission changed, if at all?

John Sperling started the Apollo Group, parent company of the University of Phoenix, in 1976. Sperling’s goal was to revolutionize orthodox higher education, and most people would say that he has done just that. Rather than catering to 18-22 year olds looking to find themselves, Sperling focused on the then-neglected market of working adults. He also recruited working professionals as teachers, rather than tenured professors. Most radical of all, while nearly all other universities are nonprofit, Sperling ran his university to make money.

From the Apollo Group’s website, “Apollo Group, Inc. was founded in 1973 in response to a gradual shift in higher education demographics from a student population dominated by youth to one in which approximately half the students are adults and over 80 percent of whom work full-time. Apollo's founder, John Sperling, believed—and events proved him right—that lifelong employment with a single employer would be replaced by lifelong learning and employment with a variety of employers. Lifelong learning requires an institution dedicated solely to the education of working adults.”

The case also provides the following UOP quote:

By providing an accessible, high quality education, University of Phoenix is producing successful outcomes—graduates who are better positioned to enjoy the professional financial and personal benefits that a degree brings, as well as a more educated, competitive society as a whole.

Through a framework of thoughtful and consistent regulation, well managed proprietary colleges and universities— those that are committed to responsible, ethical practices and regulatory compliance—play a vital role in the future of America’s higher education system, helping it to

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Case Study - University of Phoenix

...Case Study – Apollo Group The Apollo Group was founded in 1973 by John Sperling. He saw a shift in higher education from the traditional younger college student to the working professional. He believed there was a need for an educational institute dedicated to working adults. With this in mind, the Apollo Group has several subsidiaries such as University of Phoenix, Carnegie Learning, Apollo Global, College for Financial Planning and Western International University to name a few. University of Phoenix was founded in 1976 and is not only Apollo Group’s largest subsidiary, but also one of the largest private, accredited higher education institutes in the country. The University operates ground campuses in over 100 locations across the country, plus offers online programs globally. The University of Phoenix makes up almost 92% of the Apollo Groups total revenue and thus the subsidiary focused on the most. University of Phoenix offers adult learners associate, bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees in over 20 different programs. They offer different learning platforms with online and ground campuses. They have a student population well over 350,000 and more than 700,000 alumni. They are the largest provider of education for adult learners in the United States. While they are the largest, they are by no means the only. There are several for-profit educational companies that directly compete with University of Phoenix and its parent company the Apollo Group. A...

Words: 3358 - Pages: 14

Free Essay

Virtual Organization Manual Week 5

...Intro: Virtual Organization is the measure for providing practice and functions of work in a corporation. This provides the view and functions of a corporation’s website and the interior sections for employees’ website. This provides students the ability to be aware of the sections of a corporation’s functions with or before the work experience. The education in this provides the viewpoints necessary for organization and maintaining a corporate world. This manual provides the different sections of different work environments for corporations. This is a measure of providing a learning experience. Those that are new to the work concept will learn the basis of the corporation from the Virtual Organization. This is a functional level of experience by a virtual corporation. However, these are not actually correct in the information they provide. They are decided and engineered forms of a corporation’s websites with outer and internal functions. This assists with the education of a company’s work provided by its virtual websites. Towards the ending of the manual are the measures necessary to follow for attaining the Virtual Organization website. The key factors of login, materials, and selection for Virtual organization explained toward the end of the manual with brief pictures for view. The last paragraphs of the manual will provide a conclusion of the functions and guidance for the student’s future use of the Virtual Organization website. ...

Words: 4462 - Pages: 18

Premium Essay

Uop Against Criticism

...[pic] Managing Strategically Case No.47: “The Apollo Group” TABLE OF CONTENTS Sections 2 Section a 2 1 Introduction 2 2 Core Competencies 3 2.1 Developing core competencies 4 2.2 Uses of core competencies 4 3 Core Competencies of the Apollo Group Inc 4 3.1 Skilled Workforce 4 3.2 Good Market Share 4 4 Key Success Factors 4 4.1 Product 4 4.2 Customer service 4 5 Strategy Implementation 4 6 Conclusion 4 7 references 4 8 Table Of Figures 4 Sections This report is divided into three sections Section A – Introduction, core competencies Section B – Key Success Factors and alternative strategies Section C – Strategy implementation and conclusion Section a Introduction According to Apollo Group Inc, Corporate Information, “Apollo Group, Inc. was founded in 1973 in response to a gradual shift in higher education demographics from a student population dominated by youth to one in which approximately half the students are adults and over 80 percent of whom work full-time. Apollo's founder, John Sperling, believed and events proved him right that lifelong employment with a single employer would be replaced by lifelong learning and employment with a variety of employers. Lifelong learning requires an institution dedicated solely to the education of working adults. Today, Apollo Group, Inc. through its subsidiaries, the University of Phoenix (including University of Phoenix Online), the Institute for Professional...

