A Competency-Based Lens for Exploring Higher Education Opportunities

Abstract

In the current fast-paced environment, learners want flexibility in timing and content as they seek relevant credentials to be successful. For institutions of higher education (IHEs) to be relevant, they must address the educational needs of learners through a strategy rooted in innovation and agility. The UW Flexible Option (Flex) is the University of Wisconsin System's implementation of competency-based education (CBE). University of Wisconsin-Parkside (UWP) has implemented the Flex Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a certificate in Project Management that allows learners to master competencies and achieve degree completion at their own pace. This chapter describes UWP's journey, discusses a strategic framework for serving different types of learners, and suggests pathways to implement this framework through a CBE/Flex lens. It offers guidance on how IHEs can plan for the future by focusing on competencies, researching potential markets via the Ansoff Matrix, and implementing successful educational pathways for learners through partnerships.