Apollo made a seven-figure investment in the initiative, including faculty fees and payments to design firm IDEO, which designed the class's website, according to George Lichter, who heads the Apollo unit overseeing the project.

WSJ: Apollo to Offer Course on Business Innovation

The five contractors, who do public relations, Web design and advertising, get part of their fees in cash to cover costs, then get shares based on an estimated initial public offering price.

FORBES: Hire now, pay later

The danger of this happening will become acute on December 21st, when a Scottish businessman, Andrew Cubie, is due, at Mr Dewar's request, to publish a report about the future of university tuition fees, a subject which accident as much as design has elevated into a difference of high principle between Labour and the Lib Dems.

ECONOMIST: The Scottish play