• Senior Desktop...
• Marketing Manager
• Desktop Team Leader
• IT and Projects Manager -...
• IT SUPPORT OFFICER (MATERNITY...

ACS News

IDG staff, Information Age

18/06/2003 16:42:15

WIT at work in ICT

Just a few short years ago, when the global ICT skills shortage was at its height, women were seen as a key part of the solution to the critical under-supply of ICT professionals.

With women accounting for less than a quarter of those employed in ICT, it was hoped that programs to encourage more women into the sector would help to address the gender imbalance while increasing the pool of available skills.

Although times have changed dramatically since then, women continue to be under-represented, and are the focus of a range of initiatives aimed at increasing their participation rates in ICT.

Of course, Women in Information Technology (WIT) groups have been operating in Australia for many years, but have gained a higher profile in recent times, particularly within the ACS.

In 2002, the ACS National Council unanimously endorsed the ACS WIT policy which states: "The ACS has an obligation to the Australian community to bring about economic, social and intellectual benefits through a higher participation of women in ICT. At national, state and regional levels, the ACS seeks to create and support initiatives which encourage the entry, development and retention of women in ICT professions generally and within the ACS."

The National WIT Committee today comprises a National Chair, Dr Leoni Warne (ACT), Deputy Chair, Michelle Mau (QLD), and representatives from each of the remaining ACS state/territory branches: Anita Prabhu (NSW); Susan Bandias (NT); Su Spencer (SA); Emeline Haight (TAS); Sue Eggleshaw (VIC) and Catherine Deacon (WA).

WIT issues have gained a higher profile within the ACS since Judy Hammond was elected as Director of the ACS Community Affairs Board in 2001. She organised a meeting of interested representatives from all ACS state branches in Wollongong that year, which led to the formation of the national committee to work with and through the branches.

"It is really good to see that the ACS is now supporting Women in IT initiatives and issues that are of more interest to women," said Judy.

"ACS WIT is tackling a wide range of issues with an emphasis on increasing the recruitment and retention of women in the IT profession and making the ACS and its events and activities a more inclusive and friendly place for women."

The initial meeting of the ACS National WIT Committee was held in conjunction with the University of Wollongong Faculty of Informatics Spring School for Girls, an annual event aimed at Year 11 girls that informs them about careers in ICT and seeks to encourage more girls into the profession.

After attending the workshops and speaking with some of the girls, the committee identified what it called the ‘babe factor' as being key to overcoming resistance to ICT careers.

"Many girls were put off by what they saw as a nerdy image associated with IT, and they didn't want to be defined in that way themselves," said WIT Chair Leoni Warne.

"This is clearly a perception we need to change since there is now a huge variety of jobs within the industry, and communications skills are becoming far more important than the traditional technical skills alone," she said.

Similar extra-curricular activities now operate in most states for secondary school-age girls, to increase their interest and knowledge about ICT and the range of careers in the industry.

The ACS is eager to create interest among both female students and practising ICT professionals through such activities, and to raise the WIT profile.

"Activities currently being planned by WIT seek to link with computing education and educational strategies for girls and women, working in conjunction with other parts of the ACS that are targeting young people and IT education.

"We also became aware of the Federal Government's Business-Higher Education Round Table (B-HERT) Task Force on Women in ICT, which has similar goals to us, and have made a significant contribution to a report being prepared by them," said Leoni.

"Rather than reinventing the wheel, we seek to consolidate all the research that has been done to gain a clearer understanding of the current perceptions amongst school-age girls, when they are formed, and what measures will effectively address them.

"We want to promote a more positive and accurate public image of the ICT industry by featuring women in ACS brochures, newsletters and other literature, by using more female speakers at ACS events like Branch meetings and Education Across the Nation, and by using these events to address a broader range of issues such as recruiting and training, since more women work in these areas.

"The committee is also considering approaching a local production company to see if they will write a non-stereotypical character for an ICT professional into a popular television series. In most cases, ICT professionals are portrayed as geeks and nerds, so a more balanced character would help to correct those stereotypes," Leoni said.

Other WIT initiatives include research to better understand the needs of women in ICT roles, looking at the need for retention strategies, professional development issues, help in dealing with barriers, or encouraging more family-friendly policies like the provision of day care for young children or more flexible working hours.

"Through collaboration with bodies like B-HERT and other WIT groups around Australia, we hope to encourage a broad range of WIT initiatives across all states and significantly raise the profile of women in technology in coming years," she said.

