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ACS news: Kim Denham appointed ACS CEO

ACS staff, Information Age

19/02/2008 15:12:57

Previously Information Systems Manager of chemical and fertiliser manufacturer CSBP, and Chair of the ACS WA Branch, she will move from Perth to Sydney for her new role .

Shehas more than 20 years' experience in ICT, including senior management roles with Ericsson Australia, West Australian Newspapers, Tourism Western Australia and CSBP.

ACS President Kumar Parakala welcomed her appointment, saying her extensive experience across a range of executive roles and ICT disciplines would be of enormous benefit to the professional body.

"We are very fortunate to have attracted someone of Kim's experience and reputation to this role, and look forward to her making a significant positive impact on the society and the profession in the coming months and years," he said.

"Her appointment is also timely since Kim is the society's first female CEO and will provide a wonderful role model for other women in the ICT sector."

Denham has enjoyed a distinguished career thus far and was a finalist in the 2006 Telstra Business Women's Awards in WA. She has also volunteered her time to work on various boards, panels and steering committees, including as a:

• Vice chair of the ACS WA Branch • Member of the ACS-W Board, which promotes greater participation by women in ICT; • Committee member of the ACS Foundation Western Australia Chapter; • Vice Chair of the ICT Industry Collaboration Centre in Western Australia; • Member of the Curtin University of Technology of Western Australia IS Advisory Board; • Member of the Information Industry Forum in Western Australia; • Judge for the Western Australian Information and Technology Awards; and • Branch Convenor for ATUG in Western Australia.

"I have always considered it a privilege to be able to play my part in helping to grow the ICT sector in WA," she says. "As ACS CEO, I will be in a position to exert far more influence and achieve even greater results, and I look forward to the challenges ahead."

Kumar Parakala also took the opportunity to thank ACS general manager Sam Burrell for acting as CEO during the appointment process.

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ACS Foundation awards welter of new scholarships

The ACS has awarded a record number of scholarships in the past two months as the new academic year kicks off, paving the way for over 145 students to embark on a career in ICT.

ACS Foundation executive director John Ridge said the Foundation awarded 55 Work Integrated Learning (WIL) scholarships last December, each worth $28,000 to the student and providing them with relevant industry work experience with the donor company.

An estimated 40 more WIL scholarships of similar value were due to be awarded in January/February. Additionally, around 50 Innovation, Creativity and Transformation (ICT) scholarships designed to ease the start-up costs for new students and attract more students into ICT courses will also be awarded.

The ICT scholarships are typically worth $2000 to $3000 each, but can range as high as $25,000.

"We are delighted to be able to provide a growing number of students with valuable incentives to study ICT, as well as paving the way for the WIL students to undertake that all-important work experience that employers want to see when hiring graduates," Ridge said.

"This is a great start to the new year, however more needs to be done if we are to rebuild our graduate pipeline to the level required by the Australian ICT sector, which is currently struggling with major skills shortages."

He called on ACS members to help reverse the graduate shortage by actively encouraging more young people to embrace an ICT career.

"Skills shortages really mean job opportunities," he said, "which is more the message we need to get across to the parents and careers advisers who are influencing students' decisions and preferences. I do not believe that students have really lost interest in an ICT career, but due to the advice they are getting their interest might not always translate into enrolments."

"Despite the strong and growing demand for ICT professionals in all areas of commerce and government, many students, parents and others are continuing to hang on to irrelevant stereotypes and perceptions dating back to the dotcom crash.

"We all need to start talking up the ICT profession, telling our children, friends and colleagues about our positive work experiences and highlighting the wide range of career choices and scholarship opportunities as a way of enticing more people to consider ICT."

Ridge said the ACS Foundation has dozens of scholarships on offer at any time and sometimes struggles to find appropriate candidates to fill them.

"While we always have a range of scholarships showing on the ACS Foundation Web site (www.acsfoundation.com.au), this is only the tip of the iceberg and our time and resource constraints, and the volume of scholarships, often mean that many scholarships do not always make it to being listed online.

