The Technical University of City of Riga
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RIGA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND COMPUTER ENGENEERING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
SELF-EVALUATION REPORT
Computer Control and Computer Science
Academic Curriculum
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Riga 2000 Contents
Introduction...... 4 1. Objectives and Primary Tasks of the Academic Study Programme in ‘Information Technology’...... 5 2. Description of the Study Programme...... 5 2.1. Bachelor of Engineering Science Study Programme in ‘Information Technology’...... 6 2.1.1. Objectives and primary tasks of the programme...... 6 2.1.2. Description of the programme...... 7 2.1.3. Contents of the programme...... 7 2.1.4. A total scope of groups of courses and their percentage...... 8 2.1.5. Possibilities to master Economics, Human and Social sciences...... 8 2.1.6. Bachelor Thesis...... 9 2.1.7. Career prospects...... 9 2.2. Master of Engineering Science Study Programme in ‘Information Technology’...... 9 2.2.1. Objectives and primary tasks of the programme...... 9 2.2.2. Description of the programme...... 10 2.2.3. A total scope of groups of courses and their percentage...... 11 2.2.4. Possibilities to master Economics, Human and Social sciences...... 11 2.2.5. Practical Work and Engineer Project...... 12 2.2.6. Master Thesis...... 12 2.2.7. Career prospects...... 12 2.3. Doctor of Engineering Science Study Programme in ‘Management Information Technology’...... 12 2.3.1. Description of the programme...... 13 2.3.2. Contents of the programme...... 13 2.3.3. A total scope of groups of courses and their percentage...... 13 2.3.4. Doctoral Thesis elaboration and defence...... 14 2.4. Assessment of the Study Programme in ‘Information Technology’ by Students and Employers...... 14 2.5. Programme Advertisement and Information Support...... 14 3. Financial Support of the Study Programme...... 14 4. Technical Support of the Study Programme...... 15 5. Academic Staff Qualification...... 15 6. Research...... 16 6.1. International Collaboration...... 16 6.2. International Scientific Programmes...... 17 6.3. Research Projects...... 17 6.4. International Conferences Hosted...... 18 6.5. Publications...... 19 7. International Co-operation in Programme Implementation...... 19 7.1. Organisation of Intensive Courses...... 20 7.2. Publishing of Case Studies...... 20 7.3. International Projects and Students Possibilities to Study in Foreign Universities...... 21 8. System of Knowledge Evaluation and Control...... 21 9. Comparison of the Study Programme in ‘Information Technology’ with Programmes of Higher Educational Establishments of the European Union and Other Countries...... 21 9.1. Comparison of the Bachelor Study Programme...... 21 9.2. Comparison of the Master Study Programme...... 24
2 9.3. Comparison of the Doctoral Study Programme...... 25 10. A Long-term Evaluation of the Academic Study Programme in ‘Information Technology’...... 26 11. Development Plan of the Study Programme in ‘Information Technology’...... 27 11.1. Financial Support...... 27 11.2. Material and Technical Resources Development...... 27 11.3. Academic Staff...... 28 11.4. Students...... 29 11.5. Co-operation with Graduates and Employers...... 29 11.6. Study Process...... 29 Summary...... 30
3 Introduction
The academic curriculum ‘Information Technology’ provides academic education in the area of Information Technology and offers the following degrees: Bachelor of Engineering Science in Computer Control and Computer Science, Master of Engineering Science in Information Technology. Doctor of Engineering Science in Management Information Technology. The title of the curriculum ‘Information Technology’ corresponds to the classifier of branches of the Latvian science within the branch of ‘Information Technology’ and its specific fields ‘Systems Analysis, Modelling and Design’ and ‘Computer Control’. The classifier is approved by the Latvian Council of Science, decision No. 9-3-1 of November 16, 1999.
The following is a UNESCO definition of Information Technology (IT): ‘ The scientific, technological and engineering disciplines and the management techniques used in information handling and processing; their applications, computers and their interaction with men and machines; and associated social, economic and cultural matters.’
Currently in Latvia an industry of information technology grows in several directions such as designing software on demand of local and foreign companies; putting information technology resources into operation within the national economy; education, state administration; IT (software, hardware, nets, management mathematical support tools) trade, service, training, consulting, etc. There is a valid view, that a field of information technology will become one of the most crucial and economically effective branches of the Latvian national economy. According to Latvian and foreign experts’ evaluation, demand of IT specialists will increase rapidly, and in the following two years that demand could mount to 1500 till 2000 specialists a year. The current capacity of two leading Latvian universities (University of Latvia and Riga Technical University) in preparing IT specialists is only 15-20 % from the expected demand. In the very beginning of its development, a specific feature of the Latvian information technology industry is need for IT qualified specialists with knowledge in management science. It facilitates designing and installing new information systems, restructuring of existing economical, social, manufacturing and other systems, as well as information technology innovations and information technology change management. At the Riga Technical University (RTU) the academic curriculum in ‘Information Technology’ was mainly developed in accordance with demand of the Latvian labour market on the basis of already existing study programmes and teaching experiences of leading high educational institutions of USA, United Kingdom, Sweden and other highly developed countries. 1. Objectives and Primary Tasks of the Academic Study Programme in ‘Information Technology’
The academic study programme in ‘Information Technology’ is aimed to educate highly skilled specialists for scientific and practical work in the field of development of modern information technology resources and their practical application in the fields of economics, manufacturing, entrepreneur’s activity, state administration, financial structures, social and cultural spheres. The study programme in Information Technology is oriented to both trends: information technology and management technology resources. The programme is developed as a dynamic one that is capable to reflect rapid changes in the field of information technology and application of IT modern resources to solve successfully management problems. Increasing organisation dependence on intensity of use of IT resources points at a rapidly increasing role of information technology in the business area. That is why one of the study programme key objectives is to educate highly skilled specialists able to follow information technology evolution and successfully manage the IT innovation process in organisations. The primary task of the academic study programme in ‘Information technology’ is to provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the following areas: programming languages; algorithmic support and software development technologies; principles and operation of up-to-date operational systems; data analysis and processing; database, information and intelligent systems design, implementation and application; computer nets technologies; design, reliability and maintenance; analysis, modelling and simulation of economic systems and processes;
management processes, decision support systems and logistics; as well as to develop technical skills to perform functions of a system analyst within information technology projects; to introduce and use modern information technologies in various types of organisations and enterprises; to manage IT projects, to provide consulting in management information technology; to perform research and practical work, to work in a group, and to perform the duties of the project co-ordinator.
2. Description of the Study Programme
5 Bachelor, Master and Doctor of Engineering Science study programmes in ‘Information Technology’ define study duration, programme scope, content, and matriculation conditions. The academic study programme in ‘Information Technology’ is developed in the way that provides successive extension of the education level mastered. So, fundamental professional knowledge is provided within bachelor studies. Deep theoretical knowledge and practical skills are extended within master studies, and doctoral students receive advanced knowledge and technical skills to perform research in the field of information technology. The information technology academic study programmes are developed in accordance with RTU regulations and approved by decisions of the RTU Senate, Board of the Faculty of Computer Science and Computer Engineering and Council of the Institute of Information Technology (ITI). The scope of academic study programmes is estimated in credit points (CP). One CP corresponds to one study week. The amount of contact hours makes up 40 percents of the study scope. An average annual load is equal to 40 CP or 40 weeks of studies. The duration of the Bachelor (BSc) study programme is equal to 3 years with 122 CP, the duration of the Master (MSc) study programme is equal to 3 years with 121 CP, and the duration of the doctoral studies is equal to 3 years with 120 CP. In accordance with the RTU conception of education, the Bachelor study programme content of the first academic year is the same for all RTU programmes except profiles in Economics and Chemistry. The Bachelor study programme content of the second academic year is the same for all programmes of an appropriate profile. The choice of the further study programme is made after a successful completion of the second year. After obtaining the BSc of Engineering Science students could choose whether to continue further education in the academic field (magistracy, doctoral studies) or to get a professional (engineer) qualification.
