Challenge
The major distance-learning university (the university) engaged Oxford Oracle to support the Technology Enhanced Learning, Translation Learning and Teaching Innovation team, in assessing the market opportunities for the open learning platform, Moodle. The major distance-learning university is a certified Moodle partner and has been using Moodle for providing virtual learning environment (Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and course development internally for several years. The major distance-learning university wishes to explore the commercial potential of providing Moodle hosting and course development services (known as Hosting+) for external clients. For the purposes of the report, Hosting+ is defined as the provision of the Moodle platform and hosting with (1) customisation (i.e. Appearance), (2) access to the university learning design expertise, (3) client support, and (4) platform maintenance.
The Oracle's Solution
Oxford Oracle supported the university with an evaluation of the market opportunities for Moodle providers. The objectives of the report were to define potential market opportunities for the major distance-learning university in this sector, identify the main competitors in the UK and other potentially attractive regions, and advise on the pricing model. The key questions that the report addressed were: Secondly, Oxford Oracle contacted several Moodle providers in the UK and other regions to determine their offer and pricing for Hosting+ and other services to gauge the regional characteristics and potential for the OUs proposed service.
- Are there market opportunities for the major distance-learning university as a commercial Moodle provider?; and
- How the major distance-learning university could address these opportunities?
Consequential Impact
The report was used to engage senior stakeholders at the university to support in developing an exploitation plan for development of the university Moodle offering.