User Reference Groups

The purpose of User Reference Groups (URGs) is to give relevant stakeholders a high-level understanding of their proposed use of the system once in production, to discuss configuration options (where available) and to gain acceptance of process changes. URGs will be convened during the development phase for each RIMS module; their composition will vary according to the module being configured.

The first series of User Reference Groups were convened in April and May 2008 to seek input and feedback on the proposed configuration of the Proposal Tracking (PT) module.

User Reference Groups – Proposal Tracking

The Proposal Tracking module provides functionality to manage a grant application from the time of submission to the Research Office to award notification and on to project completion.

As this module pertains mostly to post-award management, the main impact of its implementation will be on the Research Office. However, business process changes and improved data accessibility will also mean changes to the interaction between the Research Office and other user groups to varying degrees. The URGs for Proposal Tracking therefore involved a broad cross-section of academic and general staff at the University and affiliated institutions, to ensure that the overall solution will, as far as possible, meet the diverse needs of future users.

The input provided through these initial User Reference Groups will inform configuration decisions for the first go-live date of 1 September 2008. There will be further consultation with User Reference Groups after the first go-live to obtain ongoing feedback about the system and processes and identify priorities for future development.

For more information on URGs for Proposal Tracking, please download a copy of the Terms of Reference.

User Reference Groups – Research Outputs

Commencing soon and following the same principles of engagement to prepare users for transition to new research output management processes and the RIMS module, which are scheduled to replace the existing leagacy system, IRMA.