Digital StrategyTheme 2: A better Business As Usual

2.1: Robust, reliable, secure and flexible

Our systems are robust, reliable, secure, and flexible.

They will be designed to maximise access and availability regardless of location.

We will achieve this by:

• investing in our Cyber Security provision (including training/awareness);
• having a robust, resilient, flexible and adaptable infrastructure;
• designing a systems architecture to allow for data transfer and continuous improvement;
• having adequate storage to meet the requirements of open access and trusted research.

2.2: Accessible

Our systems are designed to be accessible to all users, regardless of location, device, ability and circumstances.

We will achieve this by:

• meeting legal accessibility standards;
• making systems easy and intuitive to use;
• having adaptive technologies in place;
• developing device agnostic web-based interfaces;
• having a single point of entry to all of our systems and services.

2.3: New ways of working

Our digital technology creates an environment that promotes a culture of innovation, collaboration, and facilitates new ways of working and interacting with Strathclyde.

We will achieve this by:

• designing agile systems to support high-quality, flexible business processes;
• utilising workflow and automation technology;
• providing digitally enhanced teaching and working environments;
• developing our systems and processes based on user-centred design principles.

2.4: Artificial Intelligence

We will make effective use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in university operations.

We will achieve this by:

• identifying opportunities to automate operational processes;
• providing personalised experiences to staff and students;
• enabling the university to identify areas of concern and take proactive action;
• predicting activity, space and resource use;
• augmenting the student experience through targeted intervention.

2.5: Smart Campus

We use digital technology to effectively manage our estate and to optimise campus utilisation.

We will achieve this by:

• using technology to effectively and efficiently manage our estate;
• modelling and monitoring space use to inform our campus operations;
• providing location specific information via the Strath App;
• providing 3D visualisation of buildings and campus with information tags;
• introducing smart timetabling, including allowing for transition time and mobility issues.

2.6: Sustainable

We are mindful of our environmental responsibilities in all areas of our digital development and will support the university’s strategic sustainability ambitions.

We will achieve this by:

• building intelligent use of energy into our data centres;
• responsibly managing the lifecycle and disposal of our equipment;
• utilising smart building control technologies;
• enabling sustainable business practices;
• building environmental impact assessments into all digital business cases.

2.7: Consistency of approach

Our systems offer a consistent, quality, user-centred experience, with personalisation as required.

We will achieve this by:

• removing unwarranted duplicate systems and processes;
• adopting common processes and standards;
• implementing a common data structure for use across the organisation;
• having a consistent and robust approach to cyber security;
• developing core services to reflect specialist needs where required.

2.8: Upskilling staff

Our staff are supported to develop their digital skills, to make best use of the technology and data available to them.

We will achieve this by:

• including the evaluation of digital skills in our recruitment and induction processes;
• regularly assessing the digital maturity of staff and developing plans to address planned needs;
• building our in-house training capability and developing our in-house training materials;
• providing access to external courses;
• signposting users to in-house “how to” guides and resources.