Deloitte University in Texas announced the launch of a massive open online course (MOOC) on the business implications of additive manufacturing.

School officials said 3D Opportunity: The Course on Additive Manufacturing for Business Leaders is the first course of its kind to be offered by a large professional services firm and is designed to help educate the market on the business drivers of additive manufacturing (more popularly known as 3D printing).

"We are committed to providing innovative educational opportunities to our clients through programs such as Dbriefs webcasts, live events, and Deloitte University itself," Jonathan Copulsky, Deloitte Consulting LLP and director of Deloitte's Brand & Eminence group, said in a statement. "The MOOC offers a new hybrid - the ability to interact and collaborate with the instructor and participants worldwide while viewing high quality content from the convenience of their own office.

He added that the potential to reach abroad population -- leaders and managers, to educators and students - is an exciting prospect.

"We believe courses like this can help spark a dialogue around important trends in the marketplace," Copulsky said.

Mike Hripko, deputy director of workforce and educational outreach, America Makes, said the course is valuable because it explores the business considerations for additive manufacturing.

"During this course participants will learn how 3D printing could impact their business, which sectors are leading in the use of the technology, and what factors they should consider when building a business case for additive manufacturing," Hripko said.

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3D Opportunity explores the business drivers of additive manufacturing and is relevant for anyone involved with strategy, supply chain, operations, R&D, manufacturing, and product development. Mark Cotteleer, a research director with Deloitte Services LP and former business school professor at Marquette University and the University of Chicago, is teaching the course. Cotteleer will be joined by specialists from Oak Ridge National Laboratory and America Makes during the course.