The changing dynamics of the education sector, prompted by the demands of the knowledge economy for the delivery of just in time learning to a new generation of life long learners, and the enhancement of the traditional teaching models with multi modal learning experiences, has enforced a paradigm shift at most South African Universities, Technikons and Colleges. New thinking and revised strategies are the order of the day as these institutions face the challenge of becoming competitive enterprises in a rapidly changing environment.
It`s a challenge of stupendous proportions. South Africa`s Universities, Technikons and Colleges are formulating financial performance objectives and implementing business-related systems and controls in addition to the delivery of technologically enhanced learner centric education. This calls for new levels of integration between the delivery of educational content and the administration and management of the institutions. It also calls for appropriate business tools, of which IT is a prime example.
Readying itself to live up to these challenges the Rand Afrikaans University (RAU), internationally renowned for its excellence in teaching as well as being one of the most efficient higher education institutes in South Africa, awarded the contract to redevelop the University`s IT strategy to the Business Unusual Group (BUG), the financial and business analysis software group. It is anticipated that the new strategy will 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, Business Unusual Group will commence work on the three-month-long, four-phased RAU project this month.
Says Business Unusual Group`s Managing 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 will start by reviewing the business environment as the business model adopted will dictate much of the university`s IT strategy. We will then develop a comprehensive strategy along with guidelines for its medium-term implementation, including the replacement of certain IT components."
RAU Vice Rector Professor Desir'e Vorster is confident of the Business Unusual Group`s ability to develop an IT strategy that will equip the University to ensure competitive advantage by delivering enhanced learner support through the deployment of a multi modal learning environment and customer centric administrative services. She says "Our ambition is to operate the University in accordance with sound business practices and we recognise the value that IT offers as an enabling tool. Judging by the work done in the Higher Education Sector, Business Unusual Group has the know-how and experience to live up to our expectations."
Concludes Retief, "The fundamental premise of Business Unusual Group is that decision-makers need access to up-to-the minute business information if they are to run their businesses optimally, especially in a highly competitive environment. Achieving this requires software solutions and IT tools that are appropriate for the business in question. Drawing on the collective 25 years` experience of our consultants, we`re confident that we can put RAU on the right strategic track. We intend to use our extensive expertise in both business and technology to afford RAU the competitive edge."
Compiled and disseminated by the comm zone. Additional information can be obtained from Melanie Hayes on mwromel@iafrica.com or (011) 467 1416.
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