Internal Assessment of Rivers State University in Achieving Threshold, Distinctive, and Dynamic Educational and Business Capabilities

Abstract

Scanning an organization’s internal environment is necessary to identify strengths (internal capabilities/competencies) to be built on; weaknesses to be overcome; and potential external linkages, relevant to support. An internal assessment of Rivers State University was carried out via a resource audit, which entailed a survey/evaluation of available resources/competencies as well as deficiencies as a business entity. The internal assessment shows that Rivers State University possesses several core threshold resources and competencies. There are several functional building infrastructures, unique Science and Technology programs/research institutes/partnerships, extensive land coverage, and ICT competence. There are also several human resource competencies, which reinforce core threshold capabilities. This includes robust staff-facing activities with a strong emphasis placed on academic staff enhancement and highly regulated student-facing activities. This is further complemented by a renewed drive towards corporate entrepreneurship, with employability and research initiatives drawn in partnership with key industries in the region. RSU’s ability to proactively exploit external linkages and political links for internal support confers distinctive capabilities. RSU must however continue to exercise forward-thinking relevant to sustain such distinctive capabilities which should be underpinned by demand-driven institutional and organic responses that are in sync with its immediate environment.