Submitted by Lisa A. Nazzaro For the Final in Competitive Intelligence 10:610:535 Preliminary Intelligence Review December 15, 2014 Initial Competitive Intelligence: Masters of Information and Informatics (MITI) Program Rutgers School of Communication and Information
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Masters of Information and Informatics (MITI) Program Rutgers School of Communication and Information
Initial CI: MITI 2
Executive Summary and Strategy Dr. Lilia Pavlowsky, the chair for the Masters of Information Informatics (MITI) program task force and curriculum committee, and Dr. Sharon Stoerger, Director of the MITI program, engaged me to provide a review of the educational landscape including a review of iSchools Masters level programs that might be competitive with the MITI program, uncover MITI career opportunities, preform a SWOT analysis and provide recommendations to increase networking opportunities between the MITI program and local industry. The Task force/curriculum Chair and Director have done much of the information seeking and analysis thus far and this has resulted in the decision by the University to offer the MITI program beginning Fall 2015. This initial competitive intelligence overview provides the results of my analysis and ongoing recommendations. At the beginning, I wanted to understand the educational landscape, including, what other iSchools offerings at the Masters level included. At this point, I also met with one of the task force committee members, Dr. Ingrid Erickson my advisor. What is the current landscape of iSchool Graduate degree offerings, specifically when compared to the proposed MITI program at Rutgers?
Ø Current: Summary of the current landscape of professional degrees currently available that compare or compete with the MITI program – iSchool Masters Programs.
Ø Future: Identify trends in higher education and explore recourses for on-‐going investigation such as, developing a way to keep abreast with Masters program curriculum changes, current course descriptions and program requirements at iSchools.
What types of employment opportunities are available for students who graduate from a MITI-‐like program? In order to begin to answer this question, searching through secondary sources such as the U. S. Census and the Bureau of Labor Statistics should be beneficial. Although additional research will need to be done in this area, one area to focus on is the tech industry and the growing opportunities therein. Once the needs of the technology industry are determined, the same strategy should broaden to other significant industries, for example the firms that the tech companies sell to.
Ø Current: Continue to access the program offerings and adjust curriculum as needed Ø Future: Develop deep networking between School of Information academic leaders and the
growing tech industry in New York City By immediately executing a SWOT analysis, the priorities became clear. I suggest that the SWOT be done bi-‐annually.
Ø Current: Access the current SWOT and make revisions and changes as needed Ø Future: Prepare SWOT analysis on an ongoing basis to assure that gaps in strategy and
curriculum are identified quickly It is important to develop a strategic network of industry partners that can assist in the curriculum development of the degree program, career placement and program growth. This strategy is beneficial for the short and long term development of the program. In order to better know what skills are needed we need to connect with the hiring managers within technology organizations
Initial CI: MITI 3
Ø Current: Continue to develop key relationships with other University departments and peers Ø Future: Develop strategic relationships with technology companies in New York City
In addition to industry partners, further investigations should be done in the area of thought leaders and overall information technology knowledge. This might include investigating conferences that focus on education and the technology industry, attending conference sessions that focus on trends and leaders in the marketplace; focus should be placed on the sponsors of the iSchool conference. There are many additional opportunities to network.
Initial CI: MITI 4
Client Descriptions
MITI program Task Force and Curriculum Committee Leader, Lilia Pavlovsky Ph.D., “While there is anecdotal evidence indicating the need for a MITI program, the data to support the development of a SC&I graduate-‐level program in the rapidly changing and emerging field of IT is lacking. Thus, information addressing the following questions is needed”: MITI Program Questions
Ø Who is the competition for the MITI program? Ø How many credits do those programs require? Ø What types of courses are included in those programs? Ø Are there opportunities for students to select a specialization/concentration within those
programs? MITI Employment Opportunities
Ø There are two overarching questions for this category, which include: Ø What types of employment opportunities are available for students who graduate from a
MITI-‐like program? Ø Who will be competing with MITI graduates for these positions (e.g., Business (MIS, MBA),
Computer Science, Engineering, Professional Science Master’s Programs (MBS), etc.)? For these positions:
Ø What are the required and preferred competencies? Ø What are the duties and responsibilities? Ø What is the salary range? Ø What are the work conditions?
