Although this model is similar to consortia models with collaboration being the attraction of the model, partnerships and joint ventures typically have less cultural drag than do consortia. The effort spent on collaboration between the multiple members in consortia is high while partnerships are more straightforward - members are fewer and roles are typically clearer. The reasons and goals for collaboration are more narrowly defined as well. In a partnership, the participants form a relationship based upon a shared need or benefit - typically to share curriculum or the delivery of courses. Usually, no third entity is formed to manage arrangements.
Partnerships offer an effective way to share strengths and access unique skills.
Cenquest, University of Texas, Monterrey Tech. An independent broker partners with famous name-brand educational institutions to compete based upon a recognized credible promise. In a brand broker model, a broker has an agreement to offer courses designed or delivered from brand name learning providers. Brand Broker models are typically structured with a private company acting as a broker. A mall or aggregator broker is a business model in which individual providers advertise their courses or programs through a broker's information portal - like listing a business in the yellow pages.