Executive Education Growth Triples Industry Pace at UMD Smith School

COLLEGE PARK, Md., Jan. 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Executive education activity at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business grew by more than 22 percent in 2014— eclipsing the 7 percent industrywide rate, according to the International Consortium for Executive Education (UNICON).

The consortium drew the figures from its annual survey of its 100-plus member universities worldwide. "The industry continues to enjoy robust growth around the world," the study concludes. "While that growth was largely independent of specific delivery methodologies, providers continue to experiment with online and blended learning platforms, particularly in Europe."

The Smith School stands out among its U.S. peers, as UNICON noted most of the growth was driven by large providers in Europe and Latin America.

"We are very pleased to be part of the outstanding growth in university-based executive education in the Mid-Atlantic Region," said Gary Cohen, assistant dean of executive programs at the Smith School. "Our growth is evidence that forward-thinking companies are recognizing the value we can bring to their talent development programs.  We look forward to continuing to support their executive education needs in the coming years."

Other survey findings include:
-- The primary delivery method for university-based executive education is still face-to-face.  However, European universities reported that 18 percent of their programs were delivered via online learning or a hybrid of face-to-face and online learning.  That compares to 11 percent for North American universities.  Most online and hybrid learning is being delivered by larger universities, many of which are based outside the United States. Cohen said Smith is working to increase blended and online delivery.

-- More than half of all executive education programs delivered around the world are tailored to specific organizations. Cohen said Smith also focuses on custom offerings. Open enrollment programs, designed for participants from multiple organizations, account for the smallest percentage of total executive education revenue in several years.

"In general, this survey — which had our highest-ever member participation rate — indicates that the university-based executive education industry continues to expand around the world," said UNICON Chair Kelly Bean, Associate Dean for Executive Education at UCLA's Anderson School of Management. "The growth of this industry is a result of the confidence felt by thousands of successful organizations, large and small, that executive education is an effective tool in driving results. And it is a testament to the dedication, ingenuity and results-orientation of UNICON's member organizations."

About UNICON
Founded in 1972 as an association of executive education program directors, UNICON has evolved from an informal common-interest group into an incorporated nonprofit consortium committed to advancing the field of university-based executive education. Membership is composed of more than 100 educational institutions from the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa.

About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business 
The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and part-time MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, MS in business, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia.

CONTACT: Greg Muraski, 301-405-5283, [email protected]

SOURCE Robert H. Smith School of Business

Related Links

http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu