An alliance programme launched yesterday is intended to act as a transition “from academia to the business world before students actually get there”, Industry, Investment and IT Minister Austin Gatt said during the launch of the programme at the Department of Computer Information Systems at university.
Microsoft has engaged the department in its Microsoft Dynamics Academic Alliance (MSDYNAA) Programme, the goal of which is to provide a practical complement to academic business course curriculum and prepare students for their careers through hands-on learning that will reinforce business theory.
As a member of the alliance programme, Microsoft has provided the department with several free licences of Microsoft Dynamics business software.
Microsoft, together with its local NAV partner IBS Ltd, has helped the department set up a Business Solutions Lab, which will be used by students reading IT and business-related degrees.
In addition several faculty members from the Department of Computer Information Systems as well as from the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy, have been provided with in-depth training on the software.
The Microsoft Dynamics Academic Alliance also provides members with a shared repository of information that is used by academics to exchange and share information such as curricula, best practices, strategies, and perspectives with other members.
It is designed to connect educators who are leaders in their field, passionate about technology, and dedicated to the success of their students.
This is the eighth alliance between Microsoft and the university and it bears witness to the government’s commitment to make Malta one of the main players in the technology sector, Dr Gatt said.
University Rector Juanito Camilleri said it is extremely important for the university to support the modern industrial sector, while inspiring opportunities for business, development and future investment.
Microsoft Malta’s business development manager, Pierre Mallia, who was also present for the launch, announced that the University of Malta is one of the first to benefit from this initiative, which consists of a system designed to manage any business through its various facets.
Like Dr Gatt, head of the Department of Computer Information Systems Albert Leone Ganado said the recent developments in the country, including new employment opportunities and investment in IT, have attracted more students to follow courses in this sector.
“There has been a very strong increase in the number of students following courses in IT, as well as business and computing. The number of students in some courses has even doubled,” said Professor Leone Ganado.