Slide 1

University Systems Project

Profiling research and maximising the benefits of the

Themis

November 2005

Slide 2

University Systems Project

The University of Melbourne New Systems Business Case

“An ERP system provides a sound infrastructure on which the organization can leverage to meet future challenges.”

Slide 3

University Systems Project

Knowledge Transfer

“The challenge is to become more accessible to non-academic communities, players, and potential partners. Such parties bring other resources and expertise, along with their own agendas.”

(Growing Esteem Draft Strategy Paper)

Slide 4

University Systems Project

Strategies to help achieve Knowledge Transfer

Objectives articulated by the Vice Chancellor, Asia Link and MRIO:

• a web site for each staff member describing who they are and what they do

• an expert database which would be used by external/internal media for identifying people to contact on a particular issue or area of research. 

Slide 5

University Systems Project

Strategies to help achieve Knowledge Transfer

By 2006, web enabled expertise “portal” in place and research publications available

Accountability: Vice-Principal (Information)

(Information Management Plan, Research and Research Training, University Target 5)

Slide 6

University Systems Project

The University Systems Project can significantly deliver on these strategies in 2005

(Proof of concept delivered now. Production early 2006)

Slide 7

University Systems Project

What we currently know about our researchers

From our Research Management System:(Including Finance)

– Publications – Grants and Contracts– RFCD and SEO Descriptions

Data verified through established Administrative Processes

Slide 8

University Systems Project

What we currently know about our researchers

From our Human Resources System:– Qualifications– Fellowships– Research Expertise– International Linkages– Professional Memberships– Awards– Home Page

Data entered through Staff Self Service, and approved by Supervisor

Slide 9

University Systems Project

All in the one database: Themis

Research HR

Finance

Slide 10

University Systems Project

All available in a single report from Themis

– Home Page– Qualifications– Fellowships– Research Expertise– International Linkages– Professional Memberships– Awards– Grants and Contracts– Publications

Slide 11

University Systems Project

Claim: A Research Expertise portal is just a fancy report from Themis published to the web

HR Organization Hierarchy Report

List of Current Researchers by Department

A Research Profile Report for each Researcher

+ +

Slide 12

University Systems Project

This is achievable today

• www.usp-scratchpad.unimelb.edu.au

Slide 13

University Systems Project

What about Search Capability?

• Because Themis is producing the web pages, it can include highly descriptive meta data.

• Using this metadata, the standard University search engine can be used to good effect.

Example: www.imp.unimelb.edu.au

The same can be achieved for the research expertise pages www.usp-scratchpad.unimelb.edu.au/researcher_index.html

Slide 14

University Systems Project

Knowledge Transfer Strategy Revisited

By 2006, web enabled expertise “portal” in place and research publications available

Accountability: Vice-Principal (Information)

(Information Management Plan, Research and Research Training, University Target 5)

Slide 15

University Systems Project

Research profile & ePrints

• Back to Professors Williamsons Page

Slide 16

University Systems Project

Our Strategic Advantage

• Of the Group of Eight, only Monash has something comparable to the Profiling Research initiative

• By the end of 2006, we will have the most tightly integrated Research Management solution in Australia. (In general, holistic reporting will be easy for us, and more challenging for others)

Slide 17

University Systems Project

Research

HR

Finance

Data Warehouse?

CMS?Web

What other Universities have to do to achieve the same end (roughly)

Slide 18

University Systems Project

Some Reflections on Information Management Principles

• Information is a strategically important resource

• University information will be accurate• Enterprise Information will be centrally

managed• Information and information systems will

be easily accessible

Slide 19

University Systems Project

Future Developments

• Projects • making the raw data available to faculties

and departments (in accordance with principles of information management )

• PDF process• Increasing the profile of the information

infrastructure offered by Themis Research

Slide 20

University Systems Project

Future Developments: ePrints & Themis

• Currently we have 2 university collections of publications information

• Can we have a single source of information about publications

• A single data collection point?

• What should we consider to be Enterprise processes around the collection and publication of ePrints?

Slide 21

University Systems Project

Broader Perspective

• By 2006, to develop a holistic university-wide framework for effective and efficient research management, storage & reporting through the implementation of the Research Management system, underpinned by sustainable information infrastructure

Accountability: Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Director, MRIO, Vice-Principal (Information)

(Information Management Plan, Research and Research Training, University Target 5)