Navigating The Decision To Partner With OPMs
Online program management partnerships (OPMs) have become increasingly popular in higher education in recent years. OPMs are third-party companies that help institutions develop, market, and manage online courses and programs. They offer various services, including course design and development, student recruitment and retention, marketing and advertising, technology infrastructure, and more.
The advantages of using OPMs in higher education are many. One of the most significant benefits is the ability to scale quickly without internal politics and resistance. That doesn’t necessarily mean every stakeholder at an institution will be happy, but it could mean they are not formally part of the process. Developing in-house online courses and programs can be a slow and challenging process, requiring buy-in from various departments and stakeholders. With an OPM, institutions can streamline development and avoid internal politics and bureaucracy.
Another advantage of using OPMs is access to expertise and resources. OPMs have experienced teams specializing in online course development, student recruitment, and program management. They have the resources to invest in technology infrastructure and marketing campaigns, which can be cost-prohibitive for smaller institutions. Additionally, OPMs have established relationships with online program vendors, which can save institutions time and money.
Cost-Benefit Analysis Of Using An OPM Vs. In-House Development
The cost-benefit analysis of using an OPM versus in-house online program development is critical for institutions. In-house development allows institutions complete control over the course design, curriculum, and technology infrastructure. They can ensure the program aligns with the institution’s values and goals. However, the cost of developing an online program in-house is high. Developing online programs requires investments in technology, hiring specialized staff, and marketing. Also, developing an online program can take months or even years, especially for smaller institutions.
On the other hand, OPMs offer a turnkey solution that can have a program up and running in a matter of weeks. While up-front costs are associated with partnering with an OPM, these costs are typically offset by the increased enrollment and revenue generated by the online program. OPMs often provide up-front investment, including technology and marketing budgets, to help get the program off the ground.
Factors Influencing The Decision To Partner With OPMs
When deciding whether to partner with an OPM or develop online programs in-house, online education leaders must consider several factors. The first is the institution’s resources and expertise. If the institution has a team with the necessary expertise and resources to develop online programs, in-house development may be the best option. However, if the institution needs more resources, partnering with an OPM may be the best choice.
The second factor to consider is the institution’s goals and priorities. The decision to partner with an OPM may be the best option if the institution prioritizes rapid growth and revenue generation. However, in-house development may be the best choice if the institution prioritizes maintaining control over the development process and aligning the program with its values and goals.
The third factor to consider is the competitive landscape. If the institution competes with other institutions that offer online programs, partnering with an OPM may provide a competitive advantage. OPMs have student recruitment and marketing expertise, which can help institutions stand out in a crowded market. However, in-house development may be the best choice if the institution operates in a niche market or has a unique value proposition.
A significant advantage of partnering with an OPM is leveraging their online course design and development expertise. OPMs have teams of experienced Instructional Designers and developers who can create high-quality courses that meet the needs of a diverse student body. They use data and analytics to ensure the courses are engaging, interactive, and effective in achieving learning outcomes.
OPMs can also help institutions with student recruitment and retention. OPMs have experience marketing online programs to potential students, creating effective campaigns, and optimizing recruitment efforts. They use data and analytics to identify potential students and create targeted marketing campaigns that speak directly to their needs and interests. OPMs also have the expertise to develop student support services that help students succeed in online courses. These services may include academic advising, tutoring, and technical support.
Another benefit of partnering with an OPM is access to their technology infrastructure. OPMs invest heavily in technology to support their online programs, including Learning Management Systems, video conferencing platforms, and online testing tools. This infrastructure can be expensive for institutions to develop in-house, especially for smaller institutions. Partnering with an OPM allows institutions to leverage their technology infrastructure and focus on delivering high-quality courses and programs.
Despite the benefits of using OPMs, some institutions may prefer to develop online programs in-house. One reason is the desire to maintain control over the development process. Institutions may have specific values and goals they want to ensure are reflected in the program. By developing the program in-house, they can have complete control over the course design, curriculum, and technology infrastructure.
Another reason for developing online programs in-house is the desire to create a unique program that stands out in the market. By developing the program in-house, institutions can create a program that aligns with their unique value proposition and offer something different from other institutions.
Institutions developing online programs in-house must invest in the necessary resources and expertise. This includes hiring staff with experience in online course development and investing in technology infrastructure. While this can be a significant investment, it allows institutions to have complete control over the development process and create a program that aligns with their values and goals.
Institutions must consider their specific situation and goals when deciding whether to partner with an OPM or develop online programs in-house. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to online program development; every institution has unique needs and constraints.
Some institutions may benefit from partnering with an OPM to supplement in-house services. For example, an institution may have a robust in-house team for course design and development but need more expertise in student recruitment and retention. The institution can leverage its expertise in these areas by partnering with an OPM and creating a successful online program.
Other institutions may benefit from going all-in with an OPM. This approach allows institutions to leverage the OPM’s expertise and resources fully. The OPM can handle all aspects of online program development, from course design and development to student recruitment and retention. This approach is ideal for institutions that prioritize rapid growth and revenue generation.
Finally, some institutions may benefit from doing everything in-house if they have a good team. This approach allows institutions to control the development process and ensure the program aligns with their values and goals. However, this approach requires a significant investment in resources and expertise.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision to partner with an OPM or develop in-house online programs is complex, requiring careful consideration of the institution’s resources, goals, and competitive landscape. While partnering with an OPM may be ideal for some institutions, another institution may benefit from doing everything in-house if they have a good team in place. Ultimately, institutions must choose the best approach to their unique situation and goals.
