QUALITY MANAGEMENT – SWOT ANALYSIS
Faculty of Communication SWOT Analysis and Improvement Measures
A. STRENGTHS
The Faculty of Communication has succeeded in distinguishing itself among other institutions offering similar programs and is progressing toward becoming a recognized brand. The Faculty’s strengths are particularly evident in the following areas:
Applied Education Model
The Faculty provides a comprehensive applied education framework designed to enhance students' sector-specific skills. Projects such as the Haber Üsküdar application newspaper, ÜÜTV, and ÜÜ Radio, along with laboratories and workshops, bolster students' experiential learning processes.
Accredited Undergraduate Programs
The accreditation of five distinct programs within the Faculty, coupled with the ongoing preparation of additional programs for accreditation, highlights a commitment to maintaining high standards of quality in both educational delivery and operational practices across multiple areas.
Research Focus and Scientific Contribution
The Faculty plays an active role in the advancement of scientific knowledge by prioritizing innovative and contemporary research initiatives within the field of communication studies. The range of projects undertaken - spanning both scientific inquiry and social responsibility - reflects the Faculty’s commitment to research excellence and societal impact.
International Academic Activities and Collaborations
Through initiatives such as the International Communication Days Symposium and the academic journal Etkileşim, the Faculty has increasingly enhanced its visibility and recognition on international academic platforms. Collaborative symposia and scientific events organized in partnership with institutions such as the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD) in Portugal, and Baku State University in Azerbaijan further demonstrate the Faculty’s strength in fostering international academic engagement and cooperation.
Erasmus and Student Exchange Opportunities
The Faculty’s participation in Erasmus Exchange Programs and the provision of diverse internship opportunities enable students to gain valuable international experience, reflecting a commitment to a globally oriented educational approach.
Double Major and Minor Program Opportunities
The Faculty of Communication fosters interdisciplinary expertise by providing students with the opportunity to pursue double major and minor programs both within the faculty and in collaboration with other academic units. This educational model underscores the Faculty’s dedication to interdisciplinary learning and its systematic incorporation into curricular design and research-oriented practices.
Strong Academic Staff
The academic staff of the Faculty, consisting of subject-matter experts including professors, lecturers, and research assistants, carries out teaching and learning activities in alignment with the Faculty’s strategic mission and vision. Their strong emphasis on research, as evidenced by high-quality scholarly publications and active involvement in academic projects, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the Faculty’s scholarly standing and institutional prestige.
Updated Curriculum
The undergraduate programs of the Faculty are systematically revised to remain responsive to the dynamic demands and emerging trends within the field of communication. Notably, the continuous enhancement of elective course offerings underscores the Faculty’s strategic commitment to curricular relevance, flexibility, and academic excellence.
Urban Campus Location and Transportational Advantages
The Faculty’s location in the urban core, combined with efficient transportation networks, ensures ease of access for both students and academic personnel. The presence of a centrally situated campus constitutes a significant institutional advantage, contributing to the Faculty’s appeal and operational effectiveness.
Strong Industrial Collaborations
The active involvement of experienced professionals from the media sector in course delivery, along with the Faculty’s close engagement with external stakeholders, ensures that educational processes are aligned with industry expectations. For instance, the New Media Workshop, launched in collaboration with Pigu Creative Agency during the 2024–2025 academic years, offers students both sector-specific knowledge and valuable networking opportunities. In nearly all departments within the Faculty, teaching and learning activities are enriched through workshop-based practical training.
Compulsory Internship Opportunities
The requirement for internships across all departments within the Faculty ensures that students are provided with critical opportunities to acquire professional experience. This structured integration of practical training into the curriculum contributes significantly to the development of highly qualified professionals, thereby strengthening the Faculty's educational framework.
Student-Centered Communication and Improvement Processes
The consistently increasing scores in student satisfaction surveys over the years highlight the Faculty’s student-centered approach to educational services. For example, in the 2024-2025 academic year, the satisfaction rate of 3.31 in student surveys, along with the effective use of systems such as OBS, STİX, and ALMS, underscores the Faculty’s strengths in facilitating communication between students and academic staff.
Physical and Technical Infrastructure
The Faculty’s radio and television studios, news workshop, computer laboratories, and library facilities serve as critical reinforcing elements that support practical training. These resources highlight a key strength of the Faculty in providing a robust infrastructure for experiential learning.
Brand-New Computer Hardwares
The internal hardware of computers in the Faculty's computer and design laboratories is regularly monitored and upgraded to meet evolving technological needs, ensuring students have access to up-to-date technological resources.
Student Clubs and Extracurricular Activities
The active engagement of student clubs and the organization of social, scientific, and cultural events significantly contribute to the personal and professional development of students. These activities reflect one of the Faculty’s core strengths.
Scholarly Productivity and Recognition
The academic staff's scholarly publications and awards, in conjunction with students' achievements in competitions such as the Aydın Doğan Young Communicators Competition, underscore the Faculty’s prominence and brand reputation within both national and international academic and professional communities.
Synergistic Collaboration Between Faculty and University Administration
The alignment and effective collaboration between the Faculty members and the University administration enable swift action in problem-solving and the efficient management of operational processes.
B. WEAKNESSES (AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT)
While the Faculty of Communication has made significant strides in its educational and operational processes, it is important to acknowledge areas that still require improvement. These include:
Enhancement of Academic Publication and Project Output
The Faculty has not yet achieved the anticipated level of academic publications and project output, highlighting the need for increased support and resources in this area. Strategic investments in financial and infrastructural resources to bolster research activities could substantially enhance academic productivity. Furthermore, it is anticipated that Faculty members dedicate additional time and effort to scholarly endeavors, thereby contributing to an elevated standard of academic output.
