S2: Episode 7 | Your saying so don’t make it so
This conversation delves into the evolving landscape of the Online Program Management (OPM) market, particularly focusing on the shift from revenue share to fee-for-service models. Recent reports present a false narrative, and we don't buy it. The discussion highlights the challenges in defining OPMs, the role of Coursera, and the implications of these changes for educational institutions. We express skepticism about the reported trends and emphasize the need for clearer definitions and understanding of the market dynamics. This conversation delves into the evolving landscape of online education, focusing on revenue models, particularly the dominance of revenue share versus fee-for-service arrangements. The speakers discuss the implications of regulatory pressures, the maturity of institutions, and the strategic shifts of platforms like Coursera, which is moving away from traditional degree offerings towards more flexible, unbundled services. The discussion highlights the complexities and nuances of the market, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of these dynamics as they continue to evolve.