Library System: Formal Analysis of University of Westminster
Dear Sirs:
The University of Westminster is a large university system located in London, England that serves global student populations. The University of Westminster has 4 campus library resource centers available for student use, including: Cavendish Campus Library, Harrow Campus LRC, Marylebone Campus Library and Regent Campus Library (WMIN, 2004). The libraries use ISLS, or information systems and library services to disseminate information to students, staff and visitors. Also in use is infoLinX. The purpose of a system such as ISLS is to improve accessibility to learning materials.
Currently the University serves the following: graduate and undergraduate students, international students, part time students, researchers, alumni, businesses, job applicants and external examiners. Major academic areas range from traditional sectors such as architecture, to more advanced areas such as digital media and e-commerce. The information system utilized by the University is analyzed below based on PEST analysis, value chain analysis and Porters 5 factors. The analysis conducted reveals that the University is currently utilizing competitive technology to provide students with an advantage; however the ability of the system to continue to be successful depends upon its ability to adapt in an environment of rapidly changing technology. The student population have a strong marketing influence and will continue to seek out the systems upgrades that will allow for the most reliable and expedient information, capable of supporting vast populations.
Analysis of System Benefits/Ability to Meet Students Needs
PEST analysis helps achieve a greater understanding of the position and potential direction a business can grow in, in this case the University library system (Chapman, 2001). Unlike a SWOT which simply measures a business unit or proposition, PEST analysis allows for measurement of the market as a whole, its potential, its attractiveness and growth or decline trends (Chapman, 2001). In the PEST analysis below we are examining the library information systems in use as related to their market, or the student population and general public as a whole.
Political
The library system ISLS and infoLinX utilized at the University of Westminster must have the ability to...
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