CISG-PCMG24: Adapt for the Future

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Booking Open

Date

20 November 2024

21 November 2024

22 November 2024

Book Before

11 October 2024

Venue

Crowne Plaza Newcastle, Stephenson Quarter

About the Event

The annual CISG-PCMG Conference will be taking place in Newcastle in 2024.

The technologies we rely on are continuing to evolve at pace, and potentially quicker that many Institutions can keep up with. We have been here before, but the challenges we are facing now are fundamental and are causing Institutions to realign their infrastructure, systems, and services. Our business models are changing, our Institutional expectations have grown and are being driven more than ever by student recruitment, research, and financial priorities. Overall resilience, sustainability and supply chain factors are requiring us to adapt. We can no longer just fill the digital gaps and extend functionality, we must Adapt for the Future. 

Project and Change Management is hugely important to our ability to adapt for the future, the new business models, new ways of working, whilst still delivering quality and timely services that offer continual service improvement and demonstrate tangible benefits to our users and stakeholders. This discipline underpins everything we do, but how are we adapting our programme and planning needs and capabilities given the levels of change we are experiencing and the financial model we are having to operate under? Who is setting your priorities and how are they doing it?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) impact and the maturity levels of the associated technology is set to radically change our business processes and delivery capabilities, and Institutions are realising that they must embrace AI across all areas from education delivery and assessment, to student and user experience, to automated processes and services, reporting, analytics and personalisation and to take advantage of big data for effective decision-making. Are we ready for this? Do we have the skillsets in place? Are we agile enough to embrace this change? What does best practice look like?

Cyber Security is the number one concern in Higher Education technology, and this is impacting our current technology landscape in terms of what we deliver and how we deliver. Institutions are increasing budgets for Cyber Security, which is good and required, but is there a hidden cost to other core provision? AI over the next period will have a significant role to play in cyber detection and defence, but potentially it is an exploitation or exposure tool as well. What does this mean for our core IT and legacy systems and services?

Financially the sector is being challenged by Government and funding body requirements and targets, and fluctuations in domestic and international recruitment levels, and they are influencing the size and shape of university offerings and operational capabilities. Sector budget constraints are biting, we are seeing budget cuts internally and from Government and a range of universities have advertised Voluntary Severance Schemes to try and address shortfalls. How are we planning and adapting for this period of financial instability? 

Systems interoperability and data integration has become key to how we operate. But is how we deliver now looking to the next stage? Institutions are reviewing their business systems, from curriculum management systems to timetabling provision, from Web to CRM to Student Information Systems, and there also looks to be a renewed interest in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). How are we evolving our Enterprise Architecture to support and deliver new and enhanced capacity? What innovations are happening in your areas? How are systems being brought together or leveraged?

Is there a silent understanding that we need to change, retire old systems and architecture, but that we do not have the resource to do this? Are we frustrated by traditional models of delivery, inflexible licensing, lack of consultancy in the market, reduced resources, limited agility and skillsets and vendor self-preservation? What is the development resource and skillsets needed to deliver and support the change we require?

We hope you can join us at this year’s Conference and share your experience through a range of presentations, showcases and updates. The Conference offers a great opportunity to network with your peers from across the Higher Education community, as well as the chance to engage with your suppliers who stand ready to support you as you ‘Adapt for the Future’. Come join the conversation. 

 

Speakers

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Paul Redmond

Director of Student Experience and Enhancement

University of Liverpool

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Carely Brown

Consultant

Strengthify

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Rosey Murdie

Head of Digital Transformation

University of Westminster

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Ashton Duncan-Whitelaw

Digital Product Manager

University of Glasgow

Johnathan Williamson

Technology Director

TechnologyOne

More Info

Johnathan joined TechnologyOne in 2016 to extend the SaaS Platform team into the United Kingdom and support our customers in the region. Having worked in the Technology space for in excess of 20 years his main focus has been on building high performing engineering teams who delight customers and are constantly curious of new and emerging technologies. In previous roles, Johnathan has worked closely with some of the United Kingdoms best known brands including Skyscanner, The Royal Horticultural Society and WeBuyAnyCar - helping to design, support and maintain their infrastructure needs along the way.

Kanika Selvan

Senior Programme Manager

University of Southampton

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With experience in delivering digital technologies through strategic transformation programmes, Kanika is a highly motivated and resilient technical change leader. She has worked across multiple sectors, from energy retail and telecoms to higher education, housing associations, social enterprises, tech start-ups and small charities, adapting to different workplace cultures, drivers and practices. She combines her cross-sector adaptability with her background in leading both technical change and people change, offering a holistic perspective that considers the business, infrastructure, data and applications. She is also a professional speaker and a board member, creating thought leadership and championing diversity and inclusion on topics such as change, technology, leadership, and innovation.