Leoni is standing down as Chair this year but will continue an active involvement in ACS WIT activities through her ongoing role as Immediate Past Chair and WIT representative for the Canberra Branch, supporting Michelle Mau as she takes over in the top job.

Judy, Leoni and Michelle spent a day meeting in Sydney last month to effect a smooth leadership transition and plan strategies for the group's ongoing development and growth.

Michelle is keen to continue and extend the various programs initiated under Leoni's leadership, as well as introducing new strategies to increase the group's effectiveness.

"I've been involved in working with regional and indigenous groups in my home state of Queensland as well as developing links with government and community groups like QLD WIT," she said.

ACS QLD and QLD WIT joined forces last year to stage the highly successful Great Debate, which brought together some of the state's leading ICT players to debate the issue, "Women Are Better @ IT". A capacity crowd of 300 attended the event last September, which has provided the template not only for annual debates in Queensland, but for similar events in other states.

"ACS QLD is working with the Brisbane City Council's Communities Learning in Partnership group to participate in information fairs for students and parents, leveraging their resources in the way of translators to communicate more effectively with ethnic communities. We're also providing content to Education Queensland's The Learning Place Web site to reach more people in the community with information about ICT courses and careers," said Michelle.

"Initiatives like these are helping to raise awareness about ICT career opportunities and helping to demystify ICT for girls and their parents.

"We want to see more quality events run by WIT groups all over Australia and include new initiatives relating to ethnic and rural communities to ensure that women are not disadvantaged by their geographical location," she said.

Another ACS WIT Committee Forum is planned to take place soon to develop further strategies for the group's ongoing development and growth.

For your eyes only

The ACS Members Only Site provides an easy access to manage/update your membership details, keep yourself up to date with the ACS Calendar of Events, download Professional Development events presentations, access resource materials, and more.

As part of our commitment to continually improve services to members, we are pleased to announce the following new member benefits and services:

Butler Group subscription services

Butler Group provides a comprehensive portfolio of Information Technology research, analysis, and advice catering for the specialised needs of all levels of executive, from IT professionals to senior managers and board directors. All ACS members will be able to access this via the ACS Members Only Web site.

Virtual lunch

Monthly online discussions on specific topics, held at lunchtime. These will be facilitated on the Members Only Site by an expert in the field.

YIT working group

A group of young ACS members which will, on an ongoing basis, define and implement required YIT initiativesMembers forumThis is an online forum in the Members Only Site where members can post questions, debate issues, and grow their network, virtually.

Visit http://members.acs.org.au and start reaping the rewards of your membership.

ACS elects new Fellows

The ACS has rewarded the achievements and commitment of three outstanding ICT professionals with Fellowships.

At its bi-annual meeting, the ACS National Council elevated Dr Noel Edge, Associate Professor Mark Looi and Dr Glenn Stewart to the status of Fellow.

The Council also debated proposals to revamp its administrative structure to improve services to members, as well as endorsing initiatives to expand knowledge transfer activities and increase its relevance to graduates and younger professionals.

ACS National President Richard Hogg said the newly-elected Fellows were all leading identities in the ICT sector who had demonstrated enormous commitment and dedication to the industry and profession.

"The ACS does not award Fellowships lightly. Those nominated for this kind of recognition are always people who have served above and beyond the call of duty to impact and shape the sector in which they work."

Over a period of 30 years, Dr Noel Edge has combined an academic career with industry and consulting experience to contribute to the growth and development of both sectors. He has served as Head of the Information Systems Department at the University of Southern Queensland and is now Professor of Information systems at the Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates.

Noel has extensive experience in government and business, and has conducted research in e-commerce and its effects on business models, with particular focus on the application of automated metrics to Web development environments and applications.

An active member of the ACS for many years, he established and chaired the Darling Downs Chapter also served on the Society's Queensland Branch Executive.

Associate Professor Mark Looi is a leading authority both within Australia and internationally, in the area of smart cards and information security, publishing and presenting widely on this issue.

He plays a leadership role within the School of Data Communications and the Information Security Research Centre at the Queensland University of Technology, setting research managing staff and students, directing the consultancy and continuing education activities.

Mark has also helped to drive the transfer of knowledge in his area of expertise, serving as Organising Chair of the Fifth Australian Conference on Information Security and Privacy, and Deputy Organising Chair of Asiacrypt 2001, the largest conference on cryptography in the Asia/Oceania region and one of the biggest in the world.

