Addressing the emerging tech skills shortage in business leaders

Swinburne has launched a suite of five professional micro units that will be delivered through Swinburne Online. These are designed to upskill leaders as they prepare for the unprecedented change technology will have on the future world of work.

The courses, including ‘Creating Business Value through Intelligent Automation and Chat-Bots’, were designed following consultation with leading industry experts from companies including Wipro, Ignite, Macutex and Talent International.  They address an emerging need to equip leaders with the strategic skills to succeed in the digital era.

Head of AI and Automation-Asia Pacific at Wipro, Sriram Bhargav, said technologies such as robotic process automation and AI platforms are playing a crucial role in the digital transformation for enterprises.

“We are witnessing a race in the market to adopt artificial intelligence technologies and, as a result, more business leaders are working to bridge the gaps in their own capabilities and skills gaps in their workforce,” Mr Bhargav said.

“Organisations need skilled talent to be able to translate these niche technologies into better decision-making and more valuable strategies with the right return on investment.

“Swinburne Online’s micro units address what is required for leaders to be adaptable and successful in the future.”

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at Swinburne University of Technology, Professor Duncan Bentley, said the university had combined its academic and research expertise with the latest industry intelligence to provide business leaders with future-focussed courses.

“In a rapidly transforming world of work, Swinburne is committed to helping leaders to be effective by partnering with companies that have valuable insights into what future leaders need,” Professor Bentley added.

“Offering the micro units through Swinburne Online gives professionals an opportunity to enhance their career prospects in a fast and flexible way.”

The initial micro unit course list will include:

• Cybersecurity Strategy for Leaders
• Creating Business Value through Intelligent Automation and Chatbots
• Big Data and Analytics: What Questions Should You Ask?
• Designing Successful Products and Services in the Industry 4.0 Era
• Leading in the Future World of Work

The micro units are part of the wider short course offering from Swinburne Online, which includes single units and professional development courses.

Enrolments for the five inaugural micro units are now open, and the first student intake will occur in April 2019.

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