"Students considering an ICT career should definitely check out the Web site to see if there is anything of interest in terms of available scholarships. However, even if they don't find what they're looking for there, they should always submit a generic scholarship application because we probably have other opportunities that will suit them."

He stressed that for high-quality candidates, the ACS Foundation will even approach employers as a way of creating the right kind of scholarship, rather than turning the student down.

"If a student meets our criteria, we will engage with employers on their behalf. Our major supporters like IBM, Agilent, Corporate Express, Motorola, Simbient and Tripoint are very proactive about connecting with quality candidates and we are happy to provide that introduction," he said.

[sidebar]

ou can help grow our industry

The ACS Foundation is currently looking for sponsors to help and encourage more young people to choose ICT as their career.

For as little as $1500 to $2000 (tax deductible), you can provide a student with basic start-up costs under the ACS Foundation's new Innovation Creativity and Transformation (ICT) scholarship program.

The ICT program allows a company or individual to sponsor a student through their first year of university, reducing their financial outlay and encouraging high-quality students to make ICT their first choice.

The Western Australian chapter of the ACS Foundation has written to local businesses and other industry stakeholders, asking them to make a tax-free contribution to helping a student embark on a career in technology. This is an initiative it is hoped will be replicated in other states and territories.

In most cases, the employer's contribution is matched at least in part by the university where the scholarship is awarded, giving the student up to $3000 towards the purchase of a laptop, software and textbooks, or turning one scholarship into two.

"We all know the tremendous opportunities that await young people who choose ICT. High paying salaries, flexible work conditions in a really global industry, the ability to drive change and travel opportunities are all just part of the package for many of our students," according to the foundation's executive director John Ridge.

"Funding a scholarship is a direct and real investment in the future of our industry. This is your invitation and opportunity to become a leader in the education and skilling of our future workforce.

"Of course, we are also looking for new sponsors for our major Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programs worth between $25,000 and $35,000. These not only provide a substantial financial incentive to the student, but they give the sponsoring company the opportunity to provide real work experience to the scholarship student for up to 12 months during their study program."

Visit http://www.acsfoundation.com.au or call (02) 8296 4445.

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E-learning: benefits of the anytime, anywhere approach

The popularity of e-learning has grown significantly since the early 1990s, when the first online offerings were merely electronic versions of traditional courseware. In the last two decades, as its delivery has matured and become infinitely more comprehensive, e-learning has become an unstoppable force.

More than simply distance education, it incorporates computer-based learning, Web-based learning, virtual classrooms, digital collaboration and more, all delivered in a format that can be instantaneously and easily kept up to date.

When the ACS set about redeveloping its postgraduate education program to offer the most professionally relevant yet rigorous ICT course of study available in Australia, it became obvious that e-learning was the preferred medium.

Dr David Lindley, academic principal of the Computer Professional Education Program explained that the program takes a mentored and collaborative approach:

"Under the guidance of experienced ICT educators and practitioners, students work individually and together (virtually) to analyse, debate, discuss and understand workplace situations and problems and career issues," he said.

Students undertake three 13-week core subjects - Business, Legal and Ethical Issues, New Technology Alignment, and Business, Strategy and IT; and choose one elective from the choices of Project Management, IT Service Management and Adaptive Business Intelligence.

They must also maintain a weekly diary of significant occurrences in their professional lives, identify three- to five-year career objectives, document their current skills and knowledge relative to that objective, and identify what they need to do to achieve their goal.

"Students are encouraged to do what they should do repeatedly throughout their professional life - review, reflect and plan," Lindley said.

"Importantly, the students communicate electronically with an assigned mentor every week, and the Professional Practice Report, or diary, becomes a key component of the course."

The first batch of graduates has commented on the challenging, stimulating, personally reflective journey the program has provided.

Colin Price, Group IT and Communications Operations Manager at St Vincent's and Holy Spirit Health, graduated in October 2007.

"E-learning is an incredibly valuable way of delivering education. The interaction, the collaboration, the diversity of backgrounds of my fellow students and the constant feedback from tutors were invaluable."

