Harvard Business School Online (HBS Online) has made significant strides in the field of online education over the past decade. From its inception in 2014, the program has revolutionized online learning by adapting Harvard’s renowned case-based methodology to a virtual environment. As the team at HBS Online celebrates a decade of growth and success, it is a moment of reflection and forward-thinking for the entire organization.
Simeen Mohsen, senior managing director of HBS Online, reflects on the pivotal moments that have shaped the program’s success. The launch of CORe (Credential of Readiness) in 2014 marked a significant milestone, combining Business Analytics, Economics for Managers, and Financial Accounting into a comprehensive program. Despite initial uncertainty, the positive reception from learners validated the team’s efforts.
Subsequent milestones, such as offering CORe to incoming MBA students and hosting the first Connext conference on campus in 2016, further solidified HBS Online’s reputation. A rebranding in 2019 from HBX to HBS Online helped clarify the program’s identity, leading to increased enrollment numbers and global reach. Today, HBS Online boasts over 255,000 enrollments, a testament to its continued growth and impact.
One of the key elements that sets HBS Online apart is its delivery of content through a custom-built platform that replicates the dynamism of the HBS classroom. The platform emphasizes active learning, social connection, and real-world cases to engage learners effectively. Interactive features such as polls, problem-solving exercises, and the HBS cold call keep participants engaged, while social interaction and real-world cases immerse them in practical learning experiences.
Overcoming challenges in technology and scaling, HBS Online has expanded its offerings to include a range of certificate and credential programs tailored to meet the needs of a diverse, global audience. By incorporating cases from different industries, regions, and organizational levels, HBS Online ensures that learners from varied backgrounds can relate to the content and apply it to their own experiences.
Looking ahead, HBS Online is committed to staying ahead in online education by transitioning to a new university-wide Learning Experience Platform (LXP) and exploring the use of AI to personalize learning experiences. The program also aims to develop purpose-built programs in collaboration with Executive Education and Harvard Business Publishing, with a focus on expanding scholarship offerings to make education more accessible to learners from diverse backgrounds.
Ultimately, the success of HBS Online can be attributed to its dedicated and collaborative team, whose innovative spirit and expertise have driven the program’s growth and impact. As HBS Online continues to evolve and expand its offerings, it remains committed to delivering high-quality, engaging, and accessible education to learners worldwide.
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