Dr Glenn Stewart is a 35-year veteran of ICT with a highly productive career that has encompassed academia, professional consulting and applying his ICT expertise within the Army Reserve.

Glenn has published numerous papers on ICT education and the application of ICT in other educational disciplines, has developed and implemented a range of ICT-related courses within the university sector, and helped to develop a platform for universities seeking to use enterprise systems as a vehicle for education in business, engineering or ICT.

He serves as a Major in the Army Reserve, where he commands the only group of ICT specialists within the Reserve forces. He has also helped numerous leadership roles within the ACS, serving as Qld Branch Chair and as Director of the ACS Publications Board.

ACS Foundation opens doors for ICT students The ACS Foundation has presented the majority of 58 new scholarships to university students engaged in ICT courses around the country at award ceremonies in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

ACS Foundation Chair John Ridge and Executive Director Peter Rose have maintained a hectic schedule flying to a series of presentations in each of the four states where the Foundation already operates.

The first, in Perth, saw 10 students receive their scholarship certificates to study at a range of universities in WA during the prestigious WAITTA awards ceremony. This was followed by presentations in other capitals, involving local sponsors and key industry stakeholders.

Twenty of the 29 students who have successfully qualified for scholarships in NSW attended the presentation ceremony at NSW Parliament House on May 21.

At the event, Ridge paid tribute to the many organisations which were providing support to the Foundation despite the harsh economic conditions pervading the industry.

"During 2002-2003, we have allocated a total of $1.9 million in scholarships out of the total $2.85 million which has been raised to date, which is an extraordinary achievement for a body that is just under three years old, and during such tough times.

"I congratulate the students on their achievements and thank our many donors for their commitment and generosity," he said.

Rose highlighted the close relationships that had been forged between the Foundation, its various corporate and government sponsors, and the universities through which the scholarships funds were being channelled.

"We are particularly grateful to the ACS for establishing the Foundation and providing a high level of ongoing support, and to foundation sponsor Compuware, which has demonstrated its unparalleled commitment to our industry by funding 12 scholarships on its own," he said.

"A non-profit body like the ACS Foundation is highly dependent on the support it receives from the business community. For an organisation like Compuware to support so many scholarships is truly impressive."

Other corporate sponsors recognised at the event included Air France, Altiris, Alt-U, American Express, the French Trade Commission, Gammasonics Institute for Medical Research, the Graphic Arts & Merchants Association of Australia (GAMAA), the NSW Department of Land Management, Oberthur Card Systems, Peugeot Australia and Toshiba Australia.

Scholarship eases barriers to study

For Perth student, Gemma Barras, every day presents new challenges.

Blind since birth, she recently won an ACS Foundation scholarship to study Computer Science at Murdoch University. The $10,000 annual scholarship has helped to cover the cost of a laptop to enable her to take notes in class, as well as assisting with the various other expenses associated with her studies.

"I can't drive, so just getting from A to B is a big task," said Gemma, who relies mainly on taxis and trains to get around Perth.

Refusing to allow her disability to limit her life choices, 19-year-old Gemma has her heart set on a career in Web design, hoping to one day run her own business in this field. Although legally blind, she has some limited sight which she augments with screen enlargements and voice programs to aid her work.

She heard about the ACS Foundation scholarship during a lecture earlier this year and impressed the selection panel with her ambition and drive.

One of the members of the panel was Loula Papandreou, WA State Manager for Primus Telecom and Chair of Women in IT in WA, who vividly recalls Gemma's selection interview.

"I was really impressed by this young woman, who was visually impaired but was talking about Web design and colours and page layouts as though she was fully sighted. It was only the fact that she carried a white cane that told the true story about her situation.

"Gemma didn't make it easy for us - she didn't want us to feel sorry for her at all, and she certainly doesn't feel sorry for herself," said Loula.

Gemma was delighted to hear that her application for a scholarship to assist with her study of computer science had been successful.

"I can't begin to explain how much it helps to have that money behind me," she said.

"I can't sit in a lecture and take hand-written notes - I had to buy a laptop. This scholarship has meant I have no constraints when it comes to purchasing the specialised equipment I'll need to complete the course, as well as having additional money to help with transport costs and other expenses."

Gemma is already doing Web design work on a voluntary basis for VizHelp (www.vizhelp.org), a support group for the parents of blind and vision impaired young people.

We wish her well with her studies and a successful future in the ICT sector.

Discounted quality wine helps ACS FoundationACS members can now take advantage of a 25 per cent discount off the recommended retail price of Gartelmann Wines, and help secure the future of our industry at the same time. In addition to offering the generous discount on all wines purchased either via the Internet (www.gartelmann.com.au ), mail order or at the Cellar Door, Gartelmann Wine will donate five per cent of your purchase to the ACS Foundation.

Owned and operated by Jan and Jorg Gartelmann, a former software developer and consultant for many years, Gartelmann Wines is based at Lovedale in the Hunter Valley and produces premium quality semillon, chardonnay, chenin blanc and shiraz varieties.

Jorg bought the vineyard in 1996 after suffering a heart attach and undergoing bypass surgery. Not only has the vineyard given him a new lease of life, but he has done the same for it, modernising and enhancing growing and picking processes to help maximise the quality and potential of the fruit.

Gartelmann Wines are attractively packaged with a colourful label featuring a magpie, since this bird plays a vital role in controlling insect populations on the vines and chasing away smaller grape-eating birds.

For more information about Gartelmann Wines or the special offer to ACS members, visit the Web site, e-mail sales@gartelmann.com.au or call (02) 4930 7113.

Centenary Medal for ACS President

ACS President Richard Hogg was presented with a Centenary Medal late last month for services to IT in Australia.

Hogg, who served on the Victorian Branch Executive of the ACS for 18 years, including three years as Branch Chair, before taking over as National President last year, received the award from Federal Treasurer Peter Costello at a presentation in Melbourne.

"This award recognises more than just my personal achievements - it represents a greater awareness of the important role the ACS plays within the ICT sector and the business community," said Hogg.

Improving relevance for young professionalsIn recent years, the ACS has been working to enhance its relevance to young ICT professionals and students.

The Young IT project involves collaboration between all state and territory ACS branches, staging a series of forums with young members and professionals to identify their needs.

Representatives from each of the state and territory YIT forums met at the ACS National Office in Sydney in April to discuss ways to; - attract and retain student and young professional members;- understand the needs of 26-35-year-old young professionals; and- develop strategies collaboratively with students and young professionals.

The forums found that YIT (26-35 years old) in states and territories had similar issues and suggestions regarding ACS membership.

Six key activity areas were prioritised from the findings with actions submitted to Council for funding.

1. Networking

Encourage YIT to participate in two Branch informal and fun networking sessions for the 26-35 age group such as programming comps or LAN gaming2. Training Two annual branch bootcamps to help graduates in the transition from education to employment by teaching real-world skills not currently covered in university3. Business linkages Encouraging non-programming YIT to get involved in ACS through branch non programming events, ie starting up a business4. Value proposition - individual/company To improve value of individual memberships and corporate employment of YIT ACS members through current National Office marketing area5. Identity Promote ACS as a professional, industry important society and decrease academic perception through annual Branch YIT/Corporate semi-formal dinner/drink session6. Knowledge base National Office leverage the current internet site as a YIT information resourceThe YIT group will become a National Committee reporting to the Community Affairs Board to ensure continuing representation of these issues at a high level.

Ease of movement with free notification service The ACS is partnering with Australia Post to make life easier for members when you move house or change your business address.

If you take advantage of Australia Post's Mail Redirection Service, you'll not only ensure your mail follows you when you move, but you can take advantage of a new option authorising Australia Post to notify the ACS of your new address.

This free Notification Service ensures the contact details for your professional membership remain up to date with the ACS.

All you have to do is mark the ACS in the list of organisations you want to be advised of your new contact details and, since we already have your previous name and address, Australia Post will automatically forward the updated address.

What could be easier?

Update your security knowledge at ACISP 2003 The Eighth Australasian Conference on Information Security and Privacy (ACISP 2003) will be held in Wollongong from July 9-11, 2003.

Sponsored by the Australasian Computer Society and staged in cooperation with the IEEE-CS Task Force on Information Assurance, the conference has been successful in attracting four key featured speakers:

1. Professor Andrew Odlyzko, University of Minnesota, US2. Professor Chris Mitchell, Royal Holloway University of London, UK3. Dr Li Gong (accepted in principle), Sun Microsystems4. Professor Gerard Milburn, University of Queensland, Australia Forty-two papers will address a wide range of security topics including cryptography, network security and secure systems and applications.

For information on invited speakers, the list of accepted papers and registration, visit the ACSIP 2003 Web site at:www.itacs.uow.edu.au/research/NSLabs/acisp03