Knowledge Base

A knowledge-based economy requires knowledgeable workers. While corporations have traditionally relied on business schools and M.B.A. graduates to fill the management ranks, an increasing number have established corporate universities -- the umbrella term for any market-oriented education -- to augment employee education throughout their careers. The Corporate University Xchange (CUX), a New York-based consulting firm, estimates that there are 1,600 corporate universities today, a substantial increase from the estimated 400 in the early 1980s These organizations are able to deliver targeted, just-in-time learning directly to company classrooms and employees' personal computers. "This has major implications for traditional universities," says Jeanne Meister, CUX president. "In fact, some are responding to the changing dynamics of the education marketplace by creating their own for-profit education firms to supply corporations with accredited courseware." Over 62% of corporate universities have forged partnerships with four-year colleges, according to an annual CUX survey. Some ensure that course offerings are aligned with customer needs and organizational goals by using a pay-for-services model that requires business units to pay for their services. Almost a third of company CEOs teach a course or directly sponsor specific learning programs. Executive Education Programs Top Consulting Firms Leading U.S. Business Schools