2.1. Bachelor of Engineering Science Study Programme in ‘Information Technology’
2.1.1. Objectives and primary tasks of the programme
Entry requirements The Information Technology study programme in the third academic year is opened for students from all Latvian higher educational institutions, who had studied all courses according to the Bachelor of Engineering Science (BSc) programme in ‘Computer control and computer science’ and its RTU standardised part (Appendix 1).
Objectives The programme aims to provide the BSc degree with basic academic education and practical skills in the field of Information Technology including foundations in Mathematics, Physics, Electronics, Computer science as well as to guarantee possibility of further studies or work in the IT industry.
6 Primary Tasks Primary tasks of the academic study programme are to provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of information technology, i.e.
programming languages; algorithmic support and software development technologies; principles of construction and operation of up-to-date operational systems; data analysis and processing; database, information and intelligent systems design; computer, computer systems and computer nets technologies; design, reliability and maintenance; basic theoretical knowledge in analysis, modelling and simulation of economic systems and processes; basic theoretical knowledge in management processes, decision support systems and logistics; as well as to provide knowledge in mathematics, physics, electronics and electrotechnics, mechanics, chemistry, and other engineering science disciplines according to higher technical education requirements; to ensure a required level of foreign language knowledge; to enable to get skills to work in a group and do creative work.
2.1.2. Description of the programme
Study duration: 3 years Number of credit points: 122 CP Qualification: Bachelor of Engineering Science in Computer Control and Computer Science Qualification earned after: Bachelor Thesis public defence (3 CP)
The number of students within the Bachelor study programme in ‘Information Technology’ during the last five years is equal to 140, 135, 122, 130, 139 students, correspondingly. Within the programme in ‘Information Technology’ students begin studies at the Department of Computer Science, which organises initial joint education within two study programmes, i.e. ‘Information Technology’ and ‘Computer Systems’. These joint studies are two years long. During this period students master basics of Computer Science, Engineering Science, Economics and Sociology, and foreign languages. Those students who have chosen the programme in ‘Information technology’ study basic courses in information technology and management science in the third academic year. After the BSc programme completion and public defence of the Bachelor Thesis, graduates obtain the Bachelor of Engineering Science in Computer Control and Computer Science.
7 2.1.3. Contents of the programme
In the course of the bachelor studies students get knowledge in modern information technologies and their applications in economics, manufacturing, entrepreneur’s activity, state administration and other fields. Students master such courses as modern operating systems, programming languages, analysis and designing of information systems, data bases, computer nets, basics of artificial intelligence, computer graphics, management science, logistics, decision making, mathematical models of economic systems and processes, modelling techniques and tools. The study programme, Semester calendar plans as well as course annotations in the Latvian and English languages are given in Appendix 1. Traditional teaching methods such as lectures, practical and laboratory works and modern teaching approaches as well as cases and educational games provide implementation of the study programme. Some courses require development of the course projects, that together with a Bachelor Thesis stimulates developing skills needed for a practical work. Students also get knowledge in Business Management, Marketing and Accounting. During bachelor studies students may select study subjects from the groups of Optional and Free Optional courses. After getting the BSc degree, graduates could continue further studies in the following specialisations: Management Information Technology, Industrial Logistics Management, Financial Information Technology (professional studies), Decision Support Systems, or other academic and professional study programmes in the RTU, Latvia, and in the other countries as well.
2.1.4. A total scope of groups of courses and their percentage
The distribution of studies among the specific groups of courses within the programme in Information Technology is defined according to RTU regulations and is given in Table 1.
Table 1. Distribution among the groups of courses Group of courses Credit points (CP) Percentage A. Compulsory Programme Courses 96 78,7 B. Optional Courses 16 13,1 C. Free Optional Courses 7 5,7 Bachelor Thesis 3 2,5 In total: 122 CP
2.1.5. Possibilities to master Economics, Human and Social sciences
BSc study programme guarantees also possibilities to study Economics, Human/ Social courses within 19 CP (Table 2).
Table 2. Possibilities to master Economics, Human and Social sciences Group of courses Courses Credit points A. Compulsory Courses (8 CP) Economics 3 Models of social development 2
8 Fundamentals of law 2 Civil defence 1 B. Optional Courses (4 CP) Sociology, Political sciences, 4 Latvian political system, etc. C. Free Optional Courses (7 CP) Free choice 7
2.1.6. Bachelor Thesis
A Bachelor Thesis is estimated with 3 credit points (CP). In order to get the Bachelor of Engineering science in Computer Control and Computer Science, students must complete the BSc study programme, as well as to develop and defend a Bachelor thesis publicly. The rules of presenting of the Bachelor Thesis are available in the ITI office (Mezha street 1/4, room No 458). Subjects of Bachelor theses in the academic year 1999/2000 are summarised in Appendix 1.
2.1.7. Career prospects
After obtaining the BSc degree, students could continue further academic studies in the following specialisations: Management Information Technology, Industrial Logistics Management and Decision Support Systems, or to start their practical work. The field of BSc practical activities is very broad, depending on graduates interests, motivation, training levels, and capabilities in business activities, state administration structures, banking systems, software companies and other commerce activities connected with the information technology industry and application area.
2.2. Master of Engineering Science Study Programme in ‘Information Technology’
2.2.1. Objectives and primary tasks of the programme
The title of the programme ‘Information Technology’ corresponds to the classifier of branches of the Latvian science within the branch of ‘Information Technology’ and its specific fields ‘Systems Analysis, Modelling and Design’ and ‘Computer Control’. The classifier is approved by the Latvian Council of Science, decision No. 9-3-1 of November 16, 1999.
Study duration: 3 years Number of credit points: 121 CP Qualification: Master of Engineering Science in Information Technology Qualification earned after: Master Thesis public defence (20 CP)
The number of master students in Information Technology during the last five years is equal to 57, 48, 78, 110, 105 students, correspondingly.
Objectives
9 The programme aims to educate highly skilled specialists able to perform research and practical work in the field of development of modern IT industry resources and their practical application. A special emphasis is pointed on extending deep theoretical knowledge, and mastering scientific and practical skills in the IT branch.
Primary tasks Programme primary tasks are to prepare highly skilled in information technology specialists able: to provide professional management support in IT tools and information systems development, design, and maintenance under a rapid growth of the information technology industry and business technology that itself required IT industry resources; to perform restructuring of the system and information technology change management; to design and produce effective systems of computer nets; to design and produce effective data based management systems; to design and produce effective and qualitative computer software systems using high-level programming languages and tools; to develop effective man-machine interface systems to support working in computer nets systems; to carry out scientific research within the chosen specialisation; to apply knowledge and practical skills to work on one’s own and to perform projects in a group.