Increase in International Academic Mobility
The Faculty's international academic mobility has not yet attained the desired level of development. A more proactive engagement with exchange programs, such as Erasmus, could significantly enhance international academic collaborations and foster deeper global academic integration.
Improvement of Sports Facilities
The Faculty’s limited sports facilities present a deficiency in supporting the social and physical development of students. Expanding and enhancing the sports infrastructure could not only improve student satisfaction but also contribute to a more comprehensive and well-rounded educational experience.
C. OPPORTUNITIES
The Faculty of Communication possesses significant potential in terms of opportunities. The Faculty presents several key opportunities in the following areas:
Young and Promising Academic Staff
The Faculty of Communication offers substantial opportunities through its young and dynamic academic staff. These young scholars are adept at swiftly adapting to academic developments, contributing to their fields with innovative and contemporary approaches. Moreover, their international perspectives and active participation in academic activities provide a distinct advantage in enhancing the Faculty's global recognition and fostering academic collaborations. This emerging academic cohort positions the Faculty to lead innovative projects and adapt to industry transformations, reflecting strong potential for continued growth and development.
Physical Facilities, Educational Resources and Technological Infrastructure
The Faculty of Communication provides substantial advantages in terms of its physical facilities and technological resources, which are integral to communication education. The availability of applied education studios, television and radio production environments, state-of-the-art computer laboratories, interactive smartboards, and a comprehensive library system enables students to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical learning experiences. Additionally, the presence of social spaces fosters an environment that promotes student interaction and encourages the cultivation of creative processes. This robust infrastructure not only supports the development of professional competencies but also ensures that students receive an education that is aligned with the evolving demands and standards of the industry.
Urban Campus Location and Transportational Advantages
The Faculty of Communication's strategic location in the city center offers significant advantages to both students and academic staff. Its proximity to the heart of the city facilitates easy access to various media organizations, providing students with ample networking opportunities and the chance to gain industry experience during their studies and after graduation. Moreover, the availability of extensive transportation options enhances participation in the Faculty's educational processes, thereby contributing to increased student satisfaction and improving the overall efficiency of the Faculty.
Expertise and Experience in Quality Assurance and Accreditation Processes
Through its sustained engagement with İLEDAK accreditation processes, the Faculty of Communication has cultivated a significant body of institutional expertise in quality assurance. This accumulated experience underpins the systematic and continuous enhancement of educational practices, fostering a culture of excellence in teaching and learning. Moreover, such engagement ensures alignment with nationally and internationally recognized standards in higher education, thereby strengthening the Faculty’s institutional credibility and its capacity to offer a high-quality, student-centered academic environment.
Planning of New Academic Departments in Response to Sectoral Needs
The establishment of new academic departments in response to the evolving dynamics of the communication sector provides the Faculty of Communication with the opportunity to expand its educational scope across multiple disciplines. This strategic initiative not only enables the institution to address emerging sectoral demands but also offers students access to a broader range of specialization areas, thereby enhancing their academic and professional development.
The Establishment of Graduate Programs in Alignment with Undergraduate Programs
The establishment of new graduate programs aligned with undergraduate programs will contribute to the enhancement of academic research capacity. This will provide students with the opportunity to acquire in-depth knowledge and develop the competencies necessary for advancing to higher positions in their careers.
Increasing Momentum in Competition and Festival Participation
By enhancing student participation in competitions and festivals within the fields of media, communication, and the creative industries, the faculty can strengthen its academic and professional recognition. Such participation not only increases the visibility of student achievements but also elevates the faculty's brand value.
Advancing Industry Relations within the Context of Emerging Technologies
Developments in new technologies within the communication and media sectors offer a valuable opportunity for the faculty to strengthen its ties with the industry. The integration of new media tools and digitalization processes will foster an educational environment that enables students to acquire contemporary media practices and remain aligned with industry advancements.
Contributing through Local and Regional Collaborations, Knowledge Sharing, and Social Responsibility Projects
The faculty can foster strong connections with both the academic community and society by engaging in local and regional collaborations, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and social responsibility projects. Such endeavors will enhance the faculty's mission of contributing to societal development and provide valuable opportunities for students’ professional growth.
International Collaborations with Institutions under the Erasmus+ Program, Opportunities for Education and Internships Abroad
Through the Erasmus+ program, the faculty can provide students with opportunities for education and internships abroad, thereby fostering a global perspective. These opportunities will enable students to gain experience within diverse cultural contexts and acquire a competitive advantage in the international labor market.
D. THREATS
Considering the development and improvement process observed within the Faculty of Communication, it can be concluded that the faculty is not currently confronted with any significant threats. Among comparable institutions offering similar programs, it has emerged as a leader in terms of both educational quality and preference. In terms of student quotas and enrollment rates, it currently holds a prominent position. If this trend persists, no substantial threats are expected for the Faculty of Communication.
E. REMEDIATION MEASURES
The Faculty of Communication is already progressing with an approach focused on improvement and development. However, the following areas could be further strengthened to accelerate this process:
* Strengthening the academic staff in terms of quantity, in accordance with the accreditation criteria for communication faculties.
* Increasing the number of graduate programs offered by the faculty.
* Expanding the faculty’s international outreach, including bilateral agreements, faculty and student exchange programs, collaborative research, academic initiatives, etc.
* Enhancing the faculty's research and development activities.