Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is an innovative global university. Established in 1858, ARU is now one of the largest universities in the east of England, with over 35,000 students from 177 countries.
With a new vice-chancellor, and a rapidly evolving and highly uncertain set of policy and environmental factors at play, ARU recognised the need to take strategic stock and consider its options. While pursuing a strong growth strategy had been successful in recent years, external dynamics had called historic drivers of superior performance into question.
Professor Iain Martin
Leaders identified three key archetypes for further exploration. A hybrid model was found to best suit ARU’s specific circumstances and aspirations. ARU is now aware of the critical levels and specific size and shape indicators with the greatest potential to influence performance. Our analysis also revealed an opportunity to realign and optimise expenditure across the university to better deliver on its core mission.