Introducing MSc Enterprise IT Management — University of Essex Online

If you're looking to protect your company from cyber threats and develop the skills to make it more digital, then the MSc Enterprise IT Management from the University of Essex Online is for you. Dr Sharon Sibanda, head of computing for Kaplan Open Learning explains more

What is enterprise IT management?

Enterprise IT management refers to a set of practices that allow business to maximise value in IT management practices through cloud computing and cyber security.

Could you tell us about the future-focused nature of the course?

This programme focuses on enabling digital transformation to harness recent technologies and adapt value proposition in an agile manner, while equipping learners with skills for sustainable business growth.

We use a variety of assessment methods including collaborative discussions, practical coding exercises and presentations. This allows learners to develop a range of skills around competencies in enterprise IT management. For example, a key competence developed is around using formal approaches by identifying enterprise architecture change needs and by addressing domain requirements and technology development. Learners develop this competency through the investigation of recent developments around democratised generative artificial (AI) intelligence and the impact on risk and security management.

In addition, collaborative skills and communication skills are enhanced. For example, devising a business case to exploit new and emerging methods and technologies for new purposes within an organisation.

Organisations are keen to understand how to be sustainable in the long term. This programme develops learner competencies around applying systematic methodologies to system solution options, considering in-house development vs third-party or purchased commercial off the shelf (COTS) packages, that can be applied to recent development trends such as platform engineering.

Understanding the implications of recent and imminent regulatory changes around sustainability reports and other ethical issues is another important focus of the programme. Learners will be able to critically assess these developments in relevant contexts.

What type of student would suit this course?

• Consultants/analysts who would like to develop their knowledge of enterprise IT.
• Staff in larger organisations who are still supporting legacy systems that are not best practice in the industry.
• SME staff who are looking to upskill due to digitalisation e.g. tax reporting, CRM system for compliance.
• Those who have drifted into IT support and require a formal qualification.
• Staff that are facing potential redundancy as their existing role has lapsed due to changes in technology or the organisations' value offer.
• Individuals looking for a career change.

How does the course help students become employable?

The programme focus is on practical and relevant knowledge technologies and skills crucial in developing transformation for different sized organisations. It includes the following key areas Cloud migration, DevOps and GRC (governance, risk and compliance) with some exciting career opportunities in consulting, project/product management, or as a Cloud analyst/engineer/architect/manager.

What advice do you have for anyone considering the MSc Enterprise IT Management?

• Develop your knowledge of digital transformation by reviewing the Enterprise Information Technology Body of Knowledge (EITBOK) developed to identify the key themes in this computing area.
• Get IT/business experience to understand more about how digital transformation could be applied in an organisation. Consider organisations in your local area.
• Speak with a student adviser or member of the computing academic team on how to join the course.

What are three trends students should be aware of in this area?

• Artificial intelligence (AI) for operations for streamlining operations and deriving insights from data through advanced analytics and IT operations. This allows for improved security and compliance in addition to scalability.
• Industry Cloud platforms use industry-proven tools and technologies which can enhance value seeking strategies for organisations. Further to this there is significant efficiency gains when migrating legacy solutions to the cloud using this approach rather than traditional cloud platforms.
• Cloud technologies such as Edge AI look to improve cloud infrastructure requirements around latency, data security, reliability, and bandwidth. It is important to understand the challenges around deployment and management to derive the best use for the technology.

Find out more

• Read all about University of Essex Online's MSc Enterprise IT Management.
• Take a look at the information technology sector.