Environmental SWOT analysis for the Engineering and Science Management (ESM) program in Alaska

The authors set strategies for developing the 30-year-old Engineering and Science Management (ESM) program at the University of Alaska, Anchorage, by analyzing its environment. Environmental analysis, with emphasis on its levels-the internal, operating, and external environments-is used. Major elements/stakeholders in each level are identified as information sources. Their effects on the program are classified into the SWOT framework-strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Active strategies combine internal strengths with external opportunities, while passive ones match internal weaknesses and external threats. A SWOT analysis identifies new tactics for fulfilling the ESM program´s mission