Aston MBA students choosing cyber security as a pathway will gain critical, real-world insights by using BIT Group management as a working case study. Aston University has teamed up with a South West-based IT company through a knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) to transform the business into a world-leading cyber security education, training and technology solutions provider, with a focus on managing outsourced cyber security services for its customers. BIT Group is a multi-award-winning information technology company offering high-quality IT, cyber and information security services and digital apprenticeships. A KTP is a three-way collaboration between a business, an academic partner and a highly qualified researcher, known as a KTP associate. The UK-wide programme helps businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills. Aston University is a sector leading KTP provider, with 80% of its completed projects being graded as very good or outstanding by Innovate UK, the national body. The KTP will develop new income streams by enhancing and growing the range of cyber security services, training and apprenticeships and technology platforms offered through its Security Operation Centre. This involves adapting and streamlining how BIT Group operates, and embedding skills so the company’s growth and future profitability can be sustained. The project is led by Professor Vladlena Benson, an industry-recognised expert in cybersecurity risk management and director of Aston University’s Cyber Security Innovation (CSI) Research Centre, who is a member of the UK’s Cyber Security Council. She is joined by Dr Anitha Chinnaswamy, deputy director of the CSI Centre and a senior lecturer in cyber security management, who has delivered multiple research and consultancy projects aimed at supporting the cybersecurity sector. For Aston University, the industry partnership will enhance academic knowledge of cyber security management by adding depth and applied learning. In addition, Aston University MBA students, who have selected cyber security as a pathway, will have access to the BIT Group management KTP as a working case study, gaining critical, real-world insights into cyber security that will enrich their learning experience and prepare them for their future careers. Michael Dieroff, CEO of BIT Group, said: “As CEO of BIT Group, I am immensely proud of our partnership with Aston University through the knowledge transfer partnership. “This collaboration not only enriches our company with cutting-edge business insights but also marks a significant milestone in our journey towards industry leadership. “By integrating Aston University’s advanced research capabilities and our innovative spirit, we are setting new standards in cyber security solutions and redefining our market approach. “This partnership is a testament to our commitment to excellence and our dedication to delivering unparalleled value to our clients and stakeholders.” Dr Anitha Chinnaswamy, deputy director of the Cyber Security Innovation Research Centre at Aston University, said: “This management KTP allows us to leverage Aston University’s critical mass of expertise in cyber security management from our industry-aligned research and consultancy to enhance BIT Group’s services, business delivery model and go-to-market strategies.” Kumara Swamy, KTP associate and Aston MBA alumnus, said: “Having worked across a range of large businesses, and recently completed an Aston University MBA, this management KTP gives me the freedom to apply my skills, industry knowledge and creativity to develop and deliver solutions that will drive transformation in a small business.” You can find out more about the KTP here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

All construction projects are highly detailed and complex processes, from the design and planning stage, through to the build and project close, but there are multiple people involved at every stage. With so many tasks to be completed to ensure the project is delivered on time and on budget, there is also the potential for errors to be made. From delays and confusion in communication between the office and the construction site to materials arriving late to a shortage of labour, there’s a myriad of problems that could arise. So how can these issues be dealt with effectively? To avoid these potentially catastrophic issues happening, an increasing number of organisations are using real-time data to streamline projects and get ahead of their competitors. A recent Gartner survey discovered that 62% of the 1,200 companies it contacted reported greater efficiency after implementing real-time data systems, while a staggering 80% experienced a revenue uplift. This study would suggest, from the companies surveyed, real-time data assisted in providing these businesses with both financial and operational benefits. Going Digital is Opening Doors in Construction The acceleration in digital technology means that communication breakdown between offices and construction sites is a thing of the past. Instead of information being relayed over the phone or email which can cause delays and lost information, resulting in costly delays to projects and disgruntled customers. Information can now be uploaded via smartphone, tablet, or other devices using cloud-based construction ERP software and other real-time data and collaboration tools. For example, Rhodar, a provider of asbestos removal, demolition and land remediation services found that prior to using ERP software: “Issuing an asbestos survey report to a customer used to take up to a week. This task can now be achieved in a much shorter time frame – the surveyor completes a form at the customer’s house on a mobile device and the survey data is automatically uploaded into a report format at the office, ready to issue to the customer.” Control of every construction project at every milestone Construction software uses enhanced features to make projects easier to manage than ever before. That is no mean feat when each construction project involves so many people, from general contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, and consultants, to clients, and other outside agencies who must all be aligned. Real-time data reporting is a proven method for improving productivity on-site. The benefits include:  Because Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and other fully integrated construction software operates via the cloud, it allows people to access real-time data and information wherever they are. Whether they are present on the job site, in the office, or visiting a customer, the data they need is instantly available at their fingertips. As a result, project workers can avoid multiple phone calls and piles of printed job sheets so that nobody is left waiting and decisions can be made on the spot. Smarter Decision Making Thanks to Data The data gathered from construction software can also be used to enhance the delivery of real-time information so that organisations work smarter on future projects. Managers can learn what systems work best for them to streamline processes over time and therefore limit costs and time. Where construction software was once considered a niche collaboration tool, it has now become a necessity in the industry., with vital data and information shared at the touch of a button. One of the biggest advantages of user-friendly construction software is that it allows users to interact so that data-driven information, insights, and decisions can be exchanged in real-time which leads to further operational efficiencies, and greater productivity levels. What Has Construction ERP Software Achieved So Far? Rhodar needed a central system that could manage every aspect of their company and provide accurate, real-time information to drive decision-making. Using construction management software has united the company’s 500+ employees into a single system, allowing them to complete, document, and process jobs across the US. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals