Program

Education Doctorate

Number of Pages

168

Year Approved

2024

First Advisor

Jolyn Dahlvig

Second Reader

Jessica Daniels, Krista Soria

Abstract

The demand for flexible online learning models, fueled by technological advancements and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has necessitated creative solutions to support millions of students enrolled in online programs. Higher Education leaders, faced with this growing demand and lacking expertise in online learning, have turned to outsourced business models, such as for-profit online program management partnerships (OPM), to attract, retain, and support new non-traditional student populations. The decision to outsource has been driven by competitive pressures, a desire for speed to market, a lack of initial capital, the desire to shift risk, and a lack of internal expertise). Institutions that understand online support practices may consider transitioning from OPM contracts to build internal capacity and capabilities. However, limited research examples of institutions that have left OPM partnerships to build new models hinder institutional leaders' ability to learn from others’ experiences. Research uncovered three themes related to leaving the OPM partnership: Assessment and Decision Making – why the university left the OPM. Managing change and planning for the future – How PFBU (the pseudonym for the institution) built a new model. The impact of divorcing the OPM. Theme 1: Assessment and Decision Making – Why the University Left the OPM. Theme 2: Managing Change and Planning for the Future – How PFBU Built a New Model, Theme 3: The Impact of Divorcing the OPM. The study's recommendations suggest that an investment will be needed to build a new model; new models may build on institutional strengths while outsourcing areas in which they lack expertise and strong leadership and change management expertise are essential. This study offers insights to aid higher education practitioners in navigating OPM partnerships and building new service models for a viable future.

Degree Name

Education Doctorate

Document Type

Doctoral dissertation

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