Robotic Program Management in Building School Branding at SMPIT Tunas Cendekia Mataram

Abstract

Competition among educational institutions demands that schools develop superior programs that build identity and enhance competitiveness through school branding strategies. The purpose of this study is to analyze the management of the robotics program at SMPIT Tunas Cendekia Mataram, starting from the planning, organization, implementation, and evaluation aspects, and to examine its contribution to building school branding. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study type (case study). The research subjects consisted of the principal, the person in charge of the robotics program, the robotics teacher, the public relations department, and students participating in the robotics program. The research procedure included four stages: the preparation stage, the data collection stage, the data analysis stage, and the reporting stage. Data were collected through interviews, observation, and documentation, then analyzed using the interactive model of Miles and Huberman, which includes data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. Data validity was assessed through source and technical triangulation. The results of the study indicate that: 1) the planning of the robotics program at SMPIT Tunas Cendekia Mataram is carried out systematically through the determination of program objectives, the preparation of robotics curriculum, human resource planning, planning of facilities and infrastructure, and the preparation of promotional strategies integrated with school branding, 2) the organization of the robotics program at SMPIT Tunas Cendekia Mataram is carried out through a clear division of tasks, continuous coordination between program managers, and the development of partnerships with various schools and external institutions to support the implementation of the program, 3) the implementation of the robotics program at SMPIT Tunas Cendekia Mataram is implemented through four forms of mutually integrated activities, namely intracurricular robotics learning, extracurricular activities, tutoring activities at partner schools, and the promotion of the robotics program as a school branding medium, 4) the evaluation of the robotics program at SMPIT Tunas Cendekia Mataram is carried out continuously through evaluation of the program implementation and evaluation of its impact on school branding. Evaluation of program implementation is carried out through evaluation meetings, monitoring of the learning process, assessment of student achievement, identification of obstacles, and preparation of follow-up actions for program improvement. In conclusion, the robotics program management that is implemented in a planned, organized, consistent, and sustainable manner has proven to contribute to building and strengthening the school branding of SMPIT Tunas Cendekia Mataram as an Islamic school that excels in the development of robotics technology.