2.2.2. Description of the programme
After getting the BSc degree, students could continue further studies in the magistracy. A content of the Master study programme is regulated by a decision of the RTU Senate of January 27, 1997. The above-mentioned decision defines the programme structure fixing relations between specific groups of study disciplines. Practical Work, Engineer Project, Master Thesis and general education courses are defined as obligatory parts of the programme. Based on BSc theoretical knowledge and practical skills, motivation and interests, status of the labour market, their potential abilities and capabilities, bachelors can choose one of the following programme specialisations: Management Information Technology; Industrial Logistics Management; Decision Support Systems. A general and innovative feature of programme specialisations is integration of theoretical and practical achievements of information technology and management science in order to solve management problems electronically. From recently that trend is called by e-business. Analogue programmes of European higher educational institutions are as follows: Information Technology, Management and Information Technology, Management
10 Information Systems, with specialisation in different areas as Logistics and Logistical Informatics, Decision Support Systems, etc. The specialisation in Management Information Technology extends theoretical and practical knowledge in modern IT tools as software, hardware, computer nets and management mathematical methods, in up-to-day IT industry recourses development and application areas such as economics, entrepreneur’s activity, production, logistics, state administration, social insurance, banking systems and other human activities. Within the specialisation of Industrial Logistics Management, students get necessary knowledge about management information technologies and tools in logistics area, as well as professional competence and practical skills in design of logistics information systems. A great attention is given to analysis of logistics systems, data processing, computer simulation, management techniques and their application to support logistics functions in modern industrial companies. Within the specialisation Decision Support Systems, students master modern technologies of decision analysis and decision making at various management levels. During their studies master students, promoted by the experienced academic staff, carry out scientific research that provides a basis of a Master thesis. To get the Master degree of Engineering Science, the thesis should be completed and defended publicly before graduating from the university. An emphasis is also put on scientific seminars that give students possibilities to get technical skills of thesis presentation. Specialisation study programmes, descriptions of programmes realisation, semester calendar plans as well as study courses annotations in Latvian and English are given in Appendix 2.
2.2.3. A total scope of groups of courses and their percentage
The distribution of studies among the specific groups of courses within specialisation master programmes in Information Technology is given in Table 3.
Table 3. A total scope of groups of courses and their percentage Group of courses Credit points (CP) Percentage A. Compulsory Programme Courses 46 38 B. Optional Courses 33 27 1. Programme Special Courses 15 2. Foreign Languages 6 3. Human /Social Courses 4 4. Courses in Economics 4 5. Pedagogical Courses 4 C. Free Optional Courses 6 5 D. Practical Work (1) 4 E. Controlling Forms 1. Engineer Project (2) 12 In total (1, 2) 13 2. Master Thesis 20 17 In total 121 CP
11 2.2.4. Possibilities to master Economics, Human and Social sciences
Within the group of Compulsory Programme Courses 6 CP are allocated for studying foreign languages; 3 CP are allocated for Engineering Economics, 1 CP is provided for a course of Emergency Management; and 2 CP are allocated for studying Pedagogic and Psychology. Within the group of Optional Programme Courses 4 CP are allocated for courses in Economics; 2 CP are allocated for Social Courses; and 6 CP are allocated for Free Optional Courses that could be freely chosen by students.
2.2.5. Practical Work and Engineer Project
According to the RTU Senate decision, the Master study programme includes a 16-week long Practical Work (4 CP) in a company engaged in IT resources development or application. Later on, a student develops and presents an Engineer Project started within his practical work. It is estimated with 12 CP. The subjects of the projects in the academic year 1999/2000 are given in Appendix 2.
2.2.6. Master Thesis
The volume of a Master thesis is estimated with 20 CP. In order to get a Master degree of Engineering Science in Information Technology, a student must complete the MSc study programme in full extent, as well as to develop a Master thesis and defend it publicly. For being assessed, first the thesis is passed to a reviewer with a doctoral academic degree in the appropriate branch of science. The rules of presenting of a Master thesis are available in the ITI office (Mezha Street 1 /4, Room No 458). The subjects of Master theses in the academic year 1999/2000 are given in Appendix 2.
2.2.7. Career prospects
After graduating from the magistracy and obtaining the Master of Engineering Science, graduates could continue further studies within ITI in order to get the Doctor of Engineering Science degree in Management Information Technology. Graduates could also start their practical activity as high qualification specialists in the field of IT resources development and their application in the management information area. The field of practical activities of graduates is very broad, depending on their interests, motivation, training levels, abilities to perform research and capabilities in business activities, state administration structures, banking systems, software companies and other commerce activities related to IT industry and application area.
2.3. Doctor of Engineering Science Study Programme in ‘Management Information Technology’
Doctoral studies are regulated by ‘Regulations of the RTU doctoral studies’ approved by the RTU Senate on March 27, 1995.
Objectives
12 The programme aims to educate and train highly skilled specialists oriented to scientific, pedagogical and practical work in the field of up-to-date IT industry.
Primary tasks The programme primary tasks are: to provide fundamental knowledge in management information technology; to develop technical skills in formulating and solving research problems; to provide practical skills for further pedagogical work; to train technical skills to work in a group as well as to manage a group work.
2.3.1. Description of the programme
Study duration: 3 years Number of credit points: 120 CP Qualification: Doctor of Engineering Science Qualification earned after: Doctoral Thesis public defence (60 CP)
The number of doctoral students during last five years is equal to 12, 14, 17, 18, 15 students, correspondingly. The main emphasis is put on extending a deep theoretical knowledge and training research skills needed for various kinds of work in branches of information technology, science and education. In accordance with the programme, doctoral students pass theoretical exams and carry out scientific research, promoted by a scientific supervisor. To get practical pedagogical skills, a doctoral student gives some lectures, practical and laboratory works, as well as supervises course projects. After successful passing the study programme and completing scientific research, a doctoral student presents a doctoral thesis.
2.3.2. Contents of the programme
The study programme is designed to provide advanced knowledge in appropriate theoretical courses and in specialisation courses needed to perform doctoral research. The distribution of studies among specific groups of courses is regulated by the RTU Senate decision of March 27, 1996. The Promotion Council in Information Technology approved the list of compulsory courses. The programme and course annotations in Latvian and English are given in Appendix 3.
2.3.3. A total scope of groups of courses and their percentage
The distribution of studies among the specific groups of courses within the doctoral study programme in ‘Information Technology’ is given below.
Group of courses Credit points (CP) Percentage A. Compulsory Programme Courses 30 CP (25 %) B. Optional Specialisation Courses 25 CP (20,8 %) Languages 5 CP (4,2 %) C. Doctoral Thesis 60 CP (50 %)
13 In total 120 CP
Optional Specialisation Courses could be considered as courses of a limited option as a scientific supervisor makes a choice from a set of proposed courses. Studies of each doctoral student are defined by an individual plan that also fixes the doctoral study progress including passing exams, scientific research and assessments made by a specialisation department. Pedagogical work is an obligatory part of the doctoral plan.
