|
|
|
| Sunday, 6 November 2005 |
 |
|
 |
Business |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
BCS chief vows to enhance ICT professional standards The president of the British Computer Society (BCS) Charles Hughes is all out to enhance professional standards in the Information and Communication Technology Industry (ICT). He told the Sunday Observer that his main aim as the president of the BCS is to raise the professional standard in the ICT industry be it in the government sector, private sector or the SMEs.At present the BCS is undergoing a transformation program to face the 21st century. The transformation program includes changes in the overall membership structure and board of governors, Hughes said. BCS membership has been increasing rapidly and we were able to enrol our 50,000th member in September. The number of people taking the BCS exams have been growing year on year. The professional qualification ISEB was launched in India in February while it was launched in Sri Lanka in August. Through the ISEB Information Systems Examinations Board or ISEB, BCS provides industry-recognised qualifications that measure competence, ability and performance in many areas of Information systems with the aim of raising industry standards, promoting career development and providing a competitive edge for employers. He said the ultimate aim of BCS is to make IT available to a wider segment. Therefore, we have introduced the European Computer Driving Licence program for the public and already 1,300,000 have obtained it. For people who wish to continue we have introduced the advanced version as well. He said that the simple version e citizen and the International Computer Driving Licence was launched in Sri Lanka for E savvy people. Hughes said that they have 55 branches in the UK and 16 international sections and Sri Lanka is one of the largest and most dynamic sections. The graduation ceremony of the British Computer Society (BCS) was held at the BMICH for the sixth consecutive year where Charles Hughes was the Chief Guest. BCS is an internationally recognised qualification in the field of computing and IT and is on par with an honours degree in UK. The professional examination is designed to cover a student's academic abilities as well as practical/professional experience. In that respect a BCS qualification would have an advantage over a purely academic one for those going to work in the ICT industry. The BCS Sri Lanka Section was set up in 1996 as the second Overseas Section to be established at the time. Since its inception the Sri Lanka Section has engaged in various projects for the benefit of its members. It conducts free public lectures for members as continuous professional development, organises the National Best Quality Software Awards, Publishes IT journals designed for various levels of expertise and organises the annual graduation ceremony. Over 560 students at Certificate, Diploma and the Professional Graduate Diploma (PGD) levels received their certificates this year. Sri Lanka produces some of the best students worldwide annually. This year too there are several outstanding achievers at international level. The successful completion of the BCS Professional Graduate Diploma examination and Professional Project (PGD Level) give candidate a route to post graduates studies in nearly forty universities based in the UK subject to university entrance regulations. BCS has reduced its membership fees to enable a larger number of students and professionals to enrol with them. The current fees are œ20 for students, œ41 for Professionals (MBCS) and œ20 for Associates (AMBCS). SG |
|
| News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Produced by Lake House |
