Quantitative SWOT Analysis on Factors Influencing the Sustainable Development of Non-Academic Education in China’s Open Universities: A Case Study of Beijing Open University

Abstract

In 2012, considering the needs of citizens’ livelihoods and social development, the Chinese government approved six large-scale radio and television universities to become open universities (OUs). Developing non-academic education (NE) has become an important target of OUs’ transformation and development due to its importance in constructing a lifelong learning system in China. To promote the development of NE requires planning a good strategy by analyzing its internal and external environment. The purpose of this research is to provide a referential strategy for OUs in China to develop NE in their transition period. This study used the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats approach in combination with the analytical hierarchy process (SWOT-AHP) to investigate the factors influencing the development of NE in China’s OUs using the example of Beijing Open University. As shown by the research results, although the development of NE in OUs has disadvantages such as the shortage of professional personnel, insufficient capital investment, and poor market operation, the favorable national policy environment, the adjustment of local functional structure, and the extensive learning needs of citizens have led to good external opportunities. Therefore, reverse strategies should be adopted.