12th May 2000

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The University of Ulster, Sun Microsystems and the University of Joensuu, Finland, have teamed up to deliver an online Business Masters degree in eBusiness and Information Innovation.

A first in Ireland, the shared learning module - delivered in English - is a direct result of increased bandwidth and the availability of powerful Sun Microsystems web servers and the company’s Academic Business Programme.

The two universities have worked together on different projects for the past ten years and enjoy a strong professional relationship. "We were keen to implement a shared learning programme, but did not have sufficient funds to execute a practical module," explains Derek Bond, senior lecturer in the Faculty of Business and Management at the University of Ulster. "With the help of Horizon Open Systems, we were able to purchase the most computing power for the least expense and we are now ready to go live."

Aidan Furlong, country manager, Sun Microsystems, explains that the Sun Academic Programme is in place to assist with projects such as this one in Ulster and Finland. "The Programme is aimed at providing academic institutions with the very best in technology at the very best price."

Funds are available under the European Dimension Programme, which puts Northern Ireland in Objective One and Finland in Objective six. Both regions have similar problems with remote locations, peripheral resources and sparse populations.

Over the past ten years, there have been student exchanges, joint summer schools and reciprocal conferences. However, this is the first time a shared, distance learning project has been attempted.

"The actual shared module is part of a Masters in eBusiness and Information Innovation," explains Derek. "It is one of eight compulsory modules which will begin in September 2000. There will be approximately 20 students in each university participating in the experiment and the shared module will commence in following February."

Moira Cullen, director of educational resources, in the Faculty of Business and Management at the University of Ulster, has worked closely with David Wylie in Horizon Open Systems to put the project together. "David could not be more helpful, especially in sorting out the best options for the University under the Academic Business Programme. We could not have afforded to go for top of the range equipment and purchased the Sun E4500 server without his assistance."

One of the key reasons for purchasing Sun technology is its ability to handle heavy traffic and its reliability. "If students are either sharing information through chat rooms or shared Intranets, then both availability and performance are key issues," says Moira.

"Currently, most of our work is web based, either through Intranets or bulletin boards," says Moira. "But there is also a requirement for video-conferencing for joint lectures and this places some heavy demands on the systems.

"We have been very happy with the level of service from Horizon Open Systems as we build on this joint initiative project and hope to seed future projects on similar lines "

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk