The US companies Time Warner Cable and IBM have realigned security-related job descriptions to the University of Phoenix and ASIS Foundation Enterprise Security Competency Model.
The firms and the Arizona university say the model is a first of its kind in the industry and allows employers to define core skills and competencies required for security positions.
Brian Allen, chief security officer for Time Warner Cable, said: “The Enterprise Security Competency Model is the first in the industry to identify the specific professional competencies and skills required to respond to security risks. When we realigned our job descriptions to conform to this model, it affected more than 100 security-related jobs, increased skill sets and raised expectations for those already employed by Time Warner Cable and serves as a guide for those looking to join our company.”
And Mark Beaudry, PhD., CPP, senior security professional, IBM Corporate Security, said: “The Enterprise Security Competency Model is the industry standard IBM uses to prepare our workforce to address security challenges now and into the future. The US Department of Labor’s endorsement of the model developed by University of Phoenix and ASIS further reiterates the need to define security through an industry-accepted standard.”
Dr Linda Florence, CPP, vice president and dean of specialty programs for University of Phoenix College of Security and Criminal Justice, said: “Time Warner Cable and IBM are examples of industry leaders championing the need for an industry-wide standard. This will also allow higher education to shape curriculum to train current and future security professionals to help them better succeed in the industry.”
Work on the competency model began in 2013. The US Department of Labor has endorsed this model and has published it to its website.
Spider Marks, executive dean with University of Phoenix College of Security and Criminal Justice, said: “The endorsement by the US Department of Labor, as well as the adoption of the model by leading US companies like Time Warner Cable and IBM, signal we are moving closer to the consistent education and training of professionals who play a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of our nation.”
Visit phoenix.edu/programs/gainful-employment.
For more about University of Phoenix programmes in security, visit www.phoenix.edu/security.
What is the Enterprise Security Competency Model?
Visit http://www.careeronestop.org/CompetencyModel/competency-models/Enterprise-Security.aspx.
The ‘competency model’ for cyber-security is quite similar: http://www.careeronestop.org/CompetencyModel/competency-models/cybersecurity.aspx.
At base you have what the Americans term ‘tier one’, ‘personal effectiveness competencies’; such as teamwork, integrity,initiative, flexibility, reliability and lifelong learning. On top you have tier two, ‘academic competencies’, in the fundamentals of security and business; critical and analytical thinking, skills in communication, and STEM literacy besides literacy in reading and writing – STEM standing for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Above those come tier three, ‘workplace competencies’ – planning, problem solving and decision making, working with tools and technology; and business acumen. Only then come tier four, ‘workplace competencies’, whether risk management, physical security, investigations, case management, crisis management or other sides to a job. And above still comes tier five, ‘industry-sector technical competencies’, whether loss prevention, healthcare, transport or utilities among others.