Meeting with Sharon Stoerger, Ph.D. To gain a clearer understanding of the current Undergraduate ITI program and learn more about the planned Masters ITI program we met with the Director of the Undergraduate ITI program, Sharon Stoerger, Ph.D.
Ø Undergraduate ITI Program started in 2001 Ø Current and Past ITI Undergraduates have expressed a desire to have a Masters ITI Ø No current way to keep in touch with the Undergraduate ITI Program Undergraduates
(usually provide Rutgers.edu email address that is only valid for a short time after Graduation. Need to develop a way to keep in touch so as to offer information about the Masters ITI Program. Possibly begin with LinkedIn.
Ø Investigated the idea of having a 4 plus 1 program Ø Name change for the School – School of Information, which has been approved Ø Have approval to add the Masters ITI to the Fall 2015 course offerings Ø What should the concentrations or specializations be for the ITI Program? Ø Who is the competition?
Immediate information need Ø What are other iSchools doing, if anything related to adding programs like the MITI? Ø What is the future and current job market in the technology sector and could MITI graduates
be hired for these jobs? Ø What are our Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats? Ø What other suggestions do you have to improve our ability to network with potential
employer
Initial CI: MITI 5
Summary: Masters in Information Technology and Informatics focus on Job Growth The overall technology industry is growing rapidly both in job growth and wages offered. With this continued pace in job growth, opportunities abound for those that are educated in the varied fields within this industry (e.g., software developers, computer programmers, computer facilities management services and management occupations). According to a 2013 report issued by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “To keep IT systems running, a large workforce is needed to maintain networks, create new software, and ensure information security. In addition, the proliferation of smart phones has given rise to a new app economy. Unlike many other sectors of the economy, employment in the computer systems design and related services industry (commonly known as IT services) was not significantly affected by the recession of 2007–2009.” Consistent and ongoing job opportunities in the technology sector are certainly a compelling reason to add a program such as MITI to the Rutgers School of Communications and Information. What are the compelling reasons to add a program like to MITI to the curriculum?
Ø Large increase on the number it information technology related Jobs 1. High demand for the services provided by this industry has created a large number of fast
growing and high paying IT jobs. 2. Increased careers opportunities in the growing field of information technology services and
beyond reveals an opening for those that have the skills to participate in this perfect storm. (EXHIBIT A)
Ø IT industry growth 1. 20 years of rapid growth in employment in computer systems design and related. 2. Between 2001 and 2011, employment in computer systems design and related services
increased by 232,300 jobs or 18 percent. 3. Since 2003, employment in the IT industry has grown by 37 percent. (EXHIBIT A)
Ø Projected IT industry growth and the reasons for the growth 1. Between 2010 and 2020, output in computer systems design and related services is
expected to grow at an average annual rate of 6.1 percent 2. Employment and output in the computer systems design and related services industry is
expected to grow rapidly as firms and individual consumers continue to increase their use of information technology services.
