Australia's first university short course on developing blockchain strategy, "built with industry and delivered by global blockchain experts", is being launched by Melbourne's RMIT.
In response to the growing importance of blockchain as an emerging industry, RMIT University says it has today launched Australia's "first university short course on blockchain strategy, built with industry to enable business leaders to develop a rich and relevant understanding of blockchain".
It is an eight-week online course, starting on 19 March, and was "developed by the University's Blockchain Innovation Hub, Stone and Chalk and Accenture".
From crypto start-ups to established enterprises, RMIT says "global demand for blockchain expertise is far outstripping supply, making it one of the hottest areas for technology recruitment".
{loadposition alex08}In fact, we are told that "blockchain development is the second-hottest skill in the job market today, growing more than 200%", according to a December 2017 Computerworld article entitled "Blockchain jobs continue to explode, offer salary premiums".
RMIT says it believes "the course will be of particular interest to business leaders and the next generation of entrepreneurs looking to develop a rich and relevant understanding of blockchain, what it is and how it will impact their industry and business".
Martin Bean, vice-chancellor, RMIT, said: "This course harnesses the creativity and entrepreneurship that RMIT is renowned for. It gives them the knowledge they need to be ready for life and work, and to succeed in the 21st century workforce.
"Blockchain is now becoming a core part of contemporary digital literacy and we're delighted to offer an industry-focused program built in collaboration with our partners at Accenture and Stone & Chalk, as well as the Blockchain Innovation Hub."
RMIT explains that blockchain strategy will take students through the following:
- Conceptual understanding of blockchain technology
- Conceptual understanding of potential impact of blockchain on wider society
- Use case across different industries
- Blockchain value propositions
- Strategic frameworks for applying blockchain to your business
- Deeper technical understanding and application of blockchain and blockchain environments
The course costs A$1600 with an early bird discount price of A$1300 available.
More info on studying Blockchain Strategy with RMIT can be found here.
Alan Tsen, Melbourne general manager, Stone & Chalk, said: "Stone & Chalk has been in discussions with businesses and governments for years around the emergence of blockchain and how it will impact their industry. Banks are already behind blockchain technology in a big way. There is a real demand for blockchain training and a skills gap in the market that needs to be addressed."
Helen Souness, chief executive, RMIT Online, said: "Blockchain will play a critical role in the future of business, with its application already prevalent across multiple industries like finance, government, energy and health care.
"This course will equip business leaders, managers and decision makers with the relevant understanding of Blockchain and skills to consider how it will impact the strategy of the businesses they run.
"With every major innovation in technology comes great opportunities and new risks. At RMIT Online, we believe individuals and businesses need to understand technology quickly, to adapt their strategy to meet these opportunities. This course aims to do that."
John Harris, managing director, Financial Services Technology Consulting, Accenture Australia and New Zealand, said: "Accenture is pleased to support RMIT Online's new short course on Blockchain Strategy, and we look forward to working together to drive the Australian blockchain agenda forward.
"Blockchain undoubtedly has the potential to create profound and positive change across business and society in Australia, disrupting a diverse range of industries in banking and beyond. "Our partnership with RMIT Online is another example of Accenture's work with leaders across industry, government and academia to move technology forward and improve the way Australia lives, works, plays and grows."