Businesses have welcomed the launch of a degree course
that combines technology and business training.
As reported in Computer Weekly last week, students started the
BSc in IT management for business at four universities this week.
The course was developed by sector skills council E-Skills UK with
the backing of major companies.
Businesses need this combination of skills, rather than
technical expertise on its own, according to Helen Tovey, IT
competency and learning manager at Ford Motor Company. "I only wish
we had something like this in my day," she said.
"Students who do well on this type of degree programme should be
much more marketable to prospective employers. I think this
delivers a win-win situation for all - graduates will be equipped
to transition more quickly and effectively into business life, and
companies will gain employees who can make a bigger contribution
from day one.
"This programme offers an excellent mix of business and
technology skills development, with a focus on the practical
application of technology in today's business environment. Because
it is delivered jointly by the education and corporate sectors, the
content of the programme is very relevant and the learning
experience unique."
Financial service company Norwich Union has also backed the
course. HR business partner Doug Smalls said, "We were pleased to
be able to work with E-Skills UK on creating a framework for an IT
degree that also delivers the business and management skills we
need. It shows how effective industry and employer collaboration
can be."
The course is being run by the University of Greenwich, Reading
University, University of Central England and Northumbria
University. Eventually, E-Skills hopes 22 universities will be able
to offer the course.