College of Engineering and

Informatics

Deans and Heads Conference

Padraic O’DonoghueApril 17th, 2009

Strategic Objectives

To be recognised as an international centre for high calibre research in targeted areas

To be recognised as the premier provider of engineering and IT professionals in Ireland

To create an environment that fosters staff development and ensure a holistic experience for students

College Overview

Single School Six Disciplines + DERI

– Will rationalise to four 70 Academic Staff 1170 Students

– 875 u-grad (Accredited degrees)– 75 taught p-grad– 50 research masters– 170 PhD

SWOT Analysis

25% Share of Engineering u-grads

PhD Share is Above Average

SWOT Analysis

25% Share of Engineering u-grads

PhD Share is Above Average Low intake to IT Publications and Citations Below Average

SWOT Analysis

25% Share of Engineering u-grads

PhD Share is Above Average Low intake to IT Publications and Citations Below Average

Must Address Engagement Focus on Staff

Rigorous Planning

SWOT Analysis Redefined Key Academic Directions Integrated with Research Strategy – External Inputs

– Research Aligned with University Plan

– New Professorial Hires

The Rapidly Changing 3rd Level Environment– National Priorities, Smart Economy, SSTI, Rationalisation

Major Step Change Required

To be a Top Ranked, Research Intensive University, Radical Change is Required– The way in which we Think and Operate

– Academic Restructuring Underway

This Change must Permeate all Levels of the University

Strategic Plan Provides Unique Opportunity

The Focus must be on the Staff

Engagement

Staff Engagement– Awareness of Responsibilities

– Ranking Metrics

– Research and Funding

Student Engagement Civic Engagement

– Extend Service Learning to all Degrees

Engagement across the University Industrial Engagement

Staff & Organisation

Balanced Workload Model– Maximise Potential of all Staff

Mentoring of Staff– Target Staff for Research Opportunities

Strategic Hiring– SFI Fundable, Research Priorities

Implementation of New Structures– Will Facilitate the Change that is Needed

Research

Build/Focus on Research Priorities

Widen Staff Participation

– Incentives

Graduate School Implementation

Interact with Funding Agencies

TTO and Industry Involvement

Challenging Targets have been Set

Teaching

Informed by Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy

U-grad/p-grad Programme Mix– Marketing

Methodology & Teaching Evaluation Accreditation – Engineers Ireland Student Numbers and Quality

– Targets Set

Other Priority Activities

Infrastructure and Environment

– New Engineering Building - 2011

– Equipment Deficit

An Ghaeilge

Regional Development

Communications

Resources

Implementation

Set of Action Items with Timelines have been Identified under each Priority

Performance Driven, Responsibilities and Targets

Strategy Implementation Group will be Established