Ruth Drysdale

eLearning Programme Manager

JISC

‘Introduction ’

Timetabling and Resource Scheduling Study by Oakleigh Consulting Lld Feb 2009 http://www.jisc.ac.uk/publications/briefingpapers/2009/bptimetablingv1.aspx#downloads

Report is a profile of current practice, challenges, use of technology, and innovation throughout the HE and FE sectors. It can be used as a ‘menu’ of approaches and possible use of policy, technology, process, and incentives to develop current practice

4 model approaches: central service v distributed academic depts •  Requirements identification: all requirements for teaching and learning activities • Scheduling: date and time of activities • Location allocation: allocation of rooms and other resources to activities

 

‘How to get a ‘good’ timetable ... ’

• Efficient use of resources - HEFCE KPI and bench marking • Complexity of the curriculum – online, flexible delivery • Locus of control - procurement and implementation of supporting technology

• Culture of the institution ‘staff experience’ v ‘student experience’ • Physical layout - distinct sites with discreet processes for management of the timetable

• Non-teaching activities - conferences • FE specific drivers - monitoring of attendance, reporting on student enrolment and retention as a requirement of funding models within this sector (now HE too with UKBA?)

  ‘...with conflicting requirements’

‘last step in multiple PROCESSes ’

A dependency on accurate information relating to staff, students, locations and curriculum means that timetabling and resources scheduling processes are highly information intensive and can feel ‘at the end of every other process’. • Curriculum management process through which existing programmes of study

and modules are modified or discontinued, and new offerings introduced • Processes providing information relating to student association with

programmes of study, modules and learning activities, including the application, enrolment, and progression processes

• Staff human resources process for staff workload and module allocation • Estates management process through which the existing pool of locations is

extended, reduced and redeveloped

 

‘Timetabling is HARD ... ’

 

Policy a ‘good’ timetable challenging due to a number of conflicting priorities

Processes data available immediately prior to the start of curriculum delivery – or following this – and may be inaccurate or subject to change.

Technology Timetabling system functionality is rich and extensive, but needs major change activity, system integration and staff training.

People cultural historical practice - changes to processes that have significant impact on working patterns of staff and students.

‘Those charged with production of the timetable or implementation of change in this area may face significant opposition to changing historical patterns of working, which may prevent agreed timetabling priorities from being implemented’.

‘Dissemination of Report ’

JISC publicised the report and briefing paper summarising the key findings to FE and HE sectors:

• JISC conference 2009 • AUA conference 2009• SROC Annual Conference 2009• ARC membership in June 2009• Scientia user conference 2009

 

‘Follow activity ’

 ARC-SIG to give timetabling practitioner staff access to networking and professional development opportunities.

Catherine Jones (Chair ) Liverpool University (Julian Moss sec)

• JISC launch event 30th Nov 2009 Birmingham • 1st meeting 26th Feb 2010 Liverpool • 2nd meeting 26th May 2010 Sheffield Hallam

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