New diploma in cloud strategy

University College Cork (UCC) and the Irish Management Institute (IMI) have announced the launch of a part-time diploma in cloud strategy, as part of a joint development with Microsoft Ireland.

The cloud strategy course is based on three themes; strategy processes and frameworks, innovation management and cloud based business models. The teaching emphasis, say the organisers, will be intensely interactive and focused on action-learning, drawing upon the professional experiences of participants to bring the concepts, theories and frameworks to life.

Alongside classroom discussion with UCC and IMI experts, participants will learn first-hand from Microsoft’s practical experience of implementing cloud-based solutions through workshops with senior Microsoft specialists and a visit to Microsoft’s cloud data centre in Grange Castle.

The part-time course, which will begin in April 2012 at the IMI’s National Management Campus in Sandyford, Dublin, is part of the UCC/IMI Master of Business framework. Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive an IMI Diploma and a 30 credit certificate accredited at Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications. The Diploma can also act as a support to achieving a full Master of Business qualification.

"Cloud computing has the potential to create new business models, reduce costs and transform how work is carried out within any organisation. The Diploma in Cloud Strategy will equip managers with the expertise to develop cloud strategies that deliver bottom line value", said Dr Michael Murphy, president, UCC.

"This Diploma will be characterised by a unique classroom dynamic that will bring together both technical and non-technical managers to jointly analyse cloud strategies and map out new ways of doing business," said Dr Phil Nolan, executive chairman, IMI.

"Leveraging cloud-based opportunities requires a new way of thinking about information and its value to any organisation. This programme will enable the formulation of new business strategies and business models, and a fresh approach to the skills required to take advantage of what the Cloud can offer," said Paul Rellis, managing director,  Microsoft Ireland.

TechCentral Reporters

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