Thomson to Provide e-Learning Courses to GM
The Thomson Corporation (TSE:TOC), the world’s largest provider of corporate and professional learning solutions, today announced a multi-year agreement to provide innovative online learning to as many as 86,000 GM salaried employees through General Motors University (GMU).
Thomson is the exclusive provider of Cardean University’s award-winning courses and programs to large Global 1000 clients. Cardean’s curriculum was developed in collaboration with several of the world’s top business schools. GM is already using some of Cardean’s on-line executive and management development courses and will officially kick-off its eMBA program in the next several weeks. GM will additionally partner with Thomson to create courses for GM’s automotive business. GM believes that the new eMBA and on-line courses will generate substantial cost savings at the same time it offers employees more flexibility in obtaining an advanced degree or simply furthering their professional development.
“Leading, global organizations such as GM require a large, stable corporate partner with a long term, strategic commitment to high-quality corporate learning. They want to deal with a provider who can offer a broad array of powerful solutions enterprise-wide that solve a range of learning needs,” said Alex Brnilovich, president and CEO of Thomson Enterprise Learning. “GM’s commitment to Thomson underscores their confidence in our unique ability to deliver state-of-the-art, tailored learning solutions. The depth and breadth of offerings enable us to provide GM with the best, most comprehensive solutions to fit their distinct learning needs.”
The agreement to expand the full suite of Cardean products from Thomson to GM employees globally comes after a successful integration initiated in April 2001 of the GMU/Cardean “HR Skills for Success” program targeted at GM’s Human Resource professionals. The program received 96 percent employee participation and exceedingly positive feedback.
“Our new alliance with Thomson enables GM continued access to the full range of courses and the unique problem-solving approach of Cardean University,” said Donnee Ramelli, president of General Motors University (GMU). He continued:
“The program transcends the time and distance limitations that once put world-class business school education out of reach for our highly mobile executive and professional employees seeking to sharpen their skills. We can now offer them complete access to courses developed by premier academic institutions without the inconvenience of traveling to campuses or committing to rigid classroom schedules that can conflict with professional and personal demands.”
Cardean University collaborates with some of the world’s leading business schools – including Columbia Business School, The University of Chicago, Stanford University, Carnegie, and the London School of Economics and Political Science – to develop courses with leading experts to bring world-class courses online. Cardean University currently offers approximately 150 courses covering topics in accounting marketing, economics, e-commerce strategy and business policy. Cardean offers Mastery and Quantum courses. Mastery courses provide in-depth knowledge and contain MBA level material in a problem-centered format. Instructors mentor students as they solve real-world business problems. Quantum courses provide a focused, high-impact learning experience on a variety of business topics and take only hours to complete.
“GM’s decision to use the Cardean University ( www.Cardean.edu) program reflects their belief that there’s great value in world-class academic content combined with innovative course design and technology, said Andy Rosenfield, UNext’s chairman, founder and chief executive officer. “UNext aims to achieve this level of corporate commitment by creating online business education that can significantly enhance performance results.”
About The Thomson Corporation
The Thomson Corporation (www.thomson.com), with 2001 revenues of $7.2 billion, is a leading provider of integrated information solutions to business and professional markets worldwide. Its learning businesses serve the needs of individuals and organizations – including learning institutions, corporations, and government – with products and services for both traditional and electronic learning environments.
About UNext and Cardean University
Cardean University, a premier educational institution founded by UNext Inc, offers graduate courses and degrees in business, management and professional development. Cardean collaborates with some of the world’s leading business schools, including Columbia University, The University of Chicago, Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon, and the London School of Economics and Political Science, to bring business education of high academic quality to learners worldwide through the Internet. Advancements in cognitive science and technology are incorporated into Cardean courses to provide a stimulating, interactive and rewarding learning experience. Cardean is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council and is authorized to grant degrees by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
