The Rand Afrikaans University (RAU), renowned for its excellence in teaching as well as being one of the most efficient higher education institutions in South Africa, this month announced its IT strategy to position itself for the future within the knowledge economy. In the meantime, the Council of the University has unanimously endorsed the implementation of this strategy and has voted a substantial sum to this effect.
RAU Vice Rector Professor Desir'e Vorster confirms that the institution`s IT strategy is set for implementation, "We realised that inadequate application software was a major barrier to implementing an efficient business strategy. RAU is all too aware that changing dynamics within the education sector has necessitated an industry paradigm shift whereby tertiary educational institutions are now having to implement new age thinking and revised strategies if they are to become competitive enterprises in this rapidly changing environment. In this regard we took a decision to set the example in South Africa in embracing IT and computing trends."
Professor Vorster notes that core to RAU`s winning strategy is the formulation of strategic objectives, implementation of business-related systems and controls, and the delivery of technologically enhanced learner centric education. In meeting these strategic requirements, RAU undertook an intensive evaluation of its current IT position and called for new levels of integration between delivery of educational content and the administration and management of the institution. In seeking appropriate business tools to deliver on this call-to-action, RAU appointed the Business Unusual Group (BUG), a financial and business analysis software group mid-2002, to assist in meeting the changing strategic demands.
At time of appointment, BUG anticipated that the new strategy would underpin a business model capable of driving the university`s future success.
Positioned as a specialist in delivering software and services that provide powerful IT solutions for delivering business advantage, BUG undertook a three-month-long, four-phased project in collaboration with a RAU project team.
This intensive phased approach saw the development of RAU`s IT strategy based on key business and industry drivers while underpinning the institution`s strategic business plan. In developing the strategy RAU`s IT position was placed in an industry and strategic business context. Late 2002 saw a RAU Steering Committee approval of the newly devised strategic IT plan and RAU is currently evaluating the response to its request for information issued to selected vendors early this year.
Says Business Unusual Group`s Marketing Director, Dion Retief, "In the past, tertiary education institutions generally did not take an integrated approach to information technology. Rather, computers were viewed as tools for administrative tasks only, such as student registration and elementary education modelling. By contrast, our approach is to provide clients with tools and solutions that will deliver critical, up-to-date business-related information that will drive their business` strategic advantage," Retief continues. "In the case of RAU, we started by reviewing the business environment as the business model adopted dictates much of the university`s IT strategy. A comprehensive strategy was then developed along with guidelines for its medium-term implementation, including the remodeling of certain IT components."
Professor Vorster is confident that the IT strategy will equip the University for competitive advantage by delivering enhanced learner support through the deployment of a multi-modal learning environment and customer centric administrative services. She says "Our intention is to manage the University in accordance with sound business practices and we recognise the value that IT offers as an enabling tool. We have no doubt that we have now taken steps that will position us strategically within the knowledge economy."
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