2.3.4. Doctoral Thesis elaboration and defence
In order to get the Doctor of Engineering Science degree in Management Information Technology, the doctoral thesis (60 CP) has to be defended publicly in presence of the Promotion Council in Information Technology operating at the Faculty of Computer Science and Computer Engineering. The doctoral thesis evaluation criterion and its defence procedure are regulated by Rules of the Scientific Qualification Commission approved by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia on April 6, 1999.
2.4. Assessment of the Study Programme in ‘Information Technology’ by Students and Employers
Both students and employers positively evaluate the academic bachelor, master and doctoral study programmes. The results of questionnaires and their analysis are summarised in Appendix 4. They show that 86 % of students has chosen the study program in Information Technology without any assistance, about 90 % of students are satisfied with their choice. 60 % of students are satisfied with material and technical support of studies. Main proposals of students in order to improve a quality of the study process are the following: ● Increasing a total amount of practical studies. ● Ensuring a required number of textbooks and abstracts of lectures. ● Providing with better lecture-rooms and their equipment. Employers’ and graduates’ comments are positive. They stated good theoretical background of graduates, a broad range of their interests and an ability to integrate in the fields of information technology and management as well as ability to work in a group.
2.5. Programme Advertisement and Information Support
For those who study or is going to study, there is information about studies within the programme in Information technology that is opened for a general use. The correspondent study plans, contents of the courses, information about the academic staff, etc. are available on ITI web-site http://www.itl.rtu.lv. Reference materials are published regularly in ‘Skolu Vestnesis’, in the RTU newspaper called ‘Jaunais inženieris’ and in other sources.
3. Financial Support of the Study Programme
14 In the academic year 2000/2001 the following financial resources were charged to the Institute of Information Technology to support academic and professional study programmes in Information Technology: Financing from the State budget that is equal to 150 759 Ls. Financing from private and juridical persons’ payments. This financing is equal to 4591 Ls for the first six months and partly is made up from the partial fees for bachelor, master and doctoral studies. 4 grants financed by the Latvian Council of Science in the year 2000 with a total budget equal to 18 600 Ls. This financing is not directly aimed at the study process, but effects it considerably by the following ways: improving the level of scientific qualification, using technical equipment within the study process, improving a financial status of academic staff, technical support staff and students.
4. Technical Support of the Study Programme
The Institute of Information Technology and its structural units are located on Mezha street, 1/ 3 and 1/4, on the 4th floor with a total area of 1900 m2 and its useful area of 1500 m2. The following material and technical means are used to support the programme in Information Technology: Computer laboratories of the Computer Centre of the Faculty of Computer Science and Computer Engineering that are equipped with: - IBM –4381 (16MB RAM, HDD 650MB, 65 monitors). The equipment is used mainly to teach first and second year bachelor students in the ’Computer Science’ course. - UNIX server (SUN SPARC Station 20, 128MB RAM, HDD 8GB, programming languages C++, Java, HTML, etc). - 20 workstations SUN SPARC Station 10, Solaris 2,6, 64MB RAM, HDD 4,3GB. - 32 personal Pentium computers. - 50 Notebook IBM –755 (Intel 486) available for student personal use. Computer equipment at the disposal of the Institute of Information Technology: - Computer net Switch 3Com 1100, HUB 3Com Ethernet 100 MBit. - ITI computer class equipped with 24 personal Pentium, Pentium II computers, and Computer nets Hub PLANET and CentreCom: - 20 personal Pentium, Pentium II, III computers for methodical and research work of academic staff and students. The following presentation and duplicating equipment is used as well: - Video projector SHARP –1 piece, - LCD panel –1 piece, - Projector of 3M type – 5 pieces, - Laser printers – 6 pieces, - Copying machine Selex GR-1650 – 1 piece, - Copying machine NP 6216 – 1 piece, - Duplicator PRIPORT VT 1800 – 1 piece.
15 5. Academic Staff Qualification
The study process within the programme in Information Technology is provided by the Institute of Information Technology and its structural units: Division of Modelling and Simulation headed by Prof. J. Merkurjevs, Division of Decision Support Systems headed by Prof. A. Borisovs, Division of Mathematical Statistics headed Prof. J. Carkovs, Department of Operations Research headed by Prof. G. Vulfs, as well as by leading academic staff of the Institute of Applied Computer Systems. The information about educational staff is summarised in Appendix 6. The qualification of an academic and technical staff is being improved regularly through ITI personnel training: within the TEMPUS project S-JEP_11064-96 of the European Training Foundation at the University of Ghent (Belgium) and the University of Karlsruhe (Germany) in 1997-1999 (Prof. G. Vulfs, Prof. J. Carkovs, Prof. J. Merkurjevs, Assoc. Prof. G. Merkurjeva, docent M. Buikis, docent J. Tolujevs, docent V. Minkevicha, teaching assistant J.Pecherska, and technical staff A. Mazversitis), within short-term visits to the University of Linköping, Sweden (Prof. J. Merkurjevs, G. Vulfs and G. Merkurjeva), and University of Magdeburg, Germany (docent J. Tolujevs, Prof. G. Vulfs) during 1995-2000. Docent E. Liepa and docent V. Minkevicha in 1998 successfully defended Doctoral Theses and obtained a Doctor of Mathematical Sciences degree. Institute teachers had completed advanced courses held by well-known high educational establishments and received the following certificates. Docent M. Buikis and docent A. Matvejevs successfully have completed two years course in England Actuarial Institute and received the Advanced Diploma in Actuarial Science. Senior lecturer V. Alevskis has completed a seminar on market financial analysis (The FAST course) in Carnegie Melon University and received a special certificate. Institute professors take an active part in international activities. Prof. V. Carkovs is an active member of the International Institute of Statistics, a member of Society of American Mathematicians, a member of Society of Ukrainian Mathematicians, and Latvian Society of Mathematics. He is a member of Editorial board of the International magazine ‘Random Operators and Stochastic Equations’, a member of the Promotion Council in Mathematical Sciences at the Latvian University, a Board member of the Latvian Association of Statistics. Prof. G. Vulfs and A. Borisovs are members of the Baltic Operations Research Society. Prof. J. Merkurjevs is a board member of the European branch of the Society for Computer Simulation International. He is also a president of the Latvian Simulation Society, a member of the Latvian branch of IFAC, a president of the Baltic Operations Research Society, a Board member of Latvian Transport Development and Education Association, and a member of the Editorial board of the international magazine ‘Simulation & Gaming’.
6. Research
16 6.1. International Collaboration
The Institute of Information Technology is strongly committed to broad international collaboration. By present time common projects have been elaborated (alphabetically) with the Fraunhofer Institute of Factory Operation and Automation - Magdeburg (Germany), Genoa University (Italy), the University of Ghent (Belgium), the University of Karlsruhe (Germany), Linköping University (Sweden), Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg (Germany), Sankt-Petersburg State Electrotechnical University (Russia). Since October 1995 the Latvian Centre of the International McLeod Institute of Simulation Sciences of the Society for Computer Simulation International is operating on the basis of ITI institute (Director – Prof. J. Merkurjevs).
