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Program director history

This page shows all the Program Directors who have been involved in the managing and day to day running of the BIS Program since it was first run in 1989 up to the present. Each BIS Program Director has kindly provided an insight into their opinion towards the Program, some of the highlights during their time as BIS Program Director, what they have been doing and where they are now.

 

 

Maureen Lynch (April 1998-2001)

 

By working with Industry, graduates are able to develop a number of business-relevant skills. This brings me to the other advantage of the Program enabling students to undertake lengthy and "meaty" projects that the Partner organisations need done, gives students an excellent introduction to, and understanding of, business and business culture.

The Programs environment allows the students to further develop their communication skills, leadership skills, group skills and business and IS skills. It also instils in them (the students) a belief in their ability to succeed. The highlights for me include the graduating class of 1999. The majority of them have sought and obtained the jobs they wanted and most importantly, are really happy. Observing the personal development of students over that first semester and the consistent high quality of graduates that the Program can be proud of and that employers want to employ, is also satisfying.
 

Paul Haylock (April 1996 April 1998)

 

During my time as Program Manager, a number of events stand out as highlights. The increased number of Partners that joined the Program and the willingness of them to contribute for the benefit of the students there is no ego trip for Partners but a genuine interest in the student. The ability of the Program, through the co-operative philosophy and the placements, to attract Partners from non-IT organisations recognising the role that IT has in most industries. The large number of applicants for the 1998 intake and the high quality of those in the intake was remarkable. The number of students exceeded the target of 20 but the quality was not compromised and sufficient Partners were also available. The successful student team selected for the EDS Challenge was exciting and the student presentations were always a highlight.

The advantages of this Program are that Industry has a major say (and stake) in the deliverables, which means students become focused and aligned on delivering outcomes that meet the high standards required by Industry. Students gain a mature approach to work through their lengthy association with Industry Partners and upon graduating, are already familiar with the requirements of business and so can fit into a workplace far quicker.

As Program Manager, you are the Executive Officer for each committee a very satisfying part of the position. I am now working for the Adelaide City Council in the role of Asset Manager, Property.

 

Bill Wood (December 1993 April 1996)

 

Some of the highlights for me were being involved in the design and implementation of the Program back in 1988-89. Being Program Manager and involved with the students when the program changed to the Honours format; being involved in the recruiting of new students; helping them through the program and then to see them gain employment at the end was very satisfying. Another highlight for me was to witness the success of our 1997 team in the EDS Challenge a team which won the Australian EDS Challenge and went on to finish in the Top 10 at the international final in America all BIS students!

Although I retired at the end of 1997, I am currently working at Michell Securities.

 

Dianne Watts (February 1990 December 1993)

 

There are countless highlights of being associated with such a Program the annual Business Breakfasts, student presentations and graduations. Getting to know the students is very rewarding and receiving acknowledgment by the Business and Higher Education Round Table for my paper on our BIS Program is a proud memory.

Graduates of the Program receive a top-class education and gain excellent public presentation skills, confidence, teamwork skills, innovation and lateral thinking as well as a strong network of friends. Through the non-academic seminars, students also had lessons on etiquette and workshops on interview techniques and resume writing.

 

John Thornton (July 1989 February 1990)

 

My role as Program Manager was relatively brief in the second semester of the first year of the Program 1989. I was to "mind" the first intake of students and to organise the selection process for the second intake (1990). This process involved developing the application process (organising Industry representatives for the interviews and designing a questionnaire), ranking the applicants based on their Year 11 scores and interview performance, and re-ranking them based on their Year 12 scores, all of which resulted in 15 students for the second intake. Dianne Watts took over from me in very early 1990.
 

Professor Kevin OBrien (January 1989 July 1989)

 

The Initial Program Manager.
Establishing this new and different educational Program was an obvious highlight for me still a very fond and proud memory. The first group of students to enter the Program were an outstanding group, and this was also a great highlight of my direct association with BIS.

Graduates of this Program possess excellent qualities in their academic, business and technical skills. As a result of a rather full workload, the students presentation, communication and time management skills also excel. The direct involvement of the Industry Partners in setting the direction and desired outcomes of the Program is a well-renowned advantage. The solid business experience for the students is clearly advantageous not only to them, but also their eventual employer(s) assuming they dont start their own business in the field. Another important factor or "input" which ensures the success and reputation of the Program, is the consistent, annual enrolment of high quality students.


 

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