Partnering with Online Program Managers for Distance Education

Partnering with Online Program Managers for Distance Education offers fresh insights into the practice, implications, and outcomes of partnerships between higher education institutions and for-profit online program managers (OPMs). As colleges and universities race to build effective, sustainable distance education programs, higher education administrators often rely on third-party OPMs for marketing and student recruitment, student support from orientation to graduation, course design and delivery, and other fee-based services. This edited collection provides a global knowledge base for understanding academic quality, policy, and management in university-OPM partnerships along with actionable strategies and frameworks for selection, evaluation, and improvement. Leaders, administrators, developers, and accreditors of digital distance learning programs in higher education will come away with evidence-based guidance and realistic perspectives into the opportunities and challenges of this fast-emerging resource.

“By necessity or design, higher education institutions (HEIs) are seeking to serve different audiences in different ways. Online distance education is one such way, but it necessitates significant changes in how HEIs operate across a range of functions. The challenge of implementing these fundamental changes at the required pace is one reason why forming partnerships with OPMs, which offer services, capabilities, and experience, has become a common approach. However, partnerships between two very different types of organisations that don’t always ‘speak the same language’ are not straightforward and have led to both successes and failures. The opacity surrounding these partnerships can further complicate things. Therefore, this book is particularly timely and significant, offering valuable illumination for the higher education sector on these partnerships and providing rich, up-to-date insights for those involved in this field.” —Neil Mosley, Director and Online Education Consultant & Analyst, Neil Mosley Consulting“The collective wisdom of academia and industry partners converges here to offer a comprehensive exploration of the dynamic landscape of university-OPM partnerships. This book provides valuable insights into the establishment and management of long-term university-OPM partnerships, grounded in real-world examples, guiding principles, and practical strategies. The chapters powerfully draw on diverse experiences and illuminate the complexities, challenges, risks, benefits, and successes inherent to this type of collaboration. I recommend it as essential reading for those starting on this journey, for those already on the path seeking wider insights, and for those seeking an important roadmap for the future. The emphasis on trust-building, conflict management, and the nuanced exploration of criticisms surrounding for-profit OPMs provides readers with a well-rounded understanding of the challenges and opportunities of such collaborations. Close to my heart are the rich case studies and insights of the critical aspects of learning design and faculty engagement. The book is a beacon for educators, administrators, and education industry professionals seeking to navigate the intricate terrain of programme management partnerships. It has a positive and supportive tone, coupled with rigorous academic insights. I consider it a key resource for anyone invested in the future of flexible, outreach, and distance online education.” —Professor Gilly Salmon, PhD., PFHEA., NTF, CEO and Principal Consultant at Education Alchemists Ltd, UK

Dawn M. Gilmore is Academic Director of RMIT Online at RMIT University, Australia, and President of the Open and Distance Learning Association of Australia.Chinh Nguyen is Senior Consultant and Online Programs Manager at Curio as well as Sessional Academic in the Department of Management and Marketing, MBS/Faculty of Business and Economics, at the University of Melbourne, Australia.