The IMI Diploma in Data Business leading to an MSc in Data Business
The companies of tomorrow are already thriving today on the fact that harnessing data not only delivers an exceptional user experience to all stakeholders, but also drives incremental organisational change, while reducing time and costs spent on IT and encouraging company-wide innovation. Has your business successfully harnessed the explosive growth of data that is available to you?
The IMI and UCC are pleased to announce the launch in spring 2013 of the part time IMI Diploma in Data Business. In essence the programme will help you build a data business strategy and roadmap to propel your business’s future strength and security.
The issue with Big Data is that right now it suffers from a dearth of in-house expertise in the majority of today’s thriving businesses. Businesses that as a result may cease to thrive in the future. Big data is only going to get bigger so there’s no better time than the present for your organisation to start treating data as you should do – that is to say – as your most valuable asset.
Programme Partners
EMC and SAS are programme partners to the UCC-IMI Alliance in the launch of this programme, which ultimately leads to an MSc in Data Business. Those who have the technical experience and want to develop a more business/holistic view of data strategy and those who are non technical but need to have a sufficient understanding to manage data/or collaborate with the data analysts should read on.
‘The new Diploma and MSc in Data Business will play a critical role in educating the next generation of business leaders. The use of data analytics in everyday business activities is expanding dramatically and shaping the global business environment. It is imperative that we ensure business leaders have the necessary skills to take advantage of this new IT revolution and enable the creation of high-quality job opportunities. As a global leader in Big Data and data analytics, EMC is pleased to partner with UCC and IMI in supporting and assisting on this programme which will ensure Ireland positions itself to take advantage of new high-tech trends in global IT.’
Donagh Buckley, Chief Technology Officer and Director of EMC Research Europe
‘Big Data and its exploitation using data analytics are no longer concepts, they are now a key part of the strategic make up of leading companies looking to find a competitive edge. SAS believe the Masters in Data Business programme is important for business leaders of today and the future, who are looking to get the most from data by building new business models and strategies to leverage data and the analysis of it.’
Geoffrey Taylor, Academic Program Manager, SAS UK and Ireland
In the Classroom
Alongside classroom discussion with UCC and IMI experts, participants will learn first-hand from several industry speakers what their practical experience of implementing Data Business solutions through workshops with senior specialists.
The IMI Diploma in Data Business will enable participants to identify and evaluate Data Business strategies for their organisations, and develop a sound business case for deploying new data enabled business models. As part of the programme, every participant will develop a comprehensive “Data Business blueprint” for their organisation.
“This Diploma will be characterised by a unique classroom dynamic that will bring together both technical and non-technical managers to jointly analyse Data Business strategies and map out new ways of doing business,” commented IMI Executive Chairman Dr Phil Nolan.
Why Data Business
Legacy businesses are trying to re-invent themselves with the advent of more internal data and reporting challenges as well as new data sources from business and channel partners, the advent of Open Data etc. New service enabled business models are being developed at a rapid pace with little thought to some of the strategic issues that should be considered. IT and business professionals are challenged with developing reporting strategies for their ever increasing complex business footprint.
Very few businesses, surviving in today’s economic climate, want to lose existing customers, over/under order materials/goods, or just put more simply, operate at a loss through making what seems to be straight forward business decisions. Therefore, usable high quality data is a key resource for any such business. However, these same businesses often inappropriately treat information as a ‘by-product’ as opposed to a ‘product’ and do not effectively manage data as a ‘business resource’ or ‘corporate asset’. In fact, reports suggest that only 1 in 10 businesses have an enterprise data strategy and as a result are not managing their data as a corporate asset. The reality is that the on-going behaviour of these businesses leads to a misplaced perception about the quality of their data and to the absence of data governance and data quality initiatives. So, while business data is a key strategic asset and should be managed accordingly, how does your business manage your data?
The programme will provide technical and non-technical management with a new and highly applicable skill-set to help support an existing data business or help develop a new data enabled business. Participants will develop an enterprise data strategy for their business.
‘Without a prolonged and active focus, data enabled business initiatives are likely to fail. While there are several technical programmes in the market place at the postgraduate level these are usually taught as full time postgrad programmes aimed at a technical role. These typically do not attract non-technical business functions, those looking for a business driven perspective to the content as opposed to technical. This programme is about business and for businesses.’
Professor Ciaran Murphy, UCC
For Further Infomation
To apply please call IMI at 1800 22 33 88 or e-mail programmeadvisors@imi.ie. Please note programme numbers are limited. The programme is scheduled for March 2013 and applicants must submit an application form and make themselves available for a one to one conversation with the Programme Director in advance of their application being considered for acceptance.