3. Cloud computing and cybersecurity are only two areas that are expected to lead employment increases in the computer systems design and related services industry; health care IT, mobile networking, and data management also may contribute to employment growth over the next decade. (EXHIBIT A)
Ø Careers in IT 1. Computer systems design and related services is made up of many different occupations. 2. A large number of managers, business and financial workers, and administrative employees
work in the tech industry too. 3. Occupations such as accountants and auditors, general office mangers, and customer service
representatives do not involve computer systems design work directly but they are needed do help to keep the IT companies running. The high demand for computer systems design
Initial CI: MITI 6
and related services has caused all the occupations in this industry have fast growth rates and high wages relative to the same occupations across all industries. (EXHIBIT A)
Ø Computer and Information Systems Managers 1. Median Pay $120,950 2. Entry-‐level Education – Bachelor’s degree 3. Work experience 5 plus years 4. Number of jobs – 332,700 5. Job Outlook for 2012-‐22 is 15% (faster than average) (EXHIBIT B and C)
Ø Millennials are more likely to attend Graduate School 1. According to the Council of Economic Advisors October 2014 Report titled, 15 Economic
Facts about Millennials (18 to 34 year olds), Millennials are more likely to attend graduate school than previous generations. Graduate school enrollment for 18 to 34 year olds has increased at an even faster rate, jumping from 2.8 percent in 1995 to 3.8 percent in 2010 – a 35 percent increase. Graduate students earn more income as compared to undergrad (EXHIBIT D) (EXHIBIT E)
2. Intuitions need to be competitive within the larger higher education marketplace and provide Masters degrees that prepare students for information technology jobs.
Ø SWOT analysis Provides insight – (see following pages for complete SWOT) Strength (Internal Core Competencies)
1. Existing ITI Undergraduate Program in place and successful 2. Willingness of SCI leadership to develop new Masters program 3. Undergraduate ITI students asking for ITI Masters program 4. Some of the courses that would be needed are already developed and being used in the MLIS
program Opportunities (External Unmet Needs)
1. Technology industry is expanding and job opportunities are growing 2. Other iSchools are beginning to offer ITI type curriculum at the Masters level 3. Develop external innovative relationships with IT companies 4. Create a method to keep in touch with ITI graduates after graduation 5. Strive to be a National leader in the development of the ITI Masters program 6. Align educational curriculum with the needs of the job market
Analysis: Rapid and sustained growth in the technology sector indeed offers great opportunities to those with the correct experience and educational background. The evidence is overwhelming that the technology industry is growing and the growth is sustainable. IT occupations are varied and it seems that the MITI program would be able to provide excellent candidates as future employees in this industry segment. Additionally, Millennials are also attending graduate school at higher rates thus this also provides an opportunity for the MITI program. Lastly, continued focus on the strengths and opportunities detailed in the SWOT should bolster the decision to move forward with the new MITI program.
Initial CI: MITI 7
Competitive Snapshot: iSchools & Other Institutions
iSchool Each iSchool is similar in focus, dedicated to advancing the field of information while different in specialization and individual strengths. Our concentration was on the Masters Level degrees that emphasized Technology and Informatics. We reviewed the websites of all of the members of the iSchool Organization and provided the graduate level programs offered and course credits required. Additional review of this material should be ongoing, as it seems to be changing often. (http://ischools.org/).
Ø University of North Texas, Texas http://lis.unt.edu/programs-‐study Master of Science Majoring in Information Science (MS-‐IS), 36 credit hours Specializations in: Archival Studies, Health Informatics, Information Organization and Information Systems.
Ø University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania http://www.ischool.pitt.edu/ist/degrees/msis-‐program.php Master of Science in Information Science (MSIS), 36 credit hours. Specializations in: big data analytics, human-‐centered computing, database and web systems, information assurance and security, geo-‐informatics, telecommunications and distributed systems.
Ø University of Maryland, Maryland http://ischool.umd.edu/mim Master of Information Management (MIM), 36 credits. There are a total of 10 Specializations ranging from Data Analytics and Project Management to Archives and Digital Curation.
Ø University of Kentucky, Kentucky http://ict.uky.edu/masters A Master's degree program in Information Communication Technology (ICT) will be offered beginning Fall 2015 and requires 36 credits. Course listings and additional detail can be viewed in (Exhibit F)
Ø University of California at Irvine, California http://www.informatics.uci.edu/grad/ MS in Informatics with concentrations in Interactive and Collaborative Technology (ICT), Software Engineering and Ubiquitous Computing are offered. This program seems like a Computer Science program.
Ø University of California Berkeley, California http://www.ischool.berkeley.edu/programs Master of Information Management and Systems (MIMS) and Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS) with 48 credits required.
