| The Information Strategy exists to support the University’s mission and its objectives in research, teaching and learning, and knowledge transfer. It is a key operational strategy underpinning the University's Corporate Plan for 2006 - 2009, Our shared vision. The Information Strategy aims to develop an information culture in which all members of the University understand the importance of information in relation to their roles, in which the informational aspects of all University activities and policies are fully taken into account, and which equips the University to work effectively in the external information environment. |
| The planning period to which this Information Strategy refers is characterised by a number of information-related challenges for the University, its departments, and its individual members. As a knowledge-based organisation, the University’s dependence on the effective management of information is more critical than it has ever been. Almost all the University’s business areas are becoming information- and technology-dependent: an example of this is the rapidly growing take-up of the University’s virtual learning environments to deliver a richer learning experience for students on campus as well as those studying at a distance, or on work-based placements. At the same time, effective information management can minimise the risks posed by information overload. |
| Sustained investment in the University’s information infrastructure is needed; yet the pace of development in information technology means that decisions on where and when to make that investment require a high level of technical knowledge and advanced project management skills. The legislative and regulatory frameworks for managing information continue to become more demanding, as do the costs of compliance. And the costs of procuring access to externally generated knowledge-based information continue to rise. |
| The Information Strategy will not lessen these challenges, but it will help the University to meet them effectively by articulating the key principles of good information management, and encouraging all members of the University to put them into practice. |
| Professor Paul White, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Information Services |
|
|
