Paul Mellon

Columnist

Paul Mellon

Lecturer in Business Analysis & Technology, Ulster University Business School

Business & Technology: The Perfect Blend for Success

Paul Mellon, Lecturer in Business Analysis & Technology at Ulster University Business School, discusses the impact of technological change on business and how new educational developments are supporting priority sectors in Northern Ireland.

The unprecedented change brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic has revolutionised working practices and accelerated the pace of digital transformation in organisations globally. The mantra “with great change brings great opportunity” has evidently been embraced by many companies in the technology and professional services sectors in Northern Ireland who are at the forefront of shaping the environment for organisations in all sectors to grow and thrive in the future and the ‘new normal’. As individuals and businesses prepare for a digital future, skills in technology paired with business knowledge around its adoption and implementation sit front and centre to success.

Many of the leading tech and professional services companies in Northern Ireland have expanded their operations and made significant investments in future growth. This has created a range of exciting employment and development opportunities for professionals at all stages of their careers. Candidates who can demonstrate an aptitude for combining commercial experience and business acumen with an understanding of technology and its implementation for transformation and business excellence are well-positioned to lead, influence and develop strategies for business growth.

With many more jobs requiring a blend of business, leadership and technical skills, Ulster University Business School (UUBS) has designed the first MSc Business in Technology (MBT) course in the UK, specifically with this type of professional in mind. The innovative part-time Masters programme was co-created with the Ulster University School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment and PwC, with a view to meeting the future skills needs of the tech and professional services sectors.

This unique programme brings a fundamental industry-led approach with practical application of the latest international pedagogy throughout. Leading global institutions such as Babson College and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston have consulted with UUBS on programme design to ensure that delivery represents the very best of global teaching and research.

Business understanding, human insights and technology are the industry and future of work themes which overarch this world-class programme. Covering topics such as business analysis and consulting, stakeholder and client management, tech and data science in consulting, leadership, strategy and transformation, the MBT programme provides learners with the skills and capabilities needed to make the transition to senior management or leadership roles in a tech-led world.

One of the unique aspects of this course is that it has distinct inherent components which can be gained as unique exit awards. After year one, students can graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Business Analysis and Consulting (which gained its first cohort of 78 graduates in 2021) and following successful completion of year two, participiants may choose to graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Transformation.

Programme delivery is built around current trends in the sector and case studies with simulations and real-life company projects forming the basis for much of the learning and delivery to help the fluidity and current nature of the programme.

In March 2021, the inaugural MBT programme commenced with a multi-disciplinary cohort from PwC funded through the Department for the Economy’s Higher Level Apprenticeship scheme. This cohort comprises a range of professionals from various functions within the company with aspirations to grow into leaders within the business. To date, learners have benefitted greatly from a flexible, company-focused hybrid delivery model which mirrors current work practices.

Reflecting on programme impact, Claire Mc Nally, Director of PwC Operate in Belfast said, “Having been involved from the outset in the development of the MBT programme, it is particularly satisfying to see the inaugural PwC cohort progressing so well. The practical nature of the MBT has meant that we have seen tangible benefits for the participants and the business already. We look forward to providing future cohorts for this exciting programme.”

Maria Marsella, a current participant of the programme, commented on her experience, “My experience of the MBT has been totally positive. I’ve learned so much in such a short space of time, and I’m already reaping the benefits; I have a strong group of individuals to lean upon in my cohort who I’ve learned so much from, I’ve strengthened my own position in my immediate team, and I’m already carving out new career opportunities as a result of the MBT. I’m really looking forward to what the rest of the course has to offer, and I’m in no doubt it will prove hugely beneficial in the years to come.”

The new MBT programme is highly relevant to organisations engaging with technology led business transformation and innovation, and is open to all sectors.

If you would like to discuss how this programme can add value to your business, or if you are interested in other organisational development opportunities, please contact UUBS’s Business Engagement Team at engage@ulster.ac.uk