Ø Syracuse University, New York http://ischool.syr.edu/future/grad/im.aspx
Initial CI: MITI 8
Masters of Science in Information Management (IM) requires 42 credits. Interdisciplinary program.
Ø Simmons http://www.simmons.edu/slis/programs/masters/mslis-‐technology/index.php Library & Information Science (MS)/information science & Technology degree are both offered.
Ø University of Tennessee – Knoxville, Tennessee http://www.sis.utk.edu/programs Master of Science in Information Sciences with 42 credits required. Individualized program of study can be developed with your advisor. This Masters Program seems similar to a (MLIS).
Ø University of Washington, Washington https://ischool.uw.edu/academics/msim Master of Science in Information Management, (MSIM). Specializations include, data science and analytics, information assurance and security, information architecture and organization, user experience, and information management and consulting. This program seems more slanted toward the information systems and computer science.
Ø University of North Carolina, North Carolina http://sils.unc.edu/programs/graduate/msis/curriculum-‐new Master of Science in Information Science (MSIS) requires 48 semester hours. This program began fall of 2013.
Ø University of Michigan, Michigan https://www.si.umich.edu/programs/msi/msi-‐specializations Master of Science in Information (MSI) with eight specializations is offered and the student has the opportunity to specialize in one – two and also create their own focus blending courses from the various specialties. This seems like an interesting program that is Interdisciplinary and offers areas to explore that are not focused on just LIS.
Ø University of Texas at Austin, Texas https://www.ischool.utexas.edu/programs/masters Master of Science in Information Studies, 40 semester hours and although the degree does not have the “word” library in the title, this degree could be structured like the MLIS but the difference is that the student can take courses within other areas of the University and beyond.
Ø Florida State University, Florida http://ischool.cci.fsu.edu/academics/graduate/msit/ Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT), 32 semester hours Information technology, individual and organizational behavior, and information management targeted to developing the IT skills. This degree seems to be a blend of MLIS and MITI coursework.
Ø McGill University, Montréal Canada http://www.mcgill.ca/sis/programs/mist/courses Master of Information Studies (MISt) Library Studies, Knowledge Management or Archival. Previous to Fall 2014 this Masters was called Master of Library & Information Studies (MLIS). Both, the (MISt) and the (MLIS) require 48 credits.
Initial CI: MITI 9
Ø Drexel University, Pennsylvania http://drexel.edu/cci/admissions/graduate-‐professional-‐development/ Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) and Library and Information Science program (MSLIS) programs are offered individually as well as, a Dual MSIS and MSLIS Option, requiring 63 quarter credits. The dual (MSIS) and (MSLIS) seems to be more like the MITI but with additional course depth.
Ø Indiana University (Bloomington) http://www.soic.indiana.edu/graduate/degrees/index.html Computer Science, Data, MLIS, Health computer interaction, Bioinformatics Masters Degrees are all offered. Nothing here is similar to the MITI program.
Other Institutions -‐ Non iSchools Members
Ø University of California at Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz (Santa Clara Campus) http://tm.soe.ucsc.edu/news/article/1844 Master in Technology Management (TIM) was offered beginning Summer of 2013 at the University of California, Santa Cruz, which established a new Department of Technology Management in the Baskin School of Engineering, focusing on management of technology, complex systems, and big data. Topics of study include human-‐computer interaction, information technology for decision-‐making, sustainability, data analytics, operations research, and forecasting. Offered in the heart of Silicon Valley at the UCSC Silicon Valley Center in Santa Clara. Extensive internship program aligns with the needs of the surrounding Technology industry.
Analysis: In review of all of the iSchools Master level program it became clear that Rutgers SCI has some gaps fill in order to continue to be a leader in the “Information” School arena. First, it should be noted that the iSchools have the same focus: “dedicated to advancing the field of information” but the execution of that mission is done differently. Some Schools focus leans toward computer science or business while others a squarely focused on LIS. The fact that Rutgers is initiating change and moving toward the middle of these two bookends shows promise for the future of the masters level programs at the new School of Information. Pay particular attention to the University of Kentucky. For specific detail about classes offered in the University of Kentucky -‐ A Master's degree program in Information Communication Technology (ICT) program see course curriculum in EXHIBIT F.
