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How ECR development fits in the How ECR development fits in the context of organisational context of organisational

developmentdevelopment

CRICOS Provider Number 00121B

Professor Hilary WinchesterProfessor Hilary WinchesterPro Vice Chancellor:Pro Vice Chancellor:Organisational Strategy and ChangeOrganisational Strategy and ChangeFebruary 2005February 2005

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How ECR development fits in the context of How ECR development fits in the context of organisational developmentorganisational development

We are experiencing change in higher education that is rapid, constant and driven by a range of forces:

General:globalisation of educationincreased competition in higher education products and serviceseffect of demographic changes, both specific to our workforce and society generallythe impact of Information Technology and the transformation of teaching & learningchanges in the nature and organisation of work

Federal:major policy shifts including Backing Australia’s Future and changes in HECS changes to National Protocols move to limitations on funding and membership of student bodies (VSU)legislative responsibility for higher education may move from States to Territoriesresearch assessment and priorities

Local:systems consultancy fourth Universityvisa changes and increased competitionrestructured TAFE

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How ECR development fits in the context of How ECR development fits in the context of organisational developmentorganisational development

For all of us, understanding the context in which we work, and being prepared for change is a necessity not a luxury.

This view has guided UniSA’s approach to organisational and staff development.

Over the past few years UniSA has been redesigning its approach to the provision of staff development.

General approach to staff development:Learning from failures – mass training coursesLearning from successes – cohort models (SEOs)Project management; learning at the frontlineRecognition of the importance of work-focused learningContextual awareness; at elbow support

Academic staff development:Teaching at UniSAInduction and continuing developmentFocus on research, teaching, leadership

UniSA has received an AUQA commendation for our commitment to staff learning and development needs.

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How ECR development fits in the context of How ECR development fits in the context of organisational developmentorganisational development

Our current framework for Organisational Learning and Development has three major points of emphasis:

A strong commitment to career development of our staff An emphasis on the workforce capabilities required for UniSA to realise its mission in a competitive environmentEngaging staff in learning and discussion about the environment in which we operate

This is a work in progress. Currently we are focusing on:Developing a more structured and transparent framework to assist the acquisition of knowledge and skillsDeveloping programs that assist staff in furthering their careers and building the capabilities required for success in a future higher education environment

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How ECR development fits in the context of How ECR development fits in the context of organisational developmentorganisational development

What do we mean by capabilities?

A recent series of interviews with early career academic staff from across the ATN pointed to the range of capabilities staff require to manage a successful career:

Energy, Drive, Passion and Staying Power – having a love of what you doWork / life balanceCapacity to work well under stressAble to make effective use of information technologiesAble to establish networks and to collaborate to achieve outcomesBeing able to lead through influenceAbility to research and to integrate learning derived from engagement in teaching and research

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How ECR development fits in the context of How ECR development fits in the context of organisational developmentorganisational development

Just as staff need these capabilities to develop their careers, Universities need a workforce that is capable of adapting to change and working in an engaged fashion in a global environment.

This requires a multi-pronged approach to manage individual and organisational development:

Recruitment and selection policyIntensive staff inductionStaff retention and developmentTeaching – project management approach, web authoring assistance, online advisorsResearch – research supervision, getting published, time managementBuilding leadership capacityPromotion workshops Pre-retirement strategies

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How ECR development fits in the context of How ECR development fits in the context of organisational developmentorganisational development

A key element of UniSA’s career development framework focuses on the needs of Early Career Researchers.

Key features of the UniSA ECR program:Structured program

Dedicated ECR Director

Cohort model from 2005

Peer learning

Professional development

Contextual knowledge development

Outcomes-focussed