NSIA SWOT Analysis

06 October 2010

 

STRENGTHS - Positive tangible and intangible attributes, internal to an organization

 

• Well educated membership
  
• Diverse membership:
  
  • Representation from government, not for profit and private sectors
    
  • Broad range of perspectives
    
  • Large number of contacts
    
• Fairly high level of participation within Council
  
• Membership is solid and stable
  
• Open, inclusive organizational culture
  
• Legislated mandate which recognizes relevance of the organization
  
• Broad range of valued added member services:
  
  • Agrologist Club
    
  • Articling Agrologist Program
    
  • Meet the Grads
    
  • Recognition , rewards & scholarships
    

 

WEAKNESSES - Factors within the organization's control that detract from its ability to succeed

 

• Lack of organizational role clarity (i.e. policing vs professional development vs lobby group)
  
• Low profile, lack of awareness of organization in the field
  
• Executive Director retiring within next 5 years, loss of corporate memory
  
• Geographic concentration in Kentville and Truro – difficult to meet, challenge to get member participation
  
• Diversity of membership – less common ground/needs among members, difficult to serve all needs
  
• Low participation within membership / same people involved all the time
  
• Limited operational budget and human resources (part time Executive Director)
  
• Lack of promotional materials (written and in other media)
  

 

OPPORTUNITIES - External opportunities in the environment, which will propel the organization

 

• MOU – national standards and labour mobility
  
• Increase organizational profile & membership in new areas (i.e. aquaculture, technicians)
  
• New technologies (for communicating with, and delivering services to, members)
  
• Mandatory professional development (national direction)
  
• Expanding networking and professional development initiatives
  

 

THREATS - External factors, beyond an organization's control, which could place the organization at risk

 

• Decreasing requirement in job descriptions for P. Ag (requirement for NSIA membership is being assumed, not required, particularly in non-government sector)
  

Uncertainty vis-à-vis structure/mandate of, and relationship with, national organizations