This case study examines the dynamics of a public–private partnership between Melbourne Business School (MBS) and Keypath Education in the design and delivery of a fully online Master of Business Administration. Using Engeström’s Activity Theory (AT) as our theoretical lens, we identify online learning as a primary contradiction within the traditional university teaching model. We explore the public–private partnership as an Activity System (AS), oriented towards the delivery of an exceptional, innovative, and high-quality learning experience. Within this system, two key secondary contradictions emerged. The first arose from a mismatch between traditional teaching practices and the needs of a new cohort of online learners, many of whom are working professionals with competing priorities, limited time, and no ability to attend campus. The second centred on differing ways of working between academic staff and the external learning design team, including contrasting expectations around roles, timelines, and pedagogical decision-making. We examine how responding to these tensions led to the development of new, more collaborative models of course development and delivery. Employing the methodological approaches of action research and autoethnography, the authors draw on their lived experiences as senior managers and academics (one representing each institution) to offer critical insights into the affordances and challenges of public–private partnerships in online education. We conclude with practical insights for institutions engaging in similar partnerships and reflect on how systemic tensions, when made visible, can lead to meaningful institutional change.

Authors:
Eamon Vale, Keypath Education, Australia
Damir Mitric, Melbourne University Business School, Australia

About the Presenter(s)
Eamon is the Director of Learning Design for Asia Pacific at Keypath Education an ‘Online Program Management’ (OPM) company partnering with universities across Australia and Southeast Asia. Eamon Vale is also Ph.D. candidate at Macquarie University.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/eamon-vale-515a7232/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

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