Following a period of strategic review, Application Services underwent an organisational restructuring as of Thursday 19 October 2017. The new structure has brought the core capabilities of the department into closer alignment with the needs of the University. The restructuring process is now well under way.
The service now has two functions that reflect its two main goals.
Software Development
The Software Development function will focus on technical excellence in software development and the rapid delivery of software that adds significant value.
Three new teams will deliver solutions to the University based on professionalism, technology leadership and agility:
- Integration and Systems Development Team
- Web and Digital Development Team
- Business Intelligence Development Team
These teams will cover three areas which require both technical skills and a good understanding of the University and its unique set of systems and data.
Application Management
The Application Management function will focus on:
- Business Analysis: engaging with University decision makers – enabling quality decisions based on clear requirements, thorough option appraisals and robust business cases.
- Quality Assurance: ensuring solutions are fit for purpose, meet the needs of users and are free from defects.
- Application Operations: ensuring that we have an effective application management and support service.
- An Application Strategy that makes the most of our applications and suppliers.
Transition plan
All teams have defined responsibilities and team members have new job descriptions. There will now be a period of transition which will take 12 months to complete. Some knowledge transfer, training and careful handover of responsibilities will be required. Although the transition plan intends to mitigate any issues there may be some disruption in some areas and a temporary drop in service levels while transition occurs.
Please support colleagues wherever you can in helping them to make this a success.
Are you concerned that the restructuring may have an impact on your area – or any cross-functional processes that you rely on? Let the relevant Application Services manager know, so that any necessary process changes can be built into the transition plan.
Further information
If you have any questions or wish to find out more, please contact Bruce Pearson, Head of Application Services.