Project Title
APSRU Corporate Management
Project Leader
APSRU Management Committee
Organisation
CSIRO/DPI
Funding Body
GRDC
Administration Contact
Lisette Ackhurst
Agricultural Production Systems Research Unit
Ph: 07 4688 1393 Fax: 07 4688 1193
Commencement Date
1 January 1996
Completion Date
31 December 2000
Research Proposal Summary
Both the current Strategic Plan and Operational Plan identify goals and strategies aimed at improving APSRU’s core activities. It is from these documents, as well as previously gathered material, that the plans noted below will be further developed, as they have had input from all APSRU staff. The APSRU Management Committee will be responsible for ensuring that these plans have achievable milestones, meet the aims stated above, and are adequately resourced.
Aims
To coordinate and manage in a transparent manner APSRU’s
§ project portfolio
§ communication (internal and external)
§ project linkages
§ human resources
§ corporate management and administration
§ team networking
Potential Outcomes
A number of “Key Result Areas” were formulated for the current Strategic Plan, and it is envisaged that all APSRU projects be “clustered” into one of these areas. This will allow for more relevance with regard to the Strategic Plan, provide a clearer group vision, and facilitate integration of activities. Although the AMC is responsible for this project, it is important that there is group ownership of the outcomes. APSRU will benefit from a more effective and harmonious work environment, that facilitates good research, with all client groups having a clear view of ASPRU goals, strategies, and outcomes.
Milestones
By June 1996 Corporate Management & Administration Plan
The AMC to be constituted of two research leaders from each of CSIRO and DPI, and will elect a Chair to expedite its operations
The AMC to ensure that adequate administrative support to the Chair, the Committee, and the Board is provided
A consultant will be appointed to guide APSRU internal management
Communications Plan
The AMC to establish points of entry for both internal and external communications.
The AMC to establish better lines of communication with management and within APSRU.
The AMC to ensure new documentation (brochure, Strategic Plan) is available for distribution.
Team Networking Plan
The AMC to develop an APSRU Code of Ethics document.
July 1996 to Dec 2000
Corporate Management & Administration Plan
To facilitate, with the aid of the APSRU Board, appropriate electronic communication links with the CSIRO network.
Develop a plan for improved management of APSRU with a professional management consultant.
The AMC to develop annual operational plan that allows for cross-referencing of resources allocation
To negotiate with Tor St management for appropriate modifications to office accommodation.
The AMC to seek evaluation of the success of this project, and its continuing relevance, on a regular basis (annually?). This certainly hasn’t been done. Perhaps we need to call a team meeting.
The AMC to develop a plan for coordination of budgeting for resourcing core activities and needs, and review of budget allocations and requirements on a yearly basis.
Communications Plan
The AMC to develop a plan annually for delivery of analyses to clients.
The AMC to establish regular working group with line managers.
The AMC to device and endorse guidelines that outline the structure, responsibilities and functioning of the APSRU WEB committee
The AMC to establish a data base of APSIM applications.
Report to APSRU Board on implementation of this project.
The AMC to facilitate synergies between projects with access to communication expertise, and coordination across projects that have major communication components.
The AMC to facilitate development and resourcing of an APSRU web site.
Team Networking Plan
The AMC to hold regular team networking events as a means of evaluating the effectiveness of this plan.
The AMC to facilitate development of an internal APSRU homepage.
Budget
Funding for this project will be from consolidated revenue (DPI/DNR) and appropriation (CSIRO). Lisette Ackhurst (CSIRO) will provide administrative support to the AMC, with support of a DPI Corporate Services appointee. Contributions will be based approximately on staff commitment by each organisation.
Resource
Requirements & Contributions
Prior Provision of IP & Rights of Ownership
APSIM remains the sole intellectual property of APSRU.
Ownership, equity in and use of IP to be developed
C
Rights of Publication
C
Definition of Research Area
Not applicable
Relevance to Strategic Plan
This is directly relevant to the strategic plan goal No 5, 6