Program Development

New program innovation is tightly coupled with the review, renewal, and discontinuation of existing programs. In fact, resource constraints severely limit new program creation without the reallocation of resources from redesigned or “sunset” programs. Even when resources are available, a successful development and launch requires a carefully constructed research and development (R&D) process. This R&D process begins with a perceived student, industry, or community problem that the institution seeks to address. Perceptions about the problem/opportunities will be validated through the various types of research (e.g., environmental scan, competitor analysis, industry trend spotting, etc.) and demand for new program alternatives will be accessed through extensive surveying (phone and Web) aimed at the potential students and employers. The market research also helps to define the scope and nature of the problem/opportunities as well as dimensions of the possible solution. Using data produced from the market research, Academica will collaborate with academic units to:

• Define the problem (e.g., magnitude, potential market, target audience)
• Assess the learning and service needs of the various constituents that will be served
• Determine the best institutional solution given organizational capacity and capabilities
• Conduct a gap analysis to identify gaps between the ideal solution and the institution’s capacity to deliver
• Identify the antecedents necessary for a successful program launch as well as sustainability of the program following the launch (e.g., additional instructors, needed services, online resources, marketing plan, leadership support)
• Develop a business plan that may include: a problem statement; the market context; constituent needs; program concept; program objective; learning outcomes; program risks and rewards; resource requirements (human and financial—including a detailed budget proposal); and key issues requiring decisions