Words: 2399 - Pages: 10

Free Essay

Swott

...The Apollo Group, Inc. has an interesting beginning and was able to finally find eventual success. The Apollo Group founded the University of Phoenix in 1976, the founder was Dr. John Sperling. Dr John Sperling decided to go after an opportunity that consisted of creating a university geared toward working adults. Since 1976 the Apollo Group, Inc. has forged ahead and found a spot on the Fortune 500 list falling from it’s number 452 spot in 2011 to its 2012 number 504 ranking. How Apollo Group reached that spot was discussed in a case study developed by Richard B. Robinson in 2009. From this case study I have done a SWOT analysis and came up with a few strategies. A business SWOT can uncover internal strengths and external opportunities along with weaknesses and threats. SWOT ANALYSIS Internal University Strengths and Weaknesses Strengths * Geared towards working adults * Faculty are working professionals within their profession * flexible by holding classes in leased office spaces which cuts down on costs * Large name recognition Weaknesses * Profit margins could be hampered by significant spending on research and development and information technology * UOP recruiter’s salaries based solely on number of recruits * Slow approval for students being properly schooled * Younger student still interested in enrolling in conventional 4 year universities External Opportunities and Threats Opportunities * Students from developing countries...

Words: 274 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

American Public Education, Inc

...Case # 6 American Public Education, Inc.+ BUS 590 Business Strategy Case # 6: American Public Education, Inc. This case discusses about the institution American Public Education, Inc. or APEI, its uniqueness and its competitive advantage. It will also compare its performance with other top known universities. This paper will also analyze their financial stability, their balance sheets and what does it tell to the investors. Uniqueness of APEI American Public Education, Inc. or APEI is a university that offers mobility in education. It means that they are offering online classes so that people can study anywhere around the globe through the access of the internet. The school positions itself in a niche market by providing education to the military. They capitalize on the large market of online education in national security, homeland security and public safety personnel. APEI offers a unique and attractive proposition- access to high quality of education at an affordable price. APEI’s performance with other for profit universities Currently, APEI is ranked on the 34th on the Best Online Bachelors Program. Of all the 283 school that was surveyed APEI is considered one of the top schools in USA. Some of the competitors of APEI are Apollo Educational Group, Inc. in which University of Phoenix is under this company and DeVry Educational Group. In terms of net income, APEI has a low net income compared to the big educational corporations like Apollo and DeVry. Currently...

Words: 662 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Gene One Benchmarking

...Gene One Benchmarking University of Phoenix Abstract Organizational leadership relates to the elements/content of organizational culture. Through the process of group/team formation within the organization, leaders develop/apply varying leadership styles to enhance/ influence individual performance. Implementation strategies for managing the group process are identified to enhance group/team performance within all levels of the organization while examining the roles/interaction of its members. The purpose is to analyze efforts other organizations take and help Gene One formulate improvement initiatives/alternatives. The focus is to guide Gene One toward incorporating leadership styles that will transform the organization into a publicly held corporation while developing strategies to manage the group/team process through conflict resolution methods and appropriate role/interaction methodologies leading to transformational changes that will benefit all stakeholders. Organizations today must continually evolve, change, and enhance current ways of operating in order to maintain market penetration or grow. The most successful organizations are those who employ leaders capable of visualizing the transformational changes necessary to mitigate the threat of competition. These leaders are skilled at sharing their vision and engaging the workforce in a corporate culture where associates feel valued and empowered. Through this type of culture,...

