At the recent Universities and Colleges Information Systems Association (UCISA) event it was agreed that universities face a series of formidable challenges.

These challenges range from: delivering on regulatory requirements, providing transparent and accessible management information, providing departmental reporting and informing effective planning and management of student services. 

For example:

1. How long does it take to respond to changes imposed by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)?
2. How easily can student course and subsequent fee information be re-forecast for management activity?
3. How easily can the progress of individual students be tracked throughout the student lifecycle?
4. How do faculty staff gain access to planning information held in operational systems?
5. How are business information requirements translated into deliverables that meet the needs of the users?
   

Simpson Associates are helping universities rise to these challenges and to the ever increasing demands within the sector, such as the tightening of investment budgets and efficiency constraints. 

"As funds become less readily available, an organisation that can demonstrate operational efficiency and financial transparency will be rewarded in terms of future investment." The Times Higher Education, January 2010

How can we help ?

Provide a Solutions Architect

Our Solutions Architects 'bridge the gaps' between stakeholders, users and delivery teams. Stakeholders are therefore 'engaged' and projects delivered that meet the technical, commercial and organisational needs of the establishment and users.

"There is high value in a role that combines high technical competency and project process knowledge."  Mike Cobham, London South Bank University

Provide repeatable solutions

We have addressed a number of specific challenges in the minefield of university management and are able to utilise this knowledge to meet a range of business and departmental needs, including: Student Planning, Student Progression, Human Resource and Statutory Reporting.

"Simpson Associates clearly have the knowledge and proven experience of the challenges in our sector. This gave us the confidence that they would deliver ...and they did."  Laurie Nicholls, Sheffield Hallam University

Provide mentoring and education services

There is an ambition within the university sector to develop skills in house. Our approach to projects involves a high degree of skills transfer ensuring that skilled personnel are able to contribute and take ownership, thereby minimising cost.

"The appeal of Simpson Associates is that they are willing to work in partnership, sharing their knowledge and expertise." Dr Tom Loya, The University of Nottingham

Provide an information management roadmap 

Universities are having to change in response to current demands. We can help to develop a strategic roadmap; culminating in delivery by way of a connected series of projects.