U21Global launches online graduate course for IT professionals

Singapore-based Universitas 21 Global (U21Global), an online graduate business school, on Friday launched a graduate programme in information systems management targetted at Indian IT professionals. The programme was simultaneously launched in Singapore and India on Friday.

The new course "" Master of Science in Information Systems Management (MISM) "" is designed to prepare information systems and IT professionals for management and leadership roles in a global economy which is increasingly dependent on IT.

Conducted online, the MISM programme uses an innovative pedagogy that adopts a problem-based approach through the use of case studies, said Michael Goldberg, chief academic officer, U21Global.

"In the ever-changing world of information technology, much of the success depends on maintaining an edge in the most important asset "" human capital. Pure technical skills are widely available. But it is the combination of technical savvy, soft skills and management skills that determine the effectiveness of today's IT professional and the success of a forward-looking organisation," he said.

Talking to Business Standard here on Friday, Goldberg said the MISM programme is ideally-suited for a broad range of professionals, including business analysts, solution architects, project managers, IT managers, consultants and IT directors for whom the development of technology management skills, rather than pure technical skills, is essential.

The unique and flexible curriculum is organised into competency clusters, which enable students to select and develop competencies-based around their needs, interests and aspirations.

Said Wing Lam, director, MISM programme, "In today's competitive world it is easy for any IT company to get technical skills but difficult to get management-oriented professionals. Our course will enable them to acquire management skills."

U21Global's programme provides a global perspective - students have the opportunity to interact and network with peers from all over the world. U21 Global offers round the clock support services which is not a viable option for regular face to face learning.

Students will have access to libraries, course materials, discussion boards and chat rooms to network with other students around the world at any time, something that even the best-funded campus universities cannot provide.

The course structure provides the opportunity for those juggling travel, work and personal commitments to complete their studies at their own pace, at any time or any place, Lam said.

The course is open to any graduate with two years of work experience in an IT company and the course fee is $9,000. There will be 12 subjects to study and the duration is two years. U21Global has appointed three faculties for India who will be based at Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore.