Efficiency Exchange
Impact of high performance computing facility revealed by N8 partnership
N8's high performance computing (HPC) facility has led to more than 90 collaborations between universities and businesses to date, a report by the research partnership has revealed. The document highlighting the impact N8 is having on the north's economy says the N8 HPC has featured in 84 grant applications totalling £59.8m and its use noted in 377 published research papers.
Operational efficiency or ‘how I became a Bollywood stuntwoman’
Operational efficiency or Bollywood stunts? In this post on the AHUA blog you will get more of the former than the latter from University of York's David Duncan who shares his advice on maintaining an efficient and effective administration.
Partnership expands for Jisc’s open research data shared service
Jisc's research data shared service pilot now involves 17 partners after four more institutions joined in with the project. A blog by Jisc's Rachel Bruce says the service aims to serve a variety of needs, including providing repositories for deposit and access to research data and encouraging data reuse in the long term.
Survey on universities’ equipment removal strategies launched
Selling unwanted laboratory equipment can be an easy way for universities to recoup space, generate revenue and meet their environmental targets. A survey for the Environmental Association for Schools and Colleges with UniGreenScheme, seeks to gain a better understanding of how universities and colleges deal with surplus or unwanted laboratory equipment.
‘No prescribed format’ for 2016 VFM reporting, says HEFCE
An update from HEFCE to the sector says there is "no prescribed format" for the value for money report universities are required to submit in 2016. The circular to vice chancellors and principals says no formal guidance will be issued in 2016 but it is seeking feedback from the sector, which will be used in more specific reporting guidance next year.
Integrated Reporting in HE
The Integrated Reporting framework offers an opportunity for universities to develop their annual reports into something more accessible, with a potential audience beyond regulators or governors. This study gives a snapshot of reporting at seven universities, showing that while some are starting to report in far more integrated ways, even the best examples have room for improvement.
LUPC launches new contracts database
A contracts database developed jointly by the regional higher education purchasing consortia is now live. HE Contracts replaces the previous database, uniBuy, and includes a host of new features and easier access for consortia members looking to find information about the sector’s collaborative agreements. Members can find resources and information about training on their local consortia website.
Universities seek workforce’s views on leading change
Two universities are exploring the views of the higher education workforce on how they can work together to lead and cope with change. As part of a £10,000 Leadership Foundation-funded project, The University of Northampton, along with Keele University, are calling on the sector's workforce to complete a survey on the impact of change and leadership.
Hefce issues funding call and study supporting innovation in teaching and learning
Improving student outcomes and survival in a marketised environment are amongst the drivers for innovation in teaching in learning, according to a Hefce study. A blogpost by Hefce's Amanda Wilcox outlining the findings of the study also launches a funding call for institutions wishing to develop experimental innovations in teaching and learning.
Universities join forces to design learning analytics architecture for the sector
Universities wishing to raise achievement of all students were urged to consider adopting learning analytics in the Higher Education Commission's recent report ‘From Bricks to Clicks’. In this blogpost, Phil Richards says the sector is now also recognising learning analytics as a priority area and Jisc is working with universities deliver a national open architecture for this work.
