Exploring innovative ways to tackle national security challenges is a focus of Flinders University’s new-look MBA Future Business program launching this year.
Flinders University is tapping into a leading Department of Defence program to build innovative technological and entrepreneurial skills into the MBA.
The launch of the ‘Hacking for National Security’ (H4NS) course through the Defence Entrepreneurship Program (DEP) sees Flinders join leading universities from the US and UK which are using these techniques.
The 12-month MBA Future Business at Flinders University includes 12 comprehensive core business management subjects, with up to 26 weeks of industry engagement and work-integrated learning on offer, including the DEP.
The goal of the DEP is to give Flinders University MBA students insights into the tools and techniques needed by tech start-ups and other businesses to support national security and other critical challenges including natural disasters, and energy and environmental issues critical to the future of our society.
The H4NS course is supported by Defence’s D.Start Catalyst program and delivered in partnership with Australian non-profit Common Mission Project Limited (CMP). The course gives students the same experiences as the successful ‘Hacking for Defence’ and ‘Hacking for MoD’ programs using a combination of government, industry and university representatives to address real national security issues.
H4NS aims to widen understanding of the defence and national security risks facing Australia.
Executive Director of the Common Mission Project in Australia Jamie Watson said the initiative was based on ‘real-world’ mission challenges and was a practical introduction to pressing security problems.
“The H4NS connects defence forces with leading entrepreneurs and university students to bring innovative solutions to life<” he said.
Flinders University College of Business, Government and Law Vice-President and Executive Dean, Professor Michael Gilding, says the Flinders University Defence Entrepreneurship Program is an excellent way to bring new skills, job prospects and ideas to the table.
“Flinders sees this innovative course as a great way to learn about the types of issues facing national security on many fronts,” says Professor Gilding.
“The Hacking for National Security course materials and exercises will not only fuel entrepreneurial minds but give students access to dozens of industry experts and on-the-ground defence personnel who have already faced system-wide communications failures or command decisions in the face of previously unseen, ambiguous national security attacks.”
Flinders MBA director Ms Carla Dias Wadewitz said: “The Flinders University MBA has been completely redesigned to keep in mind the future of work, industry demand and changing work and social settings. There are three options for MBAs – Future Business, Industry Focused and Specialisations.”
Visit the Flinders University website for more information.
