2015 – 2016 Seminar Programme
SUMS Timetabling Seminar
The SUMS Timetabling Seminar addressed the question: “Does a complex curriculum hinder or require
central timetabling?” To inform the debate, presentations were given by Liverpool and Loughborough on
their approaches and we reported on SUMS work undertaken for KCL and Leeds.
Many universities have moved from departmental, to faculty, to centralised timetabling, in a phased transition.
This is not so appealing to universities where there is considerable cross-faculty curriculum. But it is these
universities who most need to co-ordinate the timetabling of a complex curriculum. Universities can become
entrenched in historic practice. Moving from a timetable that is known to work and risking failure is
frightening: as a consequence, space utilisation suffers.
The workshop explored the issues and possible ways forward.
SUMS Members’ Meeting: Achieving Effective and Sustainable Cultural Change
The sector still faces a rapidly changing environment and this event focused on achieving effective and
sustainable cultural change. Speakers and subjects included:
• Deborah Green - Director of Marketing, Leeds Beckett University
Distinctively Leeds Beckett – How to successfully manage a university brand through a name change
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How do you successfully manage a University name change and a rebranding exercise simultaneously?
What are the challenges and are there some advantages of tackling two such major projects at the same
time? Do internal colleagues’ reactions to brand consultation reflect more deep rooted concerns and
management issues? And what role can brand play in motivating staff and engaging them in organisational
change? Deborah addressed these questions and shared the highlights of Leeds Beckett’s ongoing journey.
SUMS Consulting Annual Review 2016