Five years ago, an IT graduate was expected to be a technology whiz, skilled in systems design and programming. The next generation will need to offer so much more than just technical know-how, with industry now calling for business-savvy IT professionals who understand the application of technology in an organisational setting.

The Bond University School of Information Technology is currently undergoing a transformation to strengthen the business appeal and career choices of their graduates and has appointed well known information technology expert Professor Iain Morrison (pictured below) to lead the way.

Previously Professor of Information Systems and Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Information Technology) at the University of Melbourne, Professor Morrison says he sees his new role as Head of Bond University’s School of Information Technology as an opportunity to design new programs that meet the increasing demand for IT professionals who offer traditional knowledge and skill sets coupled with a broader understanding of business and IT management.

"The time is right for these new programs. Evolving information, knowledge and management practices are contributing to further advances in the generation of business value and creating roles that span traditional IT positions through to business process optimisation and relationship management roles," Professor Morrison said.

"We [the Faculty] are designing new programs that cater for these broader career choices, from a traditional technology and infrastructure focus through to business processes, IT and relationship management.

"While retaining the technical content and discipline strengths of the current course, we are introducing new subjects and study streams and re-shaping current subjects to build on our current areas of expertise in software systems, knowledge management and information systems and include new areas in mobility, application design, enterprise systems and management of business processes and projects.

"The new programs also focus on the development of work-place ready graduates through professional skills development, team-based projects, internships and R&D projects with industry partners. These proposed industry linkage programs are already attracting a great deal of interest from both small and large businesses, and also at a State Government level," he said.

Professor Morrison said students enrolled in the Bachelor of Information Technology at Bond University from 2007 would be able to choose single or double majors in management, web applications, information systems and software systems.

Alumni interested in finding out more information about Bond University’s Information Technology programs should phone Amanda Marchant on 07 5595 3355 or email amanda_marchant@bond.edu.au. Alternatively, visit http://www.bond.edu.au/about/faculties/bus/information-technology/index.html.

The Bond University ASX Sharemarket Game kicked-off again on August 16, with an estimated 40,000 high school students from around Australia expected to take part this year.