Global programme: Erasmus +
Specific programme: Key Action 2: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices, Capacity Building in the field of higher education
Call: 2016
Project number: 573901-EPP-1-2016-1-IT-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP
Duration: 36 Months (10/15/2016 - 10/14/2019)
Website: https://www.lmpi-erasmus.net
Summary
The LMPI project established Bachelor's and Master's degrees for the protection of computer systems and networks in three Partner Countries: Vietnam, Moldova and Kazakhstan. The programmes can be entirely or partially delivered by distance learning. Additionally, in order to bridge skill gaps at technician and engineer levels, lifelong learning programs for professionals are already active in this field were developed in by all partner universities. The curricula developed in the framework of the LMPI project respond to the needs of private companies for specialists in the field of computer network security and fight against cybercrime.Description
Cybercrime affects almost all countries. In order to face it, well-trained specialists in advanced computer technologies are needed. The three participating Partner Countries - Vietnam, Kazakhstan and Moldova - suffer from a shortage of highly qualified graduates (managers, technicians and engineers) properly trained to address this major threat for companies. The need for university education aimed at training specialists in this field is, thus, very strong. Equally needed are academic and professional staff that can develop and deliver professional and continuing education to keep professionals abreast of the latest developments in this constantly evolving field. The LMPI project has responded to these needs, by focusing on curriculum development in the area of computer systems and network security.
A survey of 500 companies analyzed the needs in basic and specific skills in businesses and therefore the training needs and specialization required for the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. These needs were listed, broken down into semester’s curricula and different teaching units. The teaching units include practical work, work laboratory, personal work and allocation of ECTS credits. The LMPI project designed course contents and educational resources in each of the three countries and it has set up a center of excellence in each of the three leading universities (resource center and technology platform equipped by the project).
The courses developed by the project can be accessed online as well. Each partner university has its own didactic cyberspace in which all activities can take place. In order to respond flexibly to the businesses’ needs the project also developed a modular system covering several specialised fields of network administration and security of computer systems targeted to professionals and adult learners, and in particular: cryptographic mechanisms and applications; administration and network security system; software engineering ; UML and security; certified and secure development; security application; wireless mobile devices; security organization and methods. In each region at least 50 professionals have been trained thanks to this modular offer.
Objectives
The goal of the LMPI project was to improve computer system and network security of companies in Kazakhstan, Moldova and Vietnam by offering academic and vocational programmes that develop the professional competencies and competencies needed by professionals in the field.
The project was developed and implemented to achieve the following objectives:
- bridging skill gaps in the design and maintenance of corporate computer systems security, improving the competencies of students and professionals;
- professionalising universities’ curricula in the field of development, administration, management and protection of computer systems and networks in accordance with the Bologna Process and with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF);
- in each partner University, opening two new academic courses (Bachelor and Master Degrees) available through distance learning for the development, administration and protection of computer networks and information technology adapted to the needs of the local enterprises;
- training at least 270 students in each Partner Country during the first academic year (180 in the Bachelor’s program; 90 in the first year of Master);
- training 24 professors from partner universities in the new highly specialised disciplines;
- ensuring that the digitised didactic materials are made available online as open educational resources through the e-learning platforms of the partner universities;
- lifelong learning modular system in the same field of education; training of at least 50 professionals per country;
- creating a centre of excellence in each country available to students and universities to support the new offer;
- improving the employability of students and assisting them in becoming independent professionals in the field of computer security services;
- fostering integration of partner country students into EU study plans through double diploma agreements among EU and partner country universities.