6.2. International Scientific Programmes
ELITE – European Laboratory for Intelligent Technologies, Aachen, Germany, Manager – Prof., Dr.h.c. H. - J. Zimmermann. Technological University of Warsaw, Faculty of Electronics, Warsaw, Poland. Partner – Prof. Krzysztof Malinovski. City University London, Department of Electronics, United Kingdom. Partner – Prof. Peter D. Roberts. ERUDIT – European Network of Excellence in Uncertainty Techniques Developments for Use in Information Technology, Aachen, Germany. VISBY programme funded by the Swedish Institute, Sweden. Co-ordinator - Prof. Birger Rapp, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden. INCO-Copernicus 1994 Programme of the European Commission, Project Contractor - Dr. E. Bluemel, Fraunhofer Institute of Factory Operation and Automation – Magdeburg, Germany. INCO-Copernicus 1998 Programme of the European Commission, Project Co- ordinator Dr. E. Bluemel, Fraunhofer Institute of Factory Operation and Automation – Magdeburg, Germany. Project for collaboration between ICCS-BAS, Bulgarian Academy of Science, Bulgaria, and Riga Technical University, Latvia.
6.3. Research Projects
Following research projects are being performed in the Institute of Information Technology during last five years:
‘Simulation and optimisation of the manufacturing system at the Riga Radio Factory’ (funded by the Riga Radio Factory; Leader – Prof. J. Merkurjevs; 1995); INCO-Copernicus Concerted Actions Project No 312 AMCAI ‘Application of modern concepts in the automated information management in the harbours by using advanced IT – solutions’ (funded by the INCO-Copernicus 1994 Programme of the European Commission; RTU co-ordinator – Prof. J. Merkurjevs; 1995–1997);
17 ‘Development of intelligent modelling and simulation tools of complex systems’ (a research grant from the Latvian Council of Science; leader – Prof. J. Merkurjevs; 1994–1996); ‘ Simulation of road crossing in Riga’ (funded by the Department of Road Communication and Safety of Latvia; leader – Dr. J. Tolujevs; 1997); ‘ Optimisation of the Latvian transport system’ (the Latvian State Research Programme; leader of the simulation group – Prof. J. Merkurjevs; since 1997); ‘Development and implementation of intelligent simulation and optimisation tools for logistics systems’ (a research grant from the Latvian Council of Science; leader – Prof. J. Merkurjevs; 1997–2000); ‘Development and application of simulation-based tools for analysis and optimisation of logistics systems’ (a research grant from the Latvian Council of Science; leader – Prof. J. Merkurjevs; since 2001); INCO-Copernicus Accompanying Measure Project PL 976012 DAMAC – HP ‘Further development and practical applications of harbour processes managing and controlling models, methods and techniques’ (funded by the INCO-Copernicus 1998 Programme of the European Commission; RTU co-ordinator – Prof. J. Merkurjevs; 1998-2000); Intensive courses in simulation of manufacturing, transport and logistics systems for Latvian companies and universities (in co-operation with Linköping University; Latvian co-ordinator – Prof. J. Merkurjevs; Sweden; 1996, April and July); AMETMAS-NoE project ‘Advanced methodologies and tools of manufacturing systems’ (AMETMAS Network of Excellence funded by the INCO-Copernicus Programme; co-ordinator of the Latvian node – Prof. J. Merkurjevs; since 1997); CONSA project ‘Competence network for simulation applications’ (within the VISBY programme funded by the Swedish Institute, Sweden; Assistant Co-ordinator for Baltic Countries and RTU local co-ordinator – Prof. J. Merkurjevs; since 1998); Grant No HKUST 639/95E (funded by the Hong-Kong University of Science and Technology; performed by Prof. J. Carkovs, 1995–1998; 6 joint papers on the project results have been published in internationally recognised journals); ‘Boarder theorems of stochastic dynamic systems’ (a research grant No 93.639 from the Latvian Council of Science; leader – Prof. J. Carkovs; 1994–1996); ‘Asymptotic methods of stochastic dynamics’ (a research grant No 96.540 from the Latvian Council of Science; leader – Prof. J. Carkovs; 1997–2000); ‘Intelligent decision support systems’ (a research grant No 93.578 from the Latvian Council of Science; leader – Prof. A. Borisovs; 1994–1996); ‘Intelligent decision support systems based on artificial neural nets’ (a research grant No 96.0487 from the Latvian Council of Science; leader – Prof. A. Borisovs; 1997– 2000); ‘Software development of information processing for the state and self-government orders and publishing in the Internet’ (funded by the Ministry of Finances of the Republic of Latvia; leader – Prof. G. Vulfs; 1999); ‘Associative methods and algorithms of information processing for management and identification problems’ (a research grant No 08.1850 from the Latvian Council of Science; leader – Prof. G. Vulfs, since 2001).
18 6.4. International Conferences Hosted
The Institute is permanently involved into organisation of international events in co- operation with Baltic Operations Research Society, IFORS, BALTECH University Consortiums in Science and Technology, Linköping University. It is affiliated with the Society for Computer Simulation International and regularly supports organisation of European simulation multiconferences and symposia, as well. The following international conferences were recently hosted by the ITI:
The First International conference ‘Simulation, Gaming, Training and Business Process Reengineering in Operations’ (September 1996), organised in co-operation with the International Federation of Operational Research Societies (IFORS). Organising Committee Chair – Prof. J. Merkurjevs; The First International Workshop ‘Modelling and Simulation within a Maritime Environment’ (September 1998), organised in co-operation with the SCS. General Chair – Prof. J. Merkurjevs. The International Technology Transfer Workshop of the AMETMAS-NoE network of Excellence ‘Increasing Efficiency of Latvian Companies through Computer- Aided Simulation’ (December 1998). Programme Chair – Prof. J. Merkurjevs. The Second International conference ‘Simulation, Gaming, Training and Business Process Reengineering in Operations’ (September 2000), organised in co-operation with Linköping University, BALTECH University Consortium in Science and Technology, Baltic Operations Research Society and Latvian Simulation Society. Conference General Chair – Prof. J. Merkurjevs, International Programme Committee members – Prof. G. Vulfs, Asoc. Prof. G. Merkurjeva and docent J. Tolujevs.
6.5. Publications
Scientific activities of the academic staff of the Institute of Information Technology are represented in the publications, including books, papers in international magazines and conference proceedings. A total number of publications during the last five years is about 120 publications. The lists of academic personnel publications during the last five years are given in Appendix 5.
7. International Co-operation in Programme Implementation
Within the TEMPUS Structural Joint European project S-JEP_11064–96 of the European Training Foundation (1996–1999) in co-operation with Western partners – University of Ghent (Belgium) and University of Karlsruhe (Germany), the specialisation programme in ‘Industrial Logistics Management’ was developed and introduced at the ITI. Through this project, the institute has got a possibility to use experiences of the project partners from Belgium and Germany in this field. Special computer software was purchased that provided education through business games such as: New ORSIAM Business Simulation Management Dynamics Game, ROFA-Plus OPC (Operations Planning and Control) and OST (Operations Structuring) business games. Prof. Gert Zülch, Prof. Henry Muller (-Malek), Prof. Rik
19 Van Landeghem and their assistants provided training in the software purchased. ITI academic and auxiliary staff has got possibilities through mobilities for training in all new courses and also retraining in existing ones. Textbooks in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Logistics Management, Management Information Systems, Management Science, Operations Management, Decision Support, Project Management, System Analysis and Design, Computer Simulation in Logistics were also funded by the project.
7.1. Organisation of Intensive Courses
Since the academic year 1993/1994, intensive courses taught by foreign visiting lecturers have been organised regularly at the Institute of Information Technology within the international projects and according to bilateral agreements. During 1997–1999, within the TEMPUS Structural Joint European Project S-JEP_11064-96 intensive courses were given by Prof. Gert Zülch from the University of Karlsruhe (Germany), by Prof. Henry Muller (-Malek), Prof. Rik Van Landeghem and Prof. Sophie Manigart from the University of Ghent (Belgium) and their assistants. Within that project western professors have taught the following courses: Project Management (Prof. Rik Van Landeghem, 1998), Operations Planning and Control (Prof. Gert Zülch, 1998), Integrated Logistics Management (Prof. Henry Muller (-Malek), 1999), and Operations Structuring (Prof. Gert Zülch. 1999). In the academic year 1999/2000 bilateral agreements on students and academic staff exchange within the ‘ERASMUS under SOCRATES’ Programme were signed between the Riga Technical University and University of Ghent. University of Ghent, Belgium (Prof., Dr. Rik Van Landeghem, Head of the Industrial Management Department) as well as the University of Genoa, Italy (Prof., Dr. Agostino Bruzzone, Departimento d’Ingegneria Produzione) have approved bilateral agreements with the Riga Technical University within the above-mentioned programme for the academic year 2000/2001.
7.2. Publishing of Case Studies
The following textbooks with case studies in Industrial Management were prepared and published in co-operation with western partners within the above mentioned TEMPUS project of the European Community Educational Programme:
Cases in Industrial Logistics Management. Edited by Henry Muller (-Malek), Yuri Merkuryev, Irena Silinevicha, Gert Zülch. European Series in Industrial Management. Volume 2, 1999, Shaker Verlag, 284 p. Industrial Logistics Systems Management: Examples of practical applications. Edited by Henry Muller (-Malek), Yuri Merkuryev, Irena Silinevicha, and Gert Zulch. RTU, Riga, 1999, 191 p. (In Latvian)
These textbooks include 18 and 13 case studies, correspondingly. Authors of separate papers are ITI professors, research fellows and PhD students (G. Vulfs, J. Merkurjevs, V. Tolujevs, G. Merkurjeva, V. Visipkovs, A. Šmits, J. Grabis, etc.). The textbooks are foreseen for intensive use in the study process, for instance, in the courses:
20 Supply Chains Analysis and Management, Manufacturing Planning and Control Systems, Materials Management, Advanced Statistical Methods in Business, Project Management, and Management Synthesis.
7.3. International Projects and Students Possibilities to Study in Foreign Universities
Due to international educational programmes as TEMPUS, ERASMUS under SOCRATES the best students have possibilities to develop their Master theses at the RTU partner universities supported by experienced western professors. Since June 1997 already 12 students had student mobilities within the TEMPUS Structural Joint European project S-JEP_11064–96. Some students are making master theses within the research projects such as CONSA and INCO-Copernicus AMCAI projects and provided with visits to partner universities such as Linköping University (Sweden), Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg and Technical University of Dresden (Germany).
8. System of Knowledge Evaluation and Control
According to the Riga Technical University regulations knowledge of students is evaluated in accordance with the general university system approved by the RTU Senate decision of January 27, 1998. Within that system Quantitative estimation is being made by a number of credits specified for a certain discipline or course, and Qualitatively knowledge is evaluated by ten-mark system and by tests. The study process consists of lectures, practical/laboratory works, and course projects. Course projects are being presented and evaluated. All the exams are being passed in a written form. When evaluating the final mark of an exam, student activities in the study process and qualities of practical works that have been done is taken into account. Exception is an examination of doctoral students when exams are passed in the presence of an examination commission that is approved by the Promotion Council and consists of 3 Doctors of Science.
9. Comparison of the Study Programme in ‘Information Technology’ with Programmes of Higher Educational Establishments of the European Union and Other Countries
The study programme ‘Information technology’ was developed based on the Curriculum and study programmes of the leading higher educational establishments of USA, United Kingdom, Sweden and some other countries, taking into account specifics of the Latvian labour market. A significant contribution in the programme development and course preparation was made by the RTU partner universities such as the University of Ghent (Belgium), the University of Karlsruhe (Germany), Linköping University (Sweden), De Montfort University (UK), Seattle University (USA) and others.
21 9.1. Comparison of the Bachelor Study Programme
Comparison of the Bachelor of Engineering Science study programme in ‘Information technology’ is accomplished in the following steps. First, the present programme has been compared with Latvian (LV) higher educational study programmes that include a standardised part of 72 CP in Computer Science (Appendix 6). The programme duration is 3 study years and equal to 120 CP. Figure 1 shows that all the requirements of the LV standardised part are fully satisfied, sometimes even exceeding them.
Table 4. Contents of Study Programmes in CP Groups of courses No RTU Stand. Part Aston–UK Curriculum – 91 Mathematics 1 19 18 0 20 Physics and Mechanics 2 8 5 0 8 Chemistry and Materials 3 3 0 0 3 Knowledge Descriptive Geometry 4 2 2 0 0 Electrotechnics and Electronics 5 4 2 3 3 Computer Study 6 5 5 5 6 Programming 7 9 9 6 9 Data Structures 8 6 3 4 3 Data Bases 9 4 4 4 3 Operational Systems 10 3 3 3 3 Computer Nets 11 3 3 3 3 Information Technology 12 5 3 5 9 Computer Architecture 13 3 2 3 3 Management Science Block 14 13 2 15 6 Economics and Social Sciences 15 11 11 15 30
20
15
10
5
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
RTU 19 8 3 2 4 5 9 6 4 3 3 5 3 13 11 LV standarts 18 5 0 2 2 5 9 3 4 3 3 3 2 2 11
Figure 1. Comparison of RTU Bachelor study programme with the LV standardised part
Second, the present programme has been compared with internationally recognised in the field of computer science programme ‘Computing Curricula 91’ (Report of the ACM/IEEE – CS Joint Curriculum Task Force). That programme supposes 3-years studies with 122-127 CP. Figure 2 shows that the RTU programme corresponds
22 to the main directions of the given standard. The only difference is that a larger part within this standard is dedicated to the group of economical and social disciplines.
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
RTU 19 8 3 2 4 5 9 6 4 3 3 5 3 13 11 Curricula-91 20 8 3 0 3 6 9 3 3 3 3 9 3 6 30
Figure 2. Comparison of the RTU Bachelor study program with ‘Computing Curricula 91’
Third, the RTU programme ‘Information Technology’ has been compared with the De Montfort University (UK) Computer Science Department programme in ‘Information Technology’ and the Aston University (UK) programme ‘Information Technology for Business’. Graphic interpretation of results of the programme comparison is presented in Figure 3. Statistical data are given in Table 4, and the above mentioned programmes compared with are given in Appendix 6.
40
30
20
10
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
RTU 19 8 3 2 4 5 9 6 4 3 3 5 3 13 11 LV standarts 18 5 0 2 2 5 9 3 4 3 3 3 2 2 11 Astona-UK 8 0 0 0 5 5 4 4 4 3 3 5 3 15 0 Curricula-91 20 8 3 0 3 6 9 3 3 3 3 9 3 6 30
Figure 3. Comparison of the RTU Bachelor study programme
23 Analysis of results of the comparison allows conclude that the RTU Bachelor study programme in Information Technology is compatible with other countries’ higher educational programmes in this field. Full correspondence to one of the above mentioned programmes is not possible in principle as there is a difference between educational systems in different countries. The main difference concerns duration of studies and amount of credit points. For instance, study duration at Stockholm Royal University (Sweden) is equal to 2 years while study duration in various USA higher education establishments is 4 years and the amount of credits differs from 100 to 190 CP. A specific feature of European high education organisation is one year out foreseen for a practical work. Along with the positive side of that organisation it should be mentioned that such a study scheme is difficult for implementation in Latvia. Information technology study programmes vary by both programme contents and relations between specific groups of courses. It could be interpreted in the way that this branch of science is relatively new and it is oriented mainly at specific needs of related labour markets, possibilities of higher educational establishments and their abilities to satisfy requirements of employers.
9.2. Comparison of the Master Study Programme
If the Bachelor of Engineering Science study program in Information Technology is based mainly on general principles accepted, then at the Master level it appears quite complicated to find those programmes which could be directly compared to RTU implemented study programme. This could be interpreted with different duration of studies and their amount of credits. For example, at the De Montfort University a Master degree in Information Technology could be obtained after 3 years of Bachelor studies followed by one year to pass eight exams (with 10 CP for each) and to develop the project estimated by 40 CP. Note that according to RTU regulations, each course would be at least equal to 2 CP. To make a comparative analysis of the RTU Master of Engineering Science programme in ‘Information Technology’ two following universities have been selected: City University London, UK (programme in ‘Information Systems and Technology’); University of North Carolina, USA (programme in ‘Information Technology’). Information about specific blocks of courses is given in Table 5. Here the-same- content courses are grouped under the same title. Graphical interpretation of the comparison made is given in Figure 4. The programmes of the above-mentioned universities are given in Appendix 6.
Table 5. Contents of study programmes Groups of Courses No RTU Univ. of North City Univ., Carolina, USA UK Computer Nets 1 6 3 3 Computer Systems 2 3 3 3 Interactive Systems 3 3 3 3 Computer Bases & Designing 4 9 6 6 Programming Technologies 5 3 0 0
24 Management Information Systems Design 6 3 3 3 Systems and Processes Theory 7 3 3 3 Special Courses in Mathematics 8 6 0 0 Project Management 9 3 3 3 Operations and Logistics Management 10 3 3 0 Intelligent Computer Technologies 11 3 0 3 Economics and Social Courses 12 8 6 0 Master Thesis 13 20 12 20
25
20
15
10
5
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
RTU 6 3 3 9 3 3 3 6 3 3 3 8 20 North Carol-ASV 3 3 3 6 0 3 3 0 3 3 0 6 12 CITY Univ-UK 3 3 3 6 0 3 3 0 3 0 3 0 20
Figure 4. Comparison of the Master study programme
Analysis of the comparison allows conclude that the RTU studies programme in Information Technology is compatible with other higher educational establishments’ master programmes in this field. The RTU Master programme in volumes practically coincides with a computer science core as well as with a special course block and Master Thesis credits.
9.3. Comparison of the Doctoral Study Programme
It appears quite complicated to compare doctoral study programmes, as there are essential differences in organisation of doctoral studies within the same state (for instance, in USA) and even more differences in various countries. Study programmes duration varies from 1 year to 4 years. Programme contents and its volume considerably differ even within programmes with the same title. Doctoral thesis requirements at the Riga Technical University in comparison with other countries’ universities are quite high. Doctoral students have to pass exams equal to 60 CP and prepare doctoral thesis estimated with 60 CP. To submit a doctoral thesis, 5 papers published in reviewed international magazines and 3 papers presented at international conferences are required. For comparison the following universities have been chosen: Linköping University, IDA, Department of Computer and Information Sciences, Sweden (programme in ‘Information Technology and Management’);
25 University of North Carolina at Charlotte, College of Information Technology, USA (programme in ‘Information Technology’).
Organisational structure of doctor’s study at the Linköping University is close to doctoral study organisation at the Riga Technical University. For instance, 120 credit points are required to start doctoral studies at the Linköping University that corresponds to approximately 3 study years. Usually students begin doctoral studies after receiving a civil engineer qualification (180 CP). In the course of doctoral studies, 160 CP have to be earned, of which 80 CP and another 80 CP are reserved for study disciplines and for doctoral thesis, correspondingly. According to the university regulations, the first 80 CP could be divided into two parts: 40 CP are dedicated to study disciplines and another 40 CP - to a licentiate thesis. There are no obligatory courses in the programme. Study duration is 4 years. The list of proposed disciplines slightly varies from year to year (Appendix 6). The RTU doctoral curriculum includes core disciplines such as Intelligent Computer Technologies, Management of Technical and Social Systems, Conceptual Aspects of Object-oriented Software, and optional disciplines such as Information Transmission Problems, Local Nets, Advanced Modelling Technology, Intelligent Computer Systems, Information Processing with Neural Nets. This basically correspond to doctoral study organisation principles at the Linköping University. As a second university to be compared with, one of the American universities, i.e. University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and its doctoral curriculum in Information Technology, has been taken. Here duration of doctoral studies is only 2 terms. Exams (54 CP, instead of 24 CP in other USA universities) have to be passed during that period, and a doctoral thesis, estimated by 24 CP, has to be developed and submitted, as well. Within the programme content, the proposed disciplines acquire knowledge that could be received studying within the RTU doctoral programme in Information Technology. Based on comparison of studies organisation principles, programme duration and the proposed disciplines, it could be stated that doctoral qualification obtained at the RTU is equal to Doctor degree, received at other universities.
Conclusions
In general, the RTU study programme in Information Technology by its contents, volume and options provided, corresponds to Computer science programmes of the European Union and USA universities. The programme is based on two internationally accepted documents: Computing Curricula 1991. Report of the ACM/IEEE – CS Joint Curriculum Task Force. Model Curriculum and Guidelines for Undergraduate Degree Programmes in Information Systems. Report of the ACM, AIS, AITP, Joint Task Force, 1997.
10. A Long-term Evaluation of the Academic Study Programme in ‘Information Technology’
26 Currently in Latvia industry of information technology grows rapidly. According to Latvian and foreign experts’ evaluation, demand for information technology specialists will increase rapidly as well, and in the following two years that demand could reach up to 1500 till 2000 specialists a year. Every year 350-400 students are admitted to the RTU in the profile of Computer Science. After the second academic year 120-180 students continue their studies in the programme of Information Technology. These figures seem to be a limit that could not be exceeded taking into account the today level of high education financing. According to the RTU regulations only 20 % (since the academic year 2000/2001 – 40 %) of those receiving a BSc degree could continue master studies in budget groups. As a rule other students continue professional studies. Faculty leading academic staff considers that the number of master students in budget groups should be increased up to 50 %. In that case the only restriction could be a number of teachers with a doctoral degree. Increasing the number of master students that pay educational fees seems to be rather problematic at the present economical situation. That problem could be partially solved by crediting students on favourable conditions. In accordance with development of the IT industry and in co-operation with leading IT companies, innovations are regularly made in the curriculum. The curriculum in Information Technology seems to be quite popular among both applicants and employers in Latvia and around the world.
