How Leadership and Cyber Security Expertise is Developing Business Leaders
It is estimated that cyber crime currently costs the global economy $600 billion every year.
And it’s becoming increasingly apparent that a ‘cyber culture’ needs to be developed within organisations if cyber risks are to be significantly reduced.
Health & Safety risk management is very much embedded within all organisations, as it should be. With Cyber crime costing nearly 1% of global GDP, a culture of cyber risk management also needs to be implemented with the same degree of seriousness.
It has to take a top-down approach, so leaders need to be able to speak confidently about cyber issues at the board level. This will then help a ‘cyber mindset’ to filter down through the organisation.
With Cyber crime costing 1% of Global GDP, it's no longer 'just an IT' issue
Lancaster University (top 10 in the UK) and Templar Executives (an award-winning cyber security company) have formed a powerful partnership to design and launch an exciting new leadership programme:
The Lancaster Cyber Executive MBA Programme (“CEMBA”)
The programme is based on the flagship Lancaster MBA programme established in 1989, so it still has a strong leadership focus, but with the important theme of cyber security running through it.
Why do we Need a Cyber Security MBA Programme?
Cyber security is 1 of the top 3 global risks that Businesses and Governments face today, so there's no room for complacency.
As stated by the National Crime Agency, “Cybercrime continues to rise in scale and complexity, affecting essential services, businesses and individuals alike. Cybercrime costs the UK billions of pounds, causes untold damage, and threatens national security.”
This means that cyber security needs to be a top priority for organisations.
Having policies in place may have felt like a bit of a tick-box exercise in the past, but it now needs to be so much more than this.
The Cyber Security MBA programme equips business leaders and executives with the knowledge, skills and expertise to develop their leadership skills, whilst learning more about the cyber elements that they need to be aware of.
The programme content is described as being 2/3 leadership and 1/3 cyber, with the technical elements delivered in a way that is relatable, so that the necessary action can be taken.
Embedding cyber security within the culture of an organisation…
“Cyber is very much a business risk. It really requires a culture change and an investment in that culture change. It’s not just about technology.”
Marco Ryan, Senior Vice President Digital, BP
The UK government has said that it wants the UK to be the ‘safest place to do business online’ in the world.
To do this, cyber security needs to be embedded into the culture of the organisation and this is where this MBA programme comes into its own.
Every single organisation, no matter what size, is at risk of a cyber attack.
In an increasingly digital world, attacks are becoming more sophisticated and can be challenging to prevent.
It is therefore important for people working within organisations to have the knowledge to mitigate these risks.
This can no longer be classed as an ‘IT issue’, as it may have done in the past.
Everyone has a part to play, with senior executives and board members needing to know about the impact of cyber crime, how it can be prevented, how staff will need to be developed etc.
The Cyber Security MBA equips students with the language, tools and techniques to be able to succeed in cyber security, business and management, and support others to do the same.
How is the programme delivered?
“Practice-based learning is integral to the CEMBA programme, which is why the curriculum includes engagement with programme partners including Templar Executives, guest lectures from our Entrepreneurs, Leaders, and Cyber Leaders in Residence, and relevant business leaders.”
Dr Robin Remke & Dr Dan Price, Co-Directors CEMBA, Lancaster University
The Cyber Security Executive Master of Business Administration (CEMBA) is a part-time programme (24 months in total) delivered by a blended learning approach.
It allows people to become successful leaders, whilst knowing enough about cyber security to be in a position to introduce different ways of thinking at a board level.
The delivery style makes the programme practical, accessible and engaging.
The programme consists of 10 core modules covering business and cyber security topics, 2 practical modules (so knowledge can be applied into practice), and a workplace-based research dissertation.
Programme delivery is led by the Lancaster University Management School, a world-class management school, accredited by the most influential business school accreditation bodies.
Students are taught by international academic experts from the Lancaster University Management School and Lancaster University’s School of Computing and Communications, as well as industry professionals.
An innovative programme giving executives that competitive edge...
I think this programme really addresses a gap in the market.
It allows people to develop both their leadership and cyber/technical skills, whilst also being awarded with an MBA from a top University.
It provides them with the skills needed to drive change within their organisations, with cybersecurity always being at the forefront of their mind.
It is a powerful partnership between Lancaster University and Templar Executives which brings an innovative approach to leadership development.
Learn More
Learn more about the Cyber Security Executive Master of Business Administration programme: