City University desperately seeking aspiring CIOs

Academics to train new business leaders for better information handling

City University touts Masters course for aspiring business information leaders

From September 2010 aspiring CIOs can enroll on an executive-style Masters course at London's City University.

City University says the new Masters in information leadership (MIL) course targets mid-career professionals with at least three years of experience in business-facing IT management or consultancy roles. Those looking to be CIOs or work in other CXO leadership positions.

MIL course director Dr Andrew Tuson said that currently there are very few training options in the UK that are specifically designed to address the rigorous needs of future CIOs.

"By launching this dedicated post-experience degree, we are bridging the gap that exists between traditional MBA and IT Masters offerings and acknowledging the interdisciplinary nature of the information leader's role,” added Tuson.

The course will be taught for one weekend per month over a period of two years, to accommodate part-time study.

Academics from City’s School of Informatics and its City Law School will teach the course, with input and presentations from existing CIOs playing a central part in the course's delivery.

David Chan, former head of business systems at the BBC and director of the Centre for Information Leadership, pointed out that today's CIOs have to contend with a diverse array of issues.

This include coping with an increasingly mobile workforce; ensuring their organisations are legally and sustainably compliant; and assessing the business benefits of adopting the latest technologies.