Liz Butler

Consultant Senior Project Manager

Maxica Consulting

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With a decade of Projects & Programme Management, including Business Transformation & Change Programmes expertise, Liz brings strong knowledge of delivering critical solutions in complex environments. Liz has worked with the UEA to deliver their technology modernisation programme and recently took on the delivery of the SITS Student Record System.

Phil Taphouse

VP and Centre of Excellence Head

ServiceNow

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Phil Taphouse exemplifies leadership in service operations and AIOps, with over 15 years of experience. Known for his visionary ideas and Service Operations Framework, he inspires the ServiceNow community through his podcast, engaging presentations, and online presence as "The ITOM Guy," sharing insights with higher education institutions.

Shaghayegh Maclean

Associate Director of Student Systems

University of Southampton

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Higher Education professional with extensive experience leading and managing operations and projects within the sector. An excellent understanding of the key pressures affecting the sector, together with working knowledge of Higher Education statistics, reporting and funding policies. A strong understanding of HE regulatory frameworks and their application in the development of plans and operations management. Specialities: Statistical Analysis and Planning, Project Management (PRINCE2), Leadership and Management, Budgetary Management, Key Stakeholder Management.

Steve Kirk

Associate Director of IT and Digital Lead

University of East Anglia

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Stephen, with 30 years in IT across public and private sectors, excels as an IT Director. He enhances organisational effectiveness, streamlines operations, and aligns strategies with technological changes. Holding an MBA and CITP, he is the Associate Director of IT and Digital Lead at the University of East Anglia (UEA).

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Abdul Abdulqader

Data Architect

Newcastle University

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Abduljaber Abdulqader is a seasoned data architect with over 14 years of experience at Newcastle University. His expertise lies in the intersection of Enterprise Architecture and Data Science, where he leverages innovative processes to enhance university operations. In 2020, Abduljaber earned a master's degree in data science with distinction, further solidifying his position as a leader in data-driven advancements in higher education[4]. His unique skill set allows him to bridge the gap between complex data systems and practical, impactful solutions for the university.

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Claire Gibbons

Strategic Projects Manager

Leeds Trinity University

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Claire is the Strategic Projects Manager at Leeds Trinity University. Claire’s current role builds on 25 years’ experience of working in the Higher Education sector across a range of disciplines, including Marketing, Comms, Governance, and Web Management, as well as working for and with HEIs across the UK and Ireland. ‘Making things better’ is Claire’s general mantra when it comes to getting things done, as well as putting the user (whoever the user may be!) first.

Jacquie Ambrose

Associate Director of Change and Organisational Readiness

University of Sheffield

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An experienced Digital Change and Transformation leader with expertise in building, leading and enabling teams to co-create change across a range of sectors, including Higher Education, Information Technology, Logistics and Service Industries. With proven experience ensuring the inclusion of "human" elements in process and technology streams of business, psychological people change and HR Business Partnering.

Louw Labuschagne

Business Architect

Newcastle University

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Louw Labuschagne is a Chartered IT Professional (MBCS) specialising in Business Architecture. With over two decades of experience in Enterprise Architecture, Louw brings a wealth of knowledge from diverse sectors including Mining, Banking & Insurance, Utilities, and the Public Sector across Southern Africa and the Middle East. Since joining Newcastle University's architecture team in 2022, he has been instrumental in applying his expertise to the Higher Education sector in the UK. Louw's commitment to the field extends beyond his role at the university; he actively contributes to the EA community through his involvement with the UCISA EA Group, HERM working group, and the Architecture Exchange community forum. His previous contributions to the TOGAF standard and various industry forums underscore his dedication to advancing the field of Enterprise Architecture.

Jamie Thin

Timetabling Programme Manager

University of Edinburgh

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Jamie leads change projects across The University of Edinburgh. He is currently Programme manager for the Timetabling programme. Jamie has experience of implementing new business processes and the IT systems to support these changes across a number of business areas across HE  including Student Systems,  Student Administration services, Timetabling , Communications and Marketing and Research Management. Before joining the University of Edinburgh in 2008, Jamie worked for a number of software suppliers / support services suppliers including Intersystems and Capita in NHS and local government business areas.