11. Development Plan of the Study Programme in ‘Information Technology’
Based on the results of the self-evaluation process, the current status of the programme could be analysed. The results of SWOT analysis performed are presented in Table 6. Opportunities and strengths of the programme that provide successful training of specialists in the field of Information Technology are listed. As a critical point insufficient financing of education and its after-effects could be mentioned.
11.1. Financial Support
Riga Technical University is the only technical university in Latvia where one can get all- levels academic and professional education in Information Technology. A rapid growth of the IT industry and immediate assimilation of its modern products by the business area defines requirements for both qualification and number of IT specialists. These requirements are directly dependent on the state budgeting. At the present state of the Latvian economy this budgeting does not allow to provide funds needed to increase academic and technical staff salaries, as well to purchase equipment, textbooks and professional periodicals. This problem could be solved in principle only at the top management level by restructuring of the high education system and its budgeting principles.
11.2. Material and Technical Resources Development
27 To solve financial problems partially and to renew material and technical resources, the following measures have been foreseen: Participation in international education projects. Attracting leading IT companies and sponsors. Agreements with the companies in co-operation and using a unique equipment.
11.3. Academic Staff
An average age of the university academic staff has a tendency to grow. Nevertheless, progress of research activities in local and international research projects, exchange mobilities of scientists, practical and scientific co-operation with business companies, allows conclude that in the nearest future an additional staff is expected in the Institute of Information Technology. The following persons are planed to joining the ITI staff: K. Šteins, a doctoral student (supervisor Prof. J. Merkurjevs), that currently studies and works at Linköping University (Sweden). J. Stirna, a doctoral student (supervisor Prof. G. Vulfs), that currently studies and works in Stockholm Royal Technological Institute (Sweden); PhD Thesis will be presented in 2001. J. Grabis, a doctoral student (supervisor Prof. G. Vulfs), that currently studies at the Riga Technical University; PhD Thesis will be presented in 2001.
Table 6. SWOT analysis of the study programme in Information Technology Strengths Weakness Qualified academic staff Shortage of textbooks and periodic issues Intensive research activity Shortage of material and technical resources Active participation in the international Difficulty of attracting qualified teachers projects from industry Active international collaboration in Students often combine studies with work education and research (usually in the IT industry) Wide programme popularity among Shortage of new qualified teachers to follow applicants rapid changes in the field of information Market demand in IT specialists and technology appropriate wages in this sector within the labour market Close co-operation with employers, i.e. manufacturers, and consumers of the IT industry Opportunities Risks Increasing a total number of IT students Increasing a total number of IT students Broadening research oriented to the demanded by the IT market could lead to: Latvian national economy Decreasing the quality of training because of Wider attracting last years students to shortage of academic staff and low level research financing Students exchange within international Decreasing of a prestige of the Latvian programmes higher education Attracting qualified teachers from leading Rapid decrease of a higher education
28 IT companies potential that could be renewed only in long Introduction new education technologies time Curriculum restructuring and its Decreasing competitiveness of the IT maintenance according to scientific and industry in the international business market, technical achievements of the IT industry caused by lack of skilled specialists
In order to increase the efficiency and personal interest of the academic staff the following measures are planned: To increase international exchange of the academic staff. To involve qualified specialists from the IT industry into doctoral studies and a part time pedagogical work. To find co-operation possibilities with neighbouring educational programmes in order to increase the number of students in courses and to decrease an auditorium load of the academic staff. To provide teachers with regular sabbatical periods for creative work to develop new study tools and methodical materials.
11.4. Students
Popularity of the programme ‘Information Technology’ is increasing among youth from year to year. Student requirements for education quality are increasing as well. In general, study quality satisfies both students and employers. Nevertheless, there exist an essential external factor that decreases the quality of education. This factor conditioned by the present economic situation when in reality last years students are forced to work.
The following measures are planned for the following 2-3 years: To make popular the system of crediting studies and support its realisation. To get the best students involved into a scientific contractual work. To provide students with detailed information about possibilities to apply for a scholarship in foreign higher educational institutions. To make regular corrections in the study plans and programmes so, that students could successfully compete in the labour market.
11.5. Co-operation with Graduates and Employers
In order to provide high quality of education in IT according to European standards, a set of measures should be taken in co-operation with foreign partners, Latvian employers, and companies where ITI graduates work, i.e. IBM, BTG, Dati, Fortech, Tilde, VAR, Baltic Data, SWH technologies, etc.
To make regular questionnaires and consultations of graduates and employers in order to make necessary alterations into study programmes according to advanced scientific and technical achievements in the field of IT industry resources. To get leading specialists from manufacturing companies involved into programmes and plans development.
29 To organise workshops on problems and perspectives of education and training inviting leading specialists from manufacturing companies.
11.6. Study Process
In the near future a quality management system will be of great importance for training of specialists. Only after introduction of the quality management system into the study process, it is worth to talk about training of specialists. That problem is quite complicate, it requires taking strategic decisions at the state level.
Administration of the Institute of Information Technology is planning to take the following measures: To review study programmes in order to make specific courses balanced with regards to titles, contents, credit and groups A, B, C. To review study plans in order to optimise sequence of courses to be mastered by students. To analyse availability of the education literature and its correspondence to the present level of technological development in order to define study courses to be provided with additional literature. To enlarge application of case studies in the education process through using two manuals with case studies published in co-operation with western partner universities. To expand development of study projects in-groups where each student is responsible for a project specific area. Currently this approach is applied for course projects and Bachelor theses and is planned for Engineer projects as well. To widely use new learning possibilities provided by Internet for education and training. For example, currently a new Internet-based version of the course ‘Logistics Information Systems’ is under development. To use actively foreign periodicals, especially for developing master and doctoral theses (for instance, since 1995 U.S. journals ‘Simulation’ and ‘Transactions of the Society for Computer Simulation’ have been received). To develop timely necessary methodical materials providing students with possibilities to access them through Internet. To use broadly visual presentation facilities in the study process providing students with necessary course materials. To provide teachers with sabbatical possibilities in foreign higher education institutions. To develop and introduce a post-diploma study system. To perform programme self-evaluation regularly, every two years.
Summary
The Bachelor, Master and Doctor of Science study programmes in ‘Information Technology’ ensure academic education in the field of computer sciences as well as provide training of highly-skilled specialists in the branch of information technology.
30 RTU programme in Information Technology has been developed according to requirements of the Latvian labour market and based on already existing programmes and teaching experiences of higher educational establishments of USA, United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, Sweden and other leading EU countries. The IT study programmes are being implemented in accordance with the Latvian legislature, RTU Constitution, and decisions of the RTU Senate, Faculty Board and ITI Council. The study programmes are regularly adjusted within legally established procedure in order to follow rapid changes in the Information Technology industry and the labour market. Quality of the programme realisation is provided by the disposable material-technical base, qualification of the academic staff, scientific research and international activities. Development of the information technology industry is one of the key priorities of the Latvian government for the nearest years.
Chairman of the accreditation commission of the academic study programme ‘Information technology’
Professor G. Vulfs
Members of the commission:
Professor A. Borisovs
Professor J. Carkovs
Professor J. Merkurjevs
December 19, 2000
31