Feature
Issue No. 4 - February/March 2002
Bred for IT success
Quietly, for the past decade and more, a unique partnership of business and education has been customising high—quality IT graduates who are snapped up by Australian businesses.
The Business Information Systems Co—operative Program at the University of South Australia is jointly managed by business partners and the university. A board of studies comprising mainly business representatives directs the program. Many of Adelaide’s leading business and government organisations are partners, advocating business needs or directly sponsoring students.
BIS candidates have completed two years of undergraduate study in a business or commerce discipline. They need a credit average to be invited. Invitees then face a panel of business managers and university academics looking for excellent communication skills, leadership potential and group work capability. Those who make it study a combination of management and information systems courses and apply their knowledge during three work—experience placements.
BIS graduates are high academic achievers with the business acumen, information systems skills and teamwork orientation that modern industry demands.
The BIS program started in the late 1980s when local IT leaders recognised a shortage of management—oriented technology graduates. Industry representatives approached the SA Institute of Technology to design a cooperative program that would meet the industry’s requirements.
The first intake of students was in 1989. BIS graduates quickly became sought—after talent and the initial three—year undergraduate degree was modified to a two—year honours form—Bachelor of Business Information Systems (Honours)—in 1996. In 1999, the program was advanced to the master’s degree status it enjoys today.
The BIS program is different because it operates with strong industry support and genuine partnership from leading South Australian enterprises. ...