The ACS has appointed first-class tutors and educators, all of whom are passionate about the benefits of e-learning.

Students enrolled in each subject work together in small online cohorts, under the guidance and inspiration of personal mentors and a group tutor. The environment encourages probing questions and informed discussions in a shared learning environment.

Tutor Brenda Aynsley sets up weekly forums for her students, populating them with questions for discussion, monitoring the posts made by students and providing regular feedback. She also runs a weekly chat session where students "talk" to each other on a more social question, and ask her questions directly.

"The sense of community and the opportunity to collaborate, interact and share ideas with mentors, tutors and fellow students more often than simply in a weekly tutorial reflects the dynamic nature of e-learning.

"I have no doubt it significantly influences the success of online programs," she said.

Aynsley says one of the biggest initial drawcards for students is the convenience.

"The learning material is largely 'in your computer', so students aren't wasting travel time trekking to the library or the campus.

"But the convenience isn't only about time - it's about being able to take control of your learning and its outcomes.

"Students can spend less time on material they already know and understand, and move onto the issues they need to explore further. There is also the ability to revisit sections that may not have been clear first time around," commented Brenda.

Assessment is based explicitly on the students' reflections of their personal employment and professional circumstances. Assignments, for example, all require the application of theory to personal experience, employment and career ambitions.

Lindley says another major benefit of e-learning is being exposed to different ideas, experiences and attitudes.

"Our students work with colleagues in the same state, interstate and overseas, and in a broad range of industries and professional environments. And because of our collaborative approach, the breadth of knowledge and awareness other students bring to the table is priceless," he said.

As principal of the program, Lindley is excited about the opportunities ahead.

"We're working a Reading Wiki - a forum where students can record and comment on their reading - and providing further opportunities for graduates to articulate into graduate diploma and masters programs.

"We need to practise what we preach, and ensure we constantly review our offering, reflect on what we are providing and continually improve.

"But one thing will remain constant - our dedication to providing a program where students can be actively engaged in deciding what, how, when and where they learn, and are able to immediately apply their learning to their work environments," he says.

The ACS will continue to exploit the advantages of e-learning, ensuring this program gives students a flexible and personalised way to learn in a time and space that suits their lifestyle.

Study Period 1 for 2008 commences on 23 March, and runs through to 21 June. Enrolments close 16 March. Cost for ACS members is $675 per subject, and enrolment is open to MACS and MACS (Provisional). Time commitment is 8-10 hours per week.

For further information visit www.acs.org.au/cpeprogram or freecall 1800 671 003.

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Petersham TAFE reaps intense courseware benefits

Petersham TAFE College in suburban Sydney is supplementing its local student intake with university instructors from Thailand and managers from China as its program of intense, tailored courseware gains international recognition.

Offering a wide range vendor-specific certifications for Cisco, Sun and Microsoft, the college is seeking to meet ICT skills shortages by bringing courseware to its market strategically to cater for emerging business requirements as quickly as possible.

The college's Subra Bala seeks to make Petersham's curricula as agile as possible to ensure that students are ready for market positions as soon as possible, citing an instance of Canon needing its photocopy technicians to be proficient in networking.

"We trained 45 technicians to either Certificate IV or Diploma level in networking."

Professional partnership Graduates enter the ICT workforce not only with a recognised qualification, but the personal development and career networking advantages of the ACS's Professional Partnership Program.

The only TAFE college to join the program, which now counts some of the world's largest international consultants among its participants, Petersham students learn wider industrial subjects beyond their academic strams.

"According to Bala: "Participation enables us to add to our knowledge of global trends in skills demands in Asia and the US as well as Australia so that our students are equipped with skills in subjects like Wifi, VoIP and unified communications to the levels employers demand.

"It also allows our students to enter a professional workforce knowing that they have the opportunity to take advantage of all the benefits that full ACS membership brings."

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World-class speakers confirmed for International Young ICT Professionals Conference

To be held in Adelaide from 28-30 May, the conference is shaping up to be a challenging and stimulating journey for students, graduates and young ICT professionals.

Themed "Building A Successful ICT Career - Learn, Develop, Lead", the conference has a secured a high-level portfolio of speakers from Australia and overseas.

According to conference chair Debbie Timmins, the speakers will bring practical, real-life perspectives to a range of topics that are difficult to acquire from a book.

"The quality of speakers at the 2008 conference is simply astounding. The program features experts who are renowned not only on the Australian, but on the world-wide stage.

"We have been privileged to attract experts like project management guru Rob Thomsett, and author, lecturer, philosopher, futurist, corporate and social warrior Jonar Nader," she said.

Other include CEOs and CIOs of leading organisations such as IBM, Computer Sciences Corporation, Rising Sun Pictures and Peak Performance Coaching.

Debbie Timmins says the program is challenging, exciting and motivating.

"I know students, graduates and young ICT professionals will leave the conference with a plan for their future, a roadmap of how to get there, and enthusiasm for taking control of their career," she said.

The international conference will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Prices for students and graduates start at $149, and for ICT professionals, $399. Organisers expect the conference to be a sell-out. Early bird ends 31 March, so don't delay registering.

For further information visit www.acs.org.au/youngit/2008conference or e-mail youngit@acs.org.au

For sponsorship enquiries contact Simon Kwan (simon.kwan@acs.org.au) on (02) 9299 3666.

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The ACS has recognised and elected two Honorary Life Members and a record 16 Fellows

Honorary Life Membership reflects an individual's extraordinary and long-term contribution to the life and growth of the ACS. After reviewing nominations and citations, the ACS National Council elected Dr Robert Cross and Edward Mandla as admirable and commendable recipients of the award.

Sixteen members were also awarded Fellowships in recognition of their outstanding achievements in their area of expertise and their noteworthy contributions to the Australian ICT sector.

Then ACS President Philip Argy said: "The awards highlight the level of ICT talent Australia has to offer and with a record number of recipients represented across all industries, they reflect the increasingly important and influential role ICT plays in Australia."

Honorary Life Members Dr Bob Cross has contributed tirelessly to the development of the ACS at both Branch and National levels, serving as a National Councillor for the past five years, including the past three as National Treasurer. Based in Perth, he has served on the WA Branch Executive Committee since 2002, holding the position of Branch Chair in 2003-2004 and is also a board member of the WA Chapter of the ACS Foundation, which aims to encourage sponsorship of higher IT education and research.

He has played an active role both in raising the profile of the ACS and improving its operation. As a strong advocate of the new, enhanced ACS governance structure, his drive and commitment to maintaining a body of ethics and standards has contributed to the continual expansion of the ACS and the wider ICT industry.

Edward Mandla has made an outstanding contribution to the ACS. During his tenure as ACS President in 2004-2005 and NSW Branch in 2002-2003, his unstinting efforts appreciably raised the public profile of the Society to new levels. His role in driving ICT policy development played a major role in raising public and government awareness of the ICT industry and its economic impact.

His work, energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the ACS as President, Branch Chair and as a member have made a tangible impact in driving the ACS's growth and development.

Fellows:

Dr Philip J Bailey (NSW) has made a distinguished contribution to the Australian ICT industry through his leadership and innovative work in capacity planning, ICT strategic planning and particularly in the delivery of IT projects for customer service in the workers compensation industry in Australia.

Susan Bandias (NT) has made significant contributions to the ICT industry in her roles as an academic in regional and remote areas, particularly the Northern Territory, and is an active and vocal champion of the needs of women, youth and indigenous communities in relation to ICT.

Prof Lynn M Batten (Vic) has made a distinguished contribution to the field of ICT in Australia as an acknowledged expert and researcher in the fields of computer and network security, cryptology, coding theory and combinatorial geometry. Since making Australia her home in 1996, she has participated in important local initiatives in all these domains.

Valda A Berzins (Vic) has made a distinguished contribution to the field of ICT in Australia in a succession of senior roles and by her contributions to the community. She has served as Chief Information Officer at Victoria Police since 2004, and previously was Chief Information Officer at Australia Post for eight years. Both of these posts are among the most significant in Australian ICT.

Dr Bruce A Calway (Vic ) has made a distinguished contribution to the field of ICT in Australia as a leading researcher and educator in the fields of enterprise systems development and service delivery, developing outstanding educational programs and establishing critical partnerships with international universities.

Michael J Coles (WA) is the Chair of the premier ICT event in WA - the Western Australian Information Technology and Telecommunications Awards (WAITTA). The Awards have been conducted annually since 1991 to recognise outstanding performance and contributions by members of the IT&T community in Western Australia. He joined the WAITTA committee in 1992 and became Vice Chair in 1996.

Prof Brian J Corbitt (Vic) has made a distinguished contribution to information technology as an outstanding researcher in information systems and as a leader of various university schools of information systems. Professor Corbitt is currently Professor of Management Information Systems, and Head, School of Business Information Technology, RMIT University.

Prof Arnold A Depickere (WA) has made major contributions to the ICT industry throughout his life. He founded the Brunei Computer Society and developed emergency drilling plans designed to save assets, and possibly lives, to shut down an oilfield fire.

Andy F Hegedus (Vic) has made an outstanding contribution to the field of ICT in Australia as the founder of Southern Cross Computer Systems, a highly successful, multimillion dollar ICT business employing many ICT professionals.

Peter L Lambert (ACT) has made a significant contribution to ICT in the support of the defence of Australia and its people. As the acting CIO of the Department of Defence, Peter is responsible for one of the largest networks in Australia, supporting the nation's military involvement in more than 40 locations around the world.

Dr John L O'Sullivan HLM (WA) provides the backroom support for many ICT initiatives in Western Australia, including the solid administrative base on which the ACS Foundation relies for its successful operation in that state.

Dr Anthony H Overmars (Vic) has made a distinguished contribution to the field of ICT in Australia, creating advanced, commercially successful hardware and software emulator products which are today used around the world.

John S Price (NSW) has made an outstanding contribution to the Australian ICT industry throughout his professional career, especially as a devoted advocate of ICT education and training, and in the establishment and continuation of Government and ICT industry liaison and consultation.

Murali Sagi (NSW) PSM has made an outstanding and distinguished contribution to the information technology industry for the Judicial Commission of NSW, its judicial officers and also to the legal system in New South Wales and other Australian jurisdictions generally.

Dr Andy J Simmonds (NSW) has made a distinguished contribution to the Australian information technology industry throughout his professional career, particularly in the research of and development in communications technology. He is a founding member as well as Associate Director of the Advanced Research in Networking Group at the University of Technology Sydney.

Dr Leonard G Whitehouse (Vic) has made a distinguished contribution to the field of ICT in Australia during a long and successful career as both researcher and practitioner in computer software development. He is perhaps best known for a unique and ground-breaking FORTRAN compiler platform used in the early days of teaching programming.

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Diversity, innovation and risk issues slated for Canberra event

Defining the IT professional, and the skills and values they require, will be the focus of the 2008 Canberra branch conference to be held on March 6 at the Realm Hotel in Barton, ACT.

The profile of an IT professional and its relevance for this century, and the values and ethics which should associated with it, particularly for Generation Y practitioners, will underpin the conference program.

Successful project management will be examined, as will IT governance and risks taken in the context of sustainability of the IT industry in a period of rapid change.

The conference will also have a YIT stream to encourage new graduates and student to attend and participate in the debates that are affecting the profession and the industry. There will be networking with more experienced colleagues who will be able to share their knowledge.

The branch will continue the successful format of a one-day conference with opportunities to meet new colleagues to share ideas at the newest conference venue in the ACT.

The day will have a mixture of plenary sessions and concurrent breakout groups where topics can be discussed in detail following the presentation of papers by both academic and practising IT speakers.

Registration can be done online at www.acs.org.au/act

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