Project Clusters

Back to Management of Project: JISC Project Management.



Introduction
This page lists the Project Clusters for Strands 2 and 3 of the JISC Relationship Management Programme Phase 2: 2011-2012.

Each strand has been placed into smaller clusters. We would like you to get together on a regular basis, around once every three months, either face-to-face, by 'phone, or webconference. You can use CAMEL, Action Learning or other approaches or use the opportunity to discuss issues, experiences or identify ways forward, etc.

RMSAS has an Adobe Connect web conferencing account and we could facilitate an online meeting if preferred (note that you will need to download a small piece of software in order to access the web conferencing facility). If you wish to talk by 'phone, you could try conference call services, such as Powwownow (there are no set-up fees, each caller including the chair pays the same amount - around 4.3p + VAT per minute and calls show up on your 'phone bill. It's very easy to set up - the administrator gets a pin code from the website and circulates this along with the Powwownow telephone number to the rest of the delegates. I've used this a lot and so far, all calls have been successful and clear) or Skype (you download this VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) application to your computer and it then allows you to text chat or voice chat for free to others. You will need to set up a unique Skype name which you then pass to people you want to contact. They will also need to do the same. Speakers and a microphone or headset are required for voice chat. Video chat is also possible if you have a webcam, although be aware that if you have low bandwidth, the video will update very slowly, if at all. It's ideal for voice chatting with two or three people, but any more than that and the quality becomes very poor).

We would like you to start off in your cluster groups for a least a couple of meetings. However, if you also wish to attend other cluster group meeting as well (but not instead of) your own, then that is fine. We may reform the clusters as projects progress.

At least one strand meeting will be held during the project term where all projects in the strand can share learning, experiences, etc.

We suggest that cluster meetings are held roughly as follows:
 * Summer 2011 - Cluster meeting
 * Autumn 2011 - Cluster meeting
 * Winter 2011/2012 - Full Strand Meeting (face-to-face)
 * Spring 2012 - Cluster Meeting

However, this is only a suggestion. You may want to run to a different timetable. Also, don't forget that you can run virtual cluster meetings using a conference line (e.g. Powwwownow) or web conferencing software (we can provide access to Adobe Connect Pro).

Back to Top of Page

Critical Friends
A critical friend will be allocated to each cluster to help provide advice as required. However, that is not to say that you can't contact the other critical friends if their area of expertise is more appropriate. We have allocated one critical friend per cluster so that they can follow the work of each group of projects.

You may find the JISC funded resource on Critical Friends: An Effective Practice Guide useful.

Back to Top of Page

Strand 1 (Online CRM Handbook) Project
This project is run jointly by two universities:


 * Critical Friend - Martin Hayward, The KSA Partnership
 * University of Huddersfield with Teesside University

Back to Top of Page

Cluster A
Cluster A consists of projects focussing more on student retention, attendance and on the Teaching and Learning stage of the Student Lifecycle. They are also more technical in nature.

The projects in this cluster consist of:


 * Critical Friend - Lauren Currrie, Snook
 * Loughborough University
 * Roehampton University
 * University of Derby
 * University of Southampton

Based on the project proposals, the following key areas have been identified:

Cluster B
Cluster B consists of projects focussing more on using service design, and the Pastoral Care and Careers and Employment stages of the Student Lifecycle.

The projects in this cluster consist of:


 * Critical Friend - Alan Paull, APS Ltd
 * North Glasgow College
 * University of East London
 * University of Nottingham
 * University of Sheffield

Based on the project proposals, the following key areas have been identified:

Back to Top of Page

Cluster A
Cluster A consists of projects focussing more on the provision of alumni events and use of LinkedIn.

The projects in this cluster consist of:


 * Critical Friend - Ian Moore, Queen's University Belfast
 * Aston University
 * Brunel University
 * University of Hertfordshire
 * University of Surrey

Based on the project proposals, the following key areas have been identified:

Cluster B
Cluster B consists of projects focussing more on careers mentoring by alumni and ePortfolios.

The projects in this cluster consist of:


 * Critical Friend - Peter Kawalek, Manchester Business School
 * University of Glasgow
 * University of Kent
 * University of Wales Institute Cardiff

Based on the project proposals, the following key areas have been identified:

Image by svilen001.

End of Project Clusters: Back to Top of Page