The economics of MOOCs: a sustainable future?. Issue 1 (6th July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Porter, Sarah
• Editors: David Baker, Professor
• Is Part Of: Bottom line. Volume 28:Issue 1/2(2015)
• Page Start: 52
• Page End: 62
• Publication Date: 2015-07-06
• Subjects: Online learning -- Business models -- MOOCs -- Higher education; Library finance -- Periodicals; Libraries -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; 025.11
• DOI: 10.1108/BL-12-2014-0035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0888-045X

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: – The purpose of this paper is to describe the present interest in the current and predicted business models of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC); the business models that are being used by MOOC platforms and MOOC providers; discussion of the key issues and challenges; predictions about the future MOOC business models from the perspectives of platforms, providers and consumers. Design/methodology/approach: – Review of the current literature for business models and costs for MOOCs and including the business models of higher education and possible future of the higher education system. Findings: – The findings of this paper show that most MOOCs are currently based upon a "freemium" model where content is provided freely and additional services are charged for; that there are already a range of different "flavours" of MOOC and that this range is likely to further develop over time with some clear winners emerging; and that completely free and open MOOCs are not likely to be the focus of growth in the future, rather MOOCs that are sustained through charges to customers. Practical implications: – To inform the debate about likely future business models and to help greater understanding of possible business models for MOOCs to inform decision-making by managers at universities. Originality/value: – To inform the debate about likely future business models and to help greater understanding of possible business models for MOOCs to inform decision-making by managers at universities.