The Open University are delighted to announce a suite of eight Business and Finance Fundamentals massive online open courses (MOOCs) has been awarded the EOCCS Certification:
– Customer engagement
– Effective communication
– Effective networking
– Project management
– Managing the household balance sheet
– Financial planning and budgeting
– Investment theory and practice
– Financial services after the banking crisis
These eight MOOCs are delivered through the FutureLearn platform.
As part of a strategic partnership between EOCCS & FutureLearn, EOCCS reviewed and consequently certified the suite of eight Business and Finance Fundamentals MOOCs designed by The Open University Business School in the UK. The MOOCs are delivered via the UK-based MOOC platform, FutureLearn which uses design, technology and partnerships to create enjoyable, credible and flexible online courses as well as undergraduate and postgraduate degrees that improve working lives. It partners with over a quarter of the world’s top universities and is also involved in government-backed initiatives to address skills gaps such as The Institute of Coding and the National Centre for Computing Education.
Kerry Houchen, the Director of Online Degrees at FutureLearn, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with EOCCS and a certification system that shares our commitment to quality assurance and courses learners can rely upon for their rigour.“
“That The Open University courses granted EOCCS accreditation have already enjoyed several runs on the FutureLearn platform is testament to their popularity. The subjects covered on the eight courses really are fundamental to success in business, and we’re pleased that today’s announcement further illustrates the value and integrity of these courses.”
The Open University (OU) is the largest academic institution in the UK and a world leader in flexible distance learning. Celebrating its 
50th anniversary in 2019, the university was founded with a clear purpose: to open up education to all. Since those beginnings in 1969, the OU has taught more than 2 million students worldwide and has over 170,000 current students, including more than 15,000 overseas.
Doctor Keith Pond, the EOCCS director, remarked: “We are very happy that the suite of eight Business and Fundamentals MOOCs have successfully completed the Online Couse Certification System EOCCS. The Certification Board appreciated the efficient cooperation and communication between the Open University and FutureLearn as well as the committed course team that provides high-quality academic support.”
Professor Mark Fenton-O’Creevy, the Associate Dean External Engagement at The Open University Business School, said: “The Business School is delighted to have received EOCCS certification for this suite of massive open online courses (MOOCs) which we run in partnership with FutureLearn. The extension of EOCCS certification to courses run on the FutureLearn platform recognises the increasing importance of open approaches to learning and should do much to further develop quality standards for MOOCs.”
With 95 certified courses from 19 institutions in 11 countries, EOCCS presents an international quality benchmark for online courses worldwide. The certification system is firmly embedded in the general philosophy of EFMD accreditations: internalisation, practical relevance and quality improvement.
Being certified with EOCCS makes you a part of a vibrant learning and networking community which meets annually at the EOCCS Learning Community Symposium and throughout the year, shares good practice in its virtual community of practice. EOCCS provides in-depth peer review and feedback as well as suggestions for improvements and sustainability, all in less than 3-month completely online process.
Students taking courses from EOCCS certified institutions, whether they come from a MOOCs platform or directly from their school or whether they are higher education or corporate, can be ensured that they will boost up their career prospects with courses that are officially recognised and professionally relevant.
