The threats are enormous. The delivery of distance education and appropriate support services will be a commonplace reality in the very near future. This scenario is influenced by the sophisticated developments in the United States. A university management failing to grasp the potential and reality of the move to distance learning and service delivery support may well find the sand shifting under their collective feet. The lack of strategic positioning may lead to loss of market share which will be difficult to recapture at a later stage.
Undoubtedly investment is required.
The question to be resolved is whether institutions will be able to grasp this reality and react by infrastructure investment. A glance at the United States which is targeting the European market should be understood. The range and quality of distance course provision is enormous as is their information service support structures. International qualification will become the norm. Within Europe, the Community will grow ever closer, the currencies will merge and it will be a small step to enrol on courses in other countries.