A win-win industry-university relationship

In harsh economic downtrends, similar to those experienced in the past few years, organizational leaders within companies sought ways to reduce operating costs to boost shareholder value. Unfortunately, most of them took a short-sighted approach by eliminating some of their human capital, one of the most valuable assets of an organization. Of course, in the short term, such companies reduce their costs and therefore project a better balance sheet. Their stock price increases, major shareholders including the executives sell their shares with a nice profit. However, this action has been proven to be unhealthy. This article examines the danger behind weakening the foundation of an organization and the benefits behind strengthening the foundation by providing education and training for the employees through an industry-university partnership.