Tom Caira

I am a business technologist with interests in the benefits and barriers to technology adoption in SMEs and third sector organisations. My main focus is on data management (data governance in particular), business process improvement, e-business strategy and digital transformation.

I am also interested in computing graduate employability and exploring how computing students can be better prepared for the world of work through curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.

In relation to data management, my current research focus is on personal data stores and their value in aiding the provision of public services and in enhancing citizen autonomy and empowerment.

In relation to employability, I am currently in the second year of a professional doctorate degree with my research being focused on exploring computer graduate employability and trying to shed some light on the current computing graduate employability paradox which has resulted in UK computing graduates having the highest level of unemployment of all graduate disciplines six months after graduation whilst at the same time there being complaints from graduate employers of an apparent shortage of computing graduates to fill their IT and computing vacancies.

In relation to data management, my desired research direction is to further explore the value of personal data stores for the provision of both public and third sector services at both local and national level.

In relation to employability, my desired research direction is to further explore practice within HEIs to improve the provision of employability and enterprise skills in computing related degree courses.

Any SMEs or third sector organisations that have data management issues or are interested in digital transformation; any public bodies or third sector organisations that wish to explore the potential benefits of personal data stores; any HEIs or FE colleges that have an interest in computing graduate employability.