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Flat World Knowledge Case Study

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The Flat World Knowledge case study discusses how the traditional textbook publishing model is changing because of disruptive advances in technology that have essentially created the digital publishing market. Although I believe that Flat World Knowledge will be recognized as a successful contributor to the disruption in the textbook publishing market in five years’ time, I view online learning – accented by the evolution of digital textbooks – as the disruptive force that has changed the model for the education industry. In many ways, online learning (or e-learning) has created new experiences for teaching and learning, which also includes a new format of publishing through digital textbooks, eBooks, and digital media. E-learning has …show more content…

SWOT Analysis of Flat World Knowledge Strengths * “The First and Largest Publisher of Free and Open Textbooks” (www.flatworldknowledge.com) * Strong initial adoption: 12 published books earned 480 college adoptions, with 40,000 students using FWK; by the end of 2011 FWK was adopted by 2000 institutions and 300,000 students * Adoption from bookstores ahead of expectations in 2009, > 60% of FWK revenues derived from transactions in bookstores * Educators have complete control over textbook content (due to the open source model) * Strategic Financing in place – FWK has completed 3 rounds of venture financing totaling $25MM+ * At a time when the higher education industry is embracing technology and innovation, adopting a digital textbook (like the FWK offerings) aligns with the current strategy * Average savings for use of open-licensed textbooks: 80% or more | Opportunities * Future growth – As of the end of 2010, had an established pipeline of 50 new book titles, and 100 new author contracts * Gaining traction among large higher education systems (like University of Minnesota, University System of Ohio, Virginia State University, Indiana University, MIT) * Reaching beyond economics and business subjects and developing textbooks for subjects like English, mathematics, public speaking * Premium services, especially printing and FLYX study tools, are paid supplement

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