Moving towards integration

The proposed move to integrate the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) and Faculty of Commerce and Economics (FCE) is progressing with the active involvement of faculty staff.

Working parties with representatives from AGSM and FCE have been established, and a schedule set for regular reporting meetings between Professor Alec Cameron, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Resources), and general and academic staff.

It was announced last month that the University had moved to strengthen its position as the leading provider of business education and research in the Asia-Pacific region by integrating AGSM and Faculty of Commerce.

At a recent combined meeting of AGSM and FCE staff, Vice Chancellor Designate, Professor Fred Hilmer, said the opportunity had become available with the dissolution of the joint venture agreement with the University of Sydney, which expressly limited the capacity for collaboration between AGSM and FCE.

An Integration Management Committee, comprising Professor Alec Cameron, DVC (Resources), AGSM Dean, Professor Rob McLean, and Acting FCE Dean Professor John Piggot has established 10 working parties which are working to a set of guiding principles.

The parties are working in the areas of: strategy and organisational structure; business model; research; postgraduate coursework; marketing and branding; alumni and development; communications; administrative structure, resources, processes and systems; accommodation; and academic contracts.

Professor Cameron will take the recommendations of the working parties to a Steering Committee consisting of the Vice-Chancellor, AGSM and FCE Advisory Committee Chairs and the President of the Academic Board. Proposals will be submitted to AGSM and FCE Faculty Boards and UNSW Council.

“There are many details of implementation to be worked through, which require consultation with staff and other involved parties,” says Professor Cameron. “We consider close consultation vital and have therefore established a monthly program of meetings at which staff can be informed of progress and raise any issues of concern.”

Professor Cameron will address the meetings, which will also be attended by both Deans.

DATES FOR THE DIARY

June 7: FCE staff meeting, 1-2pm CLB6

June 7: AGSM staff meeting, 3pm, JBR

July 12: Joint FCE/AGSM staff meeting , 1pm, location to be advised

August 17: Joint FCE/AGSM staff meeting, 1pm

September 14: Joint FCE/AGSM staff meeting, 1pm.