Ticks For Tech

Sydney Morning Herald

Saturday May 17, 2008

Deborah Cassrels

Science and IT students can work towards a specialised degree, writes Deborah Cassrels.

A new trend in business education is providing students with specialised management master's degrees tailored for particular professions. At the University of Newcastle, the master of science management is aimed at people in science and IT positions.

The new online course gives those with an understanding of science increased managerial skills and the opportunity for career advancement in a science-based environment.

The course requires students to take a compulsory project management course and understand contemporary science issues.

The program can be completed over one year full-time or equivalent part-time, with courses offered on a trimester basis. Graduates will be eligible to apply for accreditation with the Australian Institute of Management.

At the University of NSW, two other specialist programs give students the ability to advance their careers. The master of technology management is designed for science, engineering and technology graduates who want to develop business skills while continuing to develop expertise in their field.

Australian School of Business lecturer Loretta O'Donnell says the face-to-face course appeals to students seeking to manage disciplines in large research institutes or commercial operations.

It can be studied full-time over one year or part-time over two, with a bachelor degree the recognised entry requirement.

The master of business and technology program caters to experienced managers who want to develop business skills through flexible study. Students must do the course part-time, be professionally employed, have four years' relevant work experience and complete 12 courses, possibly within four years. The program, offered face-to-face or online, must be completed within six years.

Focusing on technology and its impact on organisations' products and services, MBT students can tailor a program to meet their needs. With 23 courses, it requires students to do a capstone course - integrating the material they have learnt within the context of innovation and strategic management.

Associate Professor John D'Ambra, the director of the MBT program, says its scope is much broader than that of the MTM, focusing on the intersection between business, technology and management.

D'Ambra says students come from overseas and throughout Australia. "They want to consolidate their careers or take them to a higher level. They are seeking management positions in businesses dependent on technology."

Flexible learning is a key element of the program: "We have a number of students who are studying in a field of service - in the army, air force or navy, with one student in the peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon."

MTM students are not required to have worked professionally in their field and are generally undergraduates looking to supplement their degrees and establish a career, whereas MBT students are typically seeking to advance their careers.

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

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