Cable & Wireless Optus has joined with Curtin University of Technology to announce the creation of an inaugural Chair in e-Business.

The two organisations will partner in e-Business research projects and will establish an Executive Briefing Centre as part of Curtin University of Technology.

The Executive Briefing Centre will add to the network of Optus centres already operating in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and will allow senior university staff and the Western Australian business community access to leading-edge e-Technology.

Chris Hancock, Managing Director, Data & Business Services, Optus, said the Chair in e-Business and the Executive Briefing Centre would aim to achieve recognition as centres of excellence for e-Business both nationally and internationally.

"The establishment of this position is another example of Optus's progressive e-Business strategies and our mission to add value to our customers through partnerships. We expect the research projects and the skills of the Chair to have direct benefits for our customers."

"The research will focus on further strengthening our e-Business products and services, and we will be able to offer strategic advice to Optus customers," Mr Hancock said.

The Chair will make a significant contribution to e-Business through innovation in curriculum development, teaching and research and will consult on projects identified by a joint Optus and Curtin Board of Management.

Curtin Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lance Twomey, said the Optus choice of Curtin demonstrates the University's strong partnership with the business sector.

"E-Business is changing the way the corporate world operates, introducing new types of products, markets and business opportunities."

"The Optus partnership means Curtin Business School staff can work on emerging business issues and enhance educational programs. Students will have first-hand opportunities to experience real e-Business activity," Professor Twomey said.

Professor Nimal Jayaratna, Head of the School of Information Systems at Curtin Business Schoolsaid, the Optus Chair's applied research will provide the School with a fresh perspective to its e-Commerce programs.

"Optus wanted a national research partnership with a university and was very impressed with Curtin's reputation and our progress in business-industry environments.

"The new Chair, and the opportunity to work with Optus, will enable us to enhance our world-leading programs," Professor Jayaratna said.

The University will now advertise for applicants for the Optus Chair. The appointee will become a full Professor in the School of Information Systems at Curtin Business School.

Optus and Curtin University of Technology have already worked together on innovative e-Business projects. The two organisations hosted an online auction using the Optus NetAuction service for BankWest's accommodation requirements in December 2000, realising a 33 per cent saving for the bank.

For more information:
Linda Collard
Public Affairs
Cable & Wireless Optus
Phone: +61 2 9342 5045
Email: linda.collard@cwo.com.au

Sally Rowe
PR Unit
Curtin University of Technology
Phone: +61 8 9266 2793
Mobile: 0401 103 373
Email: s.rowe@curtin.edu.au