Craig Chapman-Smith

Director of Strategy Implementation and Risk

University of Glasgow

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Craig has over 30 years’ experience in portfolio, programme and project management and has delivered major change in the retail, medical/pharmaceutical, government and health sectors. Craig has been at the University of Glasgow for over 6 years and has taken the lead in transforming risk, governance and portfolio management.  His current role drives forward the implementation of the University and enabling strategies.  Craig is the current Chair of the HESPA Specialist Interest Group for Strategy Development and Implementation.

Event Schedule

Wednesday

10:00

Registration and Exhibition Open

11:00

Pre-conference Sessions

11:30

Newcomers' Session

If this is your first UCISA conference, or your first for awhile, please join us for an informative session to discover how to make the most of your experience at the conference and meet other first-time attendees.
12:00

Lunch & Networking

in Exhibition
13:00

Welcome and Introduction

James Smith, Chief Information Officer, Birkbeck, University London and Simon Baker, Head of University Change Team, Birmingham City University
13:15

Opening Keynote

Jenny Rae, CIO, Imperial College London
13:55

CIO Panel Session

Speakers TBC
14:50

Revolutionising Campus Life: Queen’s University Belfast’s Comprehensive Mobile App for Enhanced Engagement

Orla Burns, Development Group Programme Manager, Queen’s University Belfast
15:20

Refreshments

in Exhibition
15:50

Buzzer Session

16:05

Primary Sponsor

16:35

Sustainability for the future of Education Institutions

Panel TBC
17:00

Close of Day 1

17:05

Exhibitor Drinks

Drinks served in exhibition hall
19:00

Pre-dinner Drinks Reception

in Stephenson Suite Foyer
20:00

Dinner

in Stephenson Suite (dress code is smart casual)

Thursday

08:30

Arrival Refreshments

in Exhibition
08:30

Breakfast Session

Avepoint
09:30

Welcome to Day 2

09:35

Accessibility audits: Terrifying opportunities for change

  • Claire Gibbons, Strategic Projects Manager, Leeds Trinity University
  • Andrew Millar, Head of Web Services University of Dundee
  • Paddy Callaghan, Head of Web Services, Leeds Trinity University
10:05

Implementing AI in Higher Education: A Case Study of Newcastle University's Discovery Process and Considerations

Abduljaber Abdulqader, Data Architect, Newcastle University
10:35

Travel time

10:40

Partner Showcases

11:00

Refreshments Break

in Exhibition
11:30

An Industry Vision for Student Life, the Metaverse and what AI will Bring

Gartner Analyst
12:10

Travel time

12:15

Partner Showcases

12:35

Lunch & Networking

in Exhibition
13:35

AI Development Productivity

Ryan Tyler, Manager Software Development and Emerging Technologies, University of South Wales; Daniel Taylor, Senior Software Developer, University of South Wales
14:05

Vice Chancellor Keynote

Professor Karen O'Brien, Durham University
15:20

Moving from doing Agile to being Agile

Lottie Robinson, Head of IT Product and Delivery, University of Central Lancashire
15:50

Travel time

15:55

Breakout Sessions 1

16:25

Refreshments Break

in Exhibition
16:55

Breakout sessions 2

17:25

Close of Day 2

19:00

Drinks Reception

in Stephenson Suite Foyer
19:45

Conference Dinner

in Stephenson Suite

Friday

08:30

Arrival Refreshments

in Exhibition
09:00

Welcome to day 3

09:05

Unplugged! - Our Path to Cyber Recovery

Chris Haigh, Assistant Director and Head of PMO, Digital Services and Gareth Kirk, Associate Director, Strategic Projects, University of Wolverhampton
09:45

Session TBC

10:25

Evolving Enterprise Architecture Collaboration in Higher Education: Lessons from the UCISA Architecture Exchange

Louw Labuschagne, Business Architect and Abdul Abdulqader, Data Architect, Newcastle University

10:55

Refreshments Break

in Exhibition
11:25

Disruptive Programme Delivery- Creating the revolution in technically enabled change, that courageous H.E. institutions need for the future

  • Jacquie Ambrose, Associate Director of Change and Organisational Readiness, University of Sheffield
  • Kanika Selvan, Snr Programme Manager (Contract), University of Southampton
  • Shaghayegh Maclean, Associate Director of Student Systems, University of Southampton
11:55

CHATACLYSM! AI and the Five ‘Killer Apps’ Transforming the Workplace

Dr Paul Redmond, Director of Student Experience and Enhancement, University of Liverpool
12:55

Closing Remarks

Paddy Daly, Director of Technology, Maynooth University and Sally Jorjani, PMO Manager, University of Stirling
 
13:10

Lunch & Networking

in Stephenson Suite Foyer
14:30

Conference Close

Other Sponsors