Words: 5291 - Pages: 22

Free Essay

Improving Organizational Performance Paper

...has made some assumptions that the performance decline is a reflection of the heavy recruitment throughout the year and the unfamiliarity between the team members. Celsey was confident that the team members of Airdevils would resolve matters with passage of time; however, after two years the problems surfaced, matters have become worse and the time had come to figure out the root cause of the problems. Celsey administered the Job Description Index (JDI) survey to Airdevils employees and the results reflected a very low-level of job satisfaction, especially the stunt performers (Apollo Group Inc, 2005). The organization, through an outside consulting firm progresses through four phases to address and improve employee’s job performance. In phase one the Airdevils hired Dream Teamworks (DT) to assist in identifying the reason for the low job satisfaction in the stunt performers group. After interpreting the JDI survey DT concluded the cause of low job satisfaction among stunt performers was the lack of exciting challenges in their current job profiles. The main driver for this is the rigid organizational structure that has evolved at Airdevils. The division of personnel into different skills sets meant performers only performed stunts the specialized in and ultimately forced stunt performer into a routine, which is in direct conflict with the risk-taking persona of the adventurous workforce. DT recommended changing employee perceptions through intervention...

Words: 1527 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Acc544 Syllabus

...[pic] |Course Syllabus School of Business ACC/544 Internal Control Systems | |Copyright © 2010, 2009, 2008 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. Course Description In this course, students gain a broad perspective of accounting and control that considers attainment of all goals of the organization, including those concerned with financial objectives. Topics include an overview of control, risk management, internal control systems, controls for current asset functions, controls for other accounting classifications, controls for information technology systems, and reporting on controls. Policies Students will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: • University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. • Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum. University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality. Course Materials Louwers, T. J., Ramsay, R., Sinason, D., & Strawser, J. (2007). Auditing and assurance services: A look beneath the surface (2nd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. McCarthy, M. P. & Flynn, T. P. (2004). Risk from the CEO and board perspective: What all managers...

Words: 1676 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Syllabus

... | | |ACC/546 Version 2 | | |Auditing | Copyright © 2009, 2008, 2007 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. Course Description In this course, students focus on the auditing practice performed by public accountants. Topics include the CPA profession and the auditor’s role, planning the audit, audit reporting and required communications, evaluating internal controls, audit programs for current assets and liabilities, and audit programs for other business cycles. Policies Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: • University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. • Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum. University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality. Course Materials Arens, A. A., Elder, R. J., & Beasley, M. S. (2006). Auditing and assurance...

Words: 2385 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Mythology

...borrow | |their theme from myths. Because of your many requests, I've provided a couple of thousand | |excellent examples to help you get started in your research. Remember, you're surrounded | |by mythology in today's society, whether you realize it or not!  | Mythological Influence on Modern... |[pic]Companies & Groups |[pic]Planets & Constellations | |[pic]  Words & Expressions |[pic]Literary & Pop Culture | [pic]American Cities Named From Mythology [pic] COMPANIES & GROUPS |Mythology is everywhere! There are hundreds of companies, groups and corporations that take their name, logo or theme from ancient mythology. | |I've provided a variety of examples to help you in starting your research. Some are well-known international companies, others are of a more | |local nature. | |Aegis - Zeus and Athena's protective shield; modern group of insurance companies (The Aegis Group). | |Ajax - Greek warrior in the Trojan War, who "cleaned up" in battle; popular household cleanser. | |Amazon - Race of warrior women; amazon.com - huge on-line bookstore. | |Ares -...

Words: 5942 - Pages: 24

Premium Essay

Peckinpaw Davis

...Remington Peckinpaw Davis Inc. Problem Solution: Remington Peckinpaw Davis Inc. University of Phoenix Remington Peckinpaw Davis is an asset management firm that is experiencing technical issues with their online trading services. The company, a trading enterprise was created by Sam Remington, a well-known Wall Street pacesetter. The firm does not have a streamlined information technology (IT) department that has the capability to fix the numerous issues that they are having. The company must determine how to fix the problem before they lose customers or get into very serious trouble with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). “Successful implementation requires both technical and social skills. Project managers have to plan and budget projects as well as orchestrate the contributions of other” (Gray & Larson, 2006. p. 15). Issues with the innovative online trading site soon began to surface. The project manager, Harlan Davis is a novice with little management skills. The project cost deemed to be expensive and useless. “Project managers are expected to marshal resources to complete a fixed-life project on time, on budget and within specifications” (Gray & Larson, 2006, p. 7). References Gray, C. & Larson, E. (2006). Project Management: The managerial process. McGraw-Hill, NY University of Phoenix (2011) Remington Peckinpaw Davis Scenario. Apollo Publishing Group. Table 1 Issues and Opportunities Identification Issues | Opportunities | Reference...

Words: 1004 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Communicatin Plan

...Riordan Manufacturing Management and Communication Plan Riordan Manufacturing does not have a defined management and communication plan in place. Management hired a team of consultants to write-up and define the company’s power and political structure, organizational structure, possible effects on employee behavior, details on the company’s culture, and possible sources of resistance. The plan also includes a strategy to implement the changes, determine how to evaluate the success or failure of the new plan, define the most appropriate communication channel to advise employees of the new change, define potential barriers to effective communicate the change, and how to overcome these barriers if they do occur. The following is this plan with each of the listed topics. The current power structure of Riordan Manufacturing is a formal structure concerning the entire organization’s global operations. With facilities and plants in three different locations making different cultures and time zones variables of the organizations structure, formal rules establish a clear set of objectives and procedures for each individual plant’s operations to accomplish the organizations overall objective. Because the internal structure is grouped and organized to allow the different locations to interact and share information that is vital to the success of the organization through research and development, the structure Riordan uses is a traditional structure. Characteristics of Riordan Manufacturing...

Words: 2271 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Marketing Research

...following the allowed guidelines of marketing research and analysis. Introduction Kathy Kudler, the founder of Kudler Fine Foods, loved to cook gourmet foods as a way of relieving the stress from her position with a defense contractor. When shopping for ingredients to prepare her gourmet fare, she realized a business opportunity for which she had been searching (Apollo Group, 2011). Kathy went to work developing a business plan and obtaining financing. The first Kudler Fine Food Store opened in La Jolla on June 18, 1998. The store caught on quickly, and a second store was opened in Del Mar in 2000 and still another in Encinitas, in 2003. Kudler Fine Foods offers quality gourmet foods like bakery products, meat, seafood, produce, cheese, dairy, and fine wines (Apollo Group, 2011). With the proven success of the opening of three locations in just five short years, Kudler Fine Foods is destined to continue to grow. With the mission statement, “Our selections, coupled with our experienced, helpful and knowledgeable staff, merge to offer each customer a delightful and pleasing shopping outing,” (Apollo Group,...

Words: 1463 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Law421

... |LAW/421 Version 1 | | |Contemporary Business Law | Copyright © 2011 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. Course Description This course reviews the U.S. legal system, common law and its development, organizational structures, and the regulatory environment pertinent to business. Students will learn to critically examine torts, crimes, and business ethics. They will also examine contracts; business associations including agencies, partnerships, and corporations; wills, estates, trusts, and other legal entities; securities regulations; and investor protections. Policies Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: • University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. • Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum. University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality. Course Materials Melvin, S. P. (2011)...

Words: 1244 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Mental Illness Paper

...Mental Illness Dallas Wilkerson University of Phoenix HCA/240 Brandi Sillerud June 27, 2010 Mental Illness Schizophrenia is a serious brain disorder that distorts the way a person thinks, acts, expresses emotions, perceives reality, and relates to others. People with schizophrenia often have problems functioning in society, at work at school, and in relationships. It is a life-long disease that cannot be cured, but usually can be controlled with proper treatment. Schizophrenia is not a split personality, which was a popular belief. A person with schizophrenia cannot tell what is real from what is imagined. A sudden change in personality and behavior, which occurs when people lose touch with reality, is called a psychotic episode. Schizophrenia varies from person to person. Some people have only one psychotic episode while others have many episodes during a life time, but live a relatively normal life between episodes. Schizophrenia symptoms worsen and improve in cycles known as relapse and remissions. Schizophrenia There are several types of schizophrenia and some may have the same symptoms. The different types of schizophrenia are named based on symptoms. The different types include: 1. Paranoid Schizophrenia 2. Disorganized Schizophrenia 3. Catatonic Schizophrenia 4. Undifferentiated Schizophrenia 5. Residual Schizophrenia The most common type is paranoid schizophrenia, which causes a person to have fearful thoughts and hear threatening voices...

Words: 1038 - Pages: 5