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Open University launches BSE program:
Industry to expand IT workforce
The Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) and The Sri Lanka Association
for Software and Services Companies, (SLASSCOM) have entered
co-operation agreement to design and conduct an innovative degree course
in software engineering for students of the Open University.
Earnings from exports of the IT-BPO sector have shown a steady upward
trend during the past decade, and in 2007 IT-BPO exports have reached an
estimated $ 213 million which makes the IT-BPO industry the fifth
largest industry in the country.
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From Left to right: General Secretary, SLASSCOM, Madu
Ratnayake, Project Director, DEMP, NS Abeyawardena, Vice
Chancellor, OUSL, Prof. Upali Vidanapathirana, Chairman,
SLASSCOM, Ranjith Fernando, Dean, Faculty of Engineering
Technology, Dr. Janaka Liyanagama, Head Department of
Electrical and Computer Engineering, Dr. KAC Udayakumara. |
The industry has set a target of $ 2bn in export revenue from the IT-BPO
sector during the next five years. One of the key prerequisites for this
growth to be realized is the acceleration of human resource capacity
development in the country.
The OUSL, SLASSCOM effort is aimed at expanding the number of
technology professionals in the country.
The new Bachelor of Software Engineering (BSE) program is designed to
produce industry ready professionals in partnership with the industry.
ADB assisted Distance Education Modernization Project (DEMP)
primarily funded the development of the program. The program covers the
major subjects of computing according to the ACM/IEEE curriculum
guidelines.
The degree has been specially designed in response to industry demand
to produce graduate software engineers. BSE is an innovative
industry-oriented degree program in software engineering where students
can complete the degree in three years.
The Chairman SLASSCOM Ranjit Fernando said, "We are delighted to work
closely with the Open University in ensuring that the new course is
relevant, well delivered and much sought after by those who intend
pursuing a career, in the fastest growing IT industry, globally.
We endorse this degree program and encourage aspiring new entrants to
take up this exceptional opportunity to step in to a career in IT".
The BSE degree has been endorsed by the industry and the course has
been designed with the active participation of leading software
companies in Sri Lanka who are members of SLASSCOM. SLASSCOM member
companies will also assist with the placement of students for industry
exposure while they are studying as a part of the cooperation agreement.
The Dean of the Engineering Faculty of The Open University of Sri Lanka,
Dr. Janaka Liyanagama upbeat about the collaboration said, "SLASSCOM and
OUSL have understood that providing hands-on work experience for the
students is pivotal.
Students will not only have the opportunity to practise and apply
knowledge and skills acquired throughout his/her studies in an
industrial setting and also be exposed to professional practice
throughout the placement". "SLASSCOM gave us their fullest cooperation
throughout the development of this Bachelor of Software Engineering
Program.
They provided the industry requirements at the curriculum development
stage; They actively participated in course teams; They assisted us in
developing individual courses; They have agreed to assist us in the
delivery of some of the courses, where the best experts are available in
the industry", said Dr. Janaka Liyanagama. |
