Transition from a start-up to an operational phase. A case study of Tromsø International School

Abstract

The goal for Tromsø International School is to offer a good educational alternative. This gives the students a good platform for all later learning in life, both from a theoretical and pedagogical point of view, but also in the sense of making the students good citizens. Along with running Tromsø International School in an educational perspective, the structural stand of the school needs to be efficient in order to make the daily operations of the school as good as possible.

In this thesis, I explore aspects that affect Tromsø International School’s performance as an organization. I investigate which aim the school should have for the future, and how the school could reach these aims. The thesis is based upon the review of theoretical concepts, accommodated with the case study of Tromsø International School. The theoretical conceptions consist of Blue Ocean theory and legitimacy theory. I also apply tools like five forces, PESTEL and SWOT in order to create the strategy. I conclude the thesis with a business plan.

Tromsø International School serve a purpose of educating children in age 6 – 16, but also serves a deeper purpose of providing an international school offer and an alternative to the public schools. Tromsø is globalizing at a fast rate, and the percentage of international inhabitants are increasing. The unemployment rate in Tromsø are low and it is a need to attract international labor to Tromsø. The schools offers a good alternative to international families who wants a smooth transition to the Norwegian society but also offers a very good alternative to Norwegian students who wants a different and international oriented education, that gives first-hand learning about cultural diversity and bilingual learning from native-speaking teachers. Furthermore, this thesis explores how to position Tromsø international School according to today’s educational culture by looking into what gives value to the customers. Finally, I propose suggestions on how to develop the schools strategy in order to advance the school from its current situation to beyond.

Key words: Tromsø International School, case study, private school, international school, strategy, education, business model, promotion, value-drivers, development, school, Tromsø, teaching.