NEWS & INSIGHT
microcredentials, 13% said it does not plan to, and 41% are unsure. Delving deeper into professional development and lifelong learning, the questionnaire asked participants to outline their thoughts on the function and future of microcredentials within the alumni ecosystem. Among respondents, 41% think microcredentials are relevant to those who are employed and looking for professional development courses; 25% would go so far as to say microcredentials represent the future of business education; and 21% think they are important for postgraduate students. Business School leaders are not confident that microcredentials will provide a new revenue stream for Business Schools – only 7% of participants share this belief. But most also do not agree that microcredentials are merely a passing phase – just 6% of respondents believe this to be the case. While School leaders are undecided about the value microcredentials will bring to their Business School, they are equally divided in their opinions of the threat they present from the wider corporate arena. When asked whether they see microcredentials provided by companies such as LinkedIn as being a threat to how their Business School will operate in the next five years, just under half of those surveyed (47%) said ‘no’, 35% said ‘yes’, and 18% said they are unsure. The survey’s final question was designed to build on the thinking surrounding commercial competition, with a qualitative question asking how Business School leaders plan to respond to the perceived threat of companies, such as LinkedIn or other private institutions that offer professional learning.
online instruction enhanced by some in-person events, and 23% are offering fully online courses with no in-person components. Microcredentials and professional lifelong learning Microcredentials have gained popularity in higher education in recent years. They are designed to certify the learning outcomes of short-term learning experiences, for example a short course or training. Microcredentials aim to offer a flexible and targeted way to help learners develop the knowledge, skills and competences they need for their personal and professional development . Survey participants were asked whether their Schools offer microcredentials. Respondents were split down the middle, with 50% saying they do, 44% saying they do not, and 6% admitting that they are not sure. For those who did indicate that their School offers microcredentials, the survey sought to uncover the types on offer. Among respondents, 79% said their School offers microcredentials for standalone modules; 39% said they are on offer for stackable modules which lead to a degree, and 32% said they are on offer to those attending events or webinars. Other reasons suggested by respondents for offering microcredentials include certification for belonging to an industry body, or projects organised for students in collaboration with other universities. Participants who said that their School did not currently offer microcredentialing were asked whether they thought their School would invest in them in the next five years. Slightly less than half (46%) said their School would be investing in
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Ambition | BE IN BRILLIANT COMPANY
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