Initial CI: MITI 10
Trends and Opportunities: Job Market, Networking and Job Roles
Job Prospects at Technology Companies I reviewed State (New Jersey and New York) and National trends for employment within the job title, computer and information managers. New York technology manager jobs are moving ahead of the national average and New Jersey. New York state, and especially New York City is an area that technology job growth is evident. Additional searches in this area are necessary both primary and secondary sources. One strategy would be to search jobs within many industries that have the skill-‐set that that MITI develops. Similar to the available jobs the MLIS graduates have available in the market place, so to would the MITI graduates. Many jobs are within varied industries, not only Technology companies. I feel that technology companies are the first place to focus on particularly the companies in New York City.
Ø Trends (2012-‐2022) 1. U.S. a + 15% increase in Jobs 2. New Jersey a + 15% increase in Jobs 3. While, New York had a + 17% increase in Jobs
(EXHIBIT G)
Networking In addition to the company representatives that have been contacted thus far there according to the MITI Director more work needs to done in this area. Suggested areas to focus on are listed in the order of priority:
Ø Focused Networking 1. Companies in NYC (first tech companies then non-‐tech) (EXHIBIT H)(EXHIBIT I) 1. Companies in NJ (first tech companies then non-‐tech) 2. iSchool Caucus (look at the Sponsors of the 2015 Conference – Google and Microsoft
Research) 3. Other Rutgers Staff, specifically staff from the Business School, Computer Science and
Engineering 4. Past Undergrads in the ITI program 5. Adjunct Professors at SCI 6. Current staff at SCI (this might have been done already)
Career Related Information – Tasks and work activities One of several occupations to investigate would be the Computer and Information Systems Managers job tasks and work activities. Below I have highlighted some of the task that would be required for this type of position as well as typical work activities. (The information below is according to the O *NET Online Summary Report, 11-‐3021.00 for Computer and Information Systems Managers). By no means is this the only position that should be reviewed.
Ø Tasks 1. Review project plans to plan and coordinate project activity. 2. Develop and interpret organizational goals, policies, and procedures.
Initial CI: MITI 11
3. Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to assess computing needs and system requirements.
4. Stay abreast of advances in technology. 5. Meet with department heads, managers, supervisors, vendors, and others, to solicit
cooperation and resolve problems. 6. Provide users with technical support for computer problems. 7. Recruit, hire, train and supervise staff, or participate in staffing decisions. 8. Evaluate data processing proposals to assess project feasibility and requirements.
Ø Work activities 1. Interacting with Computers 2. Getting Information 3. Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships 4. Thinking Creatively 5. Developing and Building Teams 6. Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
(EXHIBIT B)
Analysis: With the relatively close proximity of New York City paired with large information technology job growth, the Rutgers MITI program will have plenty of opportunities to expand networking between leaders. Increased networking will lead to additional information about what skills and course work are needed to flush out the MITI program offerings. See also EXHIBIT J and EXHIBIT K for additional information related to wages for information technology managers and college graduate major and occupation information
• Other Educational institutions are beginning to add similar programs
• Need concrete feedback for potential employers as to the value of this degree
• Correct narrative/messaging/marketing is important so that potential applicants will apply
• Unknown curriculum for some of the schools that are offering like degree
• Need a better understanding as to the needs of the business community for job applicant with this new masters degree
Initial CI: MITI 13
Analysis: The focus moving forward should be on the weaknesses and threats as listed above. It seems that the School of Communications and Information is going through a metamorphosis that is sure to reap benefits in both renewed curriculum and potential student attendance. The addition of two new master level programs (MITI program and the new Masters in Information) to the School of Information brings the Rutgers program into the fold of their peers in this education niche.
