Open University launches education framework for budding CIOs

IT staff who aspire to become chief information officers might be interested in a new learning framework put together by distance-learning specialist The Open University (OU).

The OU has devised a framework of recommended modules from its MBA, MSc and Open Masters programmes to help workers get the skills they need to progress to board level.

As well as smoothing the progression of existing staff, the framework will also help companies attract new recruits by showing there is a clear career path through the organisation, said the OU.

Kevin Streater, executive director for IT and telecoms at the OU, said: "We have mapped our curriculum to the career paths of future CIOs, which will enable them to have the right training at the right stage in their careers. They may start with IT-specific courses and supplement them with management training as they progress in their careers. By the time they reach board level, they will have the necessary skill set to create strategic business value."

The OU worked with the CIO Executive Council to devise the route through its courses, matching its modules to the council's Pathways competency framework. The council is made up of leaders from Fortune 500 and mid-market companies.