Deloitte University Press, New York, has launched what it calls a "massive open online course" (MOOC) on the business implications of additive manufacturing, titled "3D Opportunity: The Course on Additive Manufacturing for Business Leaders," designed to help educate the market on the business drivers of additive manufacturing.
"We are committed to providing innovative educational opportunities to our clients through programs such as webcasts, live events, and Deloitte University itself," said Jonathan Copulsky, principal of Deloitte Consulting LLP and director of Deloitte's Brand & Eminence group. "The MOOC offers the ability to interact and collaborate with the instructor and participants worldwide while viewing content from the convenience of their own office. The potential to reach a broad population—from business leaders and managers, to educators and students—is an exciting prospect. We believe courses like this can help spark a dialogue around important trends in the marketplace."
Deloitte University Press developed the MOOC in collaboration with Youngstown, Ohio-based additive manufacturing network AmericaMakes, Valencia, Calif.-based 3D printing company 3D Systems, Marquette University, and the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tenn.
"This course is uniquely valuable because it explores the business considerations for additive manufacturing," said Mike Hripko, deputy director of workforce and educational outreach for AmericaMakes. "During this course participants will learn how 3D printing could impact their business, which sectors are leading in the use of the technology, and what factors they should consider when building a business case for additive manufacturing."
3D Opportunity explores the business drivers of additive manufacturing and is relevant for anyone involved with strategy, supply chain, operations, R&D, manufacturing and product development, according to Deloitte University Press. Mark Cotteleer, research director with Deloitte Services LP and former business school professor at Marquette University and the University of Chicago, is teaching the course, and will be joined by specialists from Oak Ridge National Laboratory and AmericaMakes during the course.
Participants who complete the course and receive 70 percent or better on quizzes will receive a certificate of completion. 3D Opportunity is free and open to the public and will be available through August 8.