Initial CI: MITI 14
Technology Websites/Organizations
Ø Gigaom https://gigaom.com/ Cloud, Data, Media, Science & Energy, Social & Web
Ø Ecorner Stanford University Entrepreneurship Corner http://ecorner.stanford.edu/ Stanford University’s Entrepreneurship Corner offers 3000 free videos and podcasts, featuring entrepreneurship and innovation thought leaders. Start exploring now.
Ø Venture Beat http://venturebeat.com/ Various Channels for all of your IT needs
Ø The Verge -‐ Apple http://www.theverge.com/apple Tech, Culture, Science, Design
Ø New York Tech Meet-‐up https://nytm.org/ News, Jobs, Spaces, Gigs
Ø Information Week http://www.informationweek.com/
Ø The Verge -‐ Google http://www.theverge.com/google Tech, Culture, Science, Design
Ø Business Insider http://www.businessinsider.com/sai
Ø Tech Crunch http://techcrunch.com/ Blog
Ø Bits Blog http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/?_r=0 New York Times For further information and constant updates on all of the above sites please see: http://www.netvibes.com/lisanazz#Best_Technology_Blog
Initial CI: MITI 15
EXHIBITS EXHIBIT A Occupations in this industry have fast growth rates and high wages
Project IT Industry Growth
Employment growth rates of the largest occupations in technology industry
Available at: Lauren Csorny, “Careers in the growing field of information technology services,” Beyond the Numbers: Employment & Unemployment, vol. 2, no. 9 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, April 2013), http://www.bls.gov/opub/btn/volume-‐2/careers-‐in-‐growing-‐field-‐of-‐information-‐technology-‐services.htm
Initial CI: MITI 16
EXHIBIT B
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-‐15 Edition, Computer and Information Systems Managers, Available at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-‐and-‐information-‐systems-‐managers.htm
Initial CI: MITI 17
EXHIBIT C
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-‐15 Edition, Computer and Information Systems Managers, Available at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-‐and-‐information-‐systems-‐managers.htm
Initial CI: MITI 18
EXHIBIT D
The Council of Economic Advisors October 2014 Report titled, 15 Economic Facts about Millennials Available at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/millennials_report.pdf
Initial CI: MITI 19
EXHIBIT E Education Path of our Nation – Inforgraphic
Education Path of our Nation – Inforgraphic. Median Earnings by Education. U. S. Census. Available at: http://www.census.gov/library/infographics/educ_stats.html
Initial CI: MITI 20
EXHIBIT F
Initial CI: MITI 21
EXHIBIT F – (Cont.)
Initial CI: MITI 22
EXHIBIT F (Cont.)
University of Kentucky, Information Communication Technology (ICT) Masters Program Course Planner Available at http://ict.uky.edu/masters
Initial CI: MITI 23
EXHIBIT G
ON*NET Online. Summary Report for: 11-‐3021.00 -‐ Computer and Information Systems Manager. See Wage and Employment Trends, State Trends. Available at: http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-‐3021.0
Initial CI: MITI 24
EXHIBIT H
Building a Digital City: The Growth and Impact of New York City’s Tech/Information Sector Available at http://www.mikebloomberg.com/index.cfm?objectid=6B83D15C-‐C29C-‐7CA2-‐F900AE45637F332B
Initial CI: MITI 25
EXHIBIT I
The New York City Tech Ecosystem: Generating Economic Opportunities for All New Yorkers Available at http://www.hraadvisors.com/wp-‐content/uploads/2014/03/NYC_Tech_Ecosystem_032614_WEB.pdf Also see www.nytecheconomy.com
Initial CI: MITI 26
EXHIBIT J
Occupational Outlook Quarterly. Spring 2014.Available at: http://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2014/spring/art01.pdf
Initial CI: MITI 27
EXHIBIT K
Where Do College Graduates Work? Occupations Groups College Major
Where do College graduates work? U. S. Census. A Special Focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math July 10, 2014 Available at: https://www.census.gov/dataviz/visualizations/stem/stem-‐html/