Business computing education: a radical approach for efficient streamlining of an effective education process and relevant curriculum

College courses in computer system development are divided into discrete, term based subjects, with systems analysis and design, programming and database design as separate and distinct subject areas presented by different academics with different experience and interests. Seemingly appropriate pre-requisite knowledge is often forgotten, or was poorly learned, and theory is taught on the promise that it will be useful in future subjects. Computer system education methods are fundamentally anachronistic and ignore industry practices and activities. A single systems development subject amalgamating these distinct subject areas is suggested, and ultimately the course should advance students through a learning program based on a substantial, multi-year project of sufficient size and complexity to provide students with practical, hands-on, deep learning of the essential characteristics of systems development required in industry. The educational motif is comprised of three significant aspects: project based learning (encompassing problem based learning), student centred learning and continual assessment.