Summary

This project is designed to improve information exchange and flow within the University of Hull and implement course data feeds that we believe will be of benefit to a number of stakeholders and external agencies. It follows and builds upon work undertaken as a result of the Stage 1 JISC Course Data project that involved interviews with key stakeholders within the university, as well as the completion of the XCRI-CAP Self-Assessment Framework (SAF). Our research has led to a greater awareness of many internal processes within the university and a desire to achieve a more open approach to data management, whilst improving the efficiency of business practice.

Significantly, this project implementation plan is consistent with and supports the University of Hull’s recently published five year strategic plan. The plan describes an ‘engaged university’ with a culture and vision that is ‘Connected – Open – Excellent’ and that will strive to ‘Improve the effectiveness of processes and operating models.’ As such, it therefore has commitment and support from senior managers within the institution, who also place a high priority on the sustainability of initiatives.

Objectives

XCRI-CAP (eXchanging Course Related Information, Course Advertising Profile) is an ‘open specification for producing and aggregating collections of courses offered by providers’ and is the national standard for describing course marketing information. It is recommended by the UK government and is generally applicable in Higher Education and amongst 14-19 providers.

The simple, technical architecture of XCRI-CAP enables universities, colleges and training providers to publish their data by providing feeds to aggregators that are capable of combining results to create feature-rich, searchable catalogues. By implementing XCRI-CAP, providers not only increase their opportunities to market course provision, but also potential learners are able to compare offerings in order to make better informed decisions.

In summary, the implementation will:

• Increase the efficiency of course data management and re-align business processes through change management
• Provide students with information so they are better informed
• Improve the quality assurance regime and ensure greater transparency
• Support the university’s strategic plan and demonstrate its leading role in fostering collaboration.