XPLUS joins forces with AMS to share Enterprise IT Architecture expertise

XPLUS is supporting Antwerp Management School (AMS) with the provision of the Executive Master of Enterprise IT Architecture program. Over the years, AMS has shared our ambition to continuously improve and share high-end knowledge and experience in business and IT. It is therefore no surprise that we’re now joining forces, and have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance our synergy.

Strenghtening the Master program

The Executive Master of Enterprise and IT Architecture program provided by AMS offers a relevant and unique mix of academic and practical skills. Graduates learn that business and IT architecture go hand in hand with leadership skills, change management and the development of a holistic vision. At the end of the course, students understand the impact of digital technology and have good organizational skills and insights. The program will be strengthened further over the coming years thanks to the experience and expertise that XPLUS has built up providing high-end consultancy specializing in business and IT architecture.

A framework for the future

The MOU provides a clear medium to long-term framework, and AMS and XPLUS will jointly organize the Digital Transformation Labs twice a year, where guest lecturers from the business world will share their experiences. The first Digital Transformation Lab – Powered by XPLUS – will take place on 10 December 2020. The most important contribution from XPLUS, however, will be to ensure even better alignment of the Executive Master of Enterprise IT Architecture program with the business reality.

Joint research

There will also be collaboration in the field of research, with AMS and XPLUS jointly submitting innovative research projects to the Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. In the long term, AMS and XPLUS are aiming to establish a Research Chair position and define joint research topics within the domain of Enterprise IT Architecture.

 

From left to right: Steven De Haes, Ludo Wijckmans and Wim Vochten

AMS and XPLUS are aiming to establish a Research Chair position and define joint research topics within the domain of Enterprise IT Architecture. From left to right on the photo: Steven De Haes (AMS), Ludo Wijckmans (XPLUS) and Wim Vochten (XPLUS).

 

The collaboration between AMS and XPLUS constitutes important added value for both partners and professionals in the field of IT architecture. Steven De Haes, Dean of Antwerp Management School and Academic Director of the Executive Master of Enterprise IT Architecture program: “In the AMS strategy, we are continuously focusing on building smart ecosystems that start with content and strive to effectively realize a positive impact on society. This collaboration with XPLUS shows how we are putting this into practice.”

 

Ludo Wijckmans, CEO of XPLUS: “We need pragmatic business processes with the right academic input to realize optimal digital transformation.”