QUT was established in January 1989 through the transformation of the Queensland Institute of Technology (QIT). This led to the development of the QUT Roadmap, which sets out the key elements of our strategic vision. The University's Biosafety Committee ensures that the activity in question complies with the requirements of the national gene technology regulator.
Progress towards achieving the goals in the university's teaching and learning plan is described in the following section.
QUT’s teaching goal is to ensure that graduates possess knowledge,
During the year, QUT continued to make good progress in supporting and developing teaching and learning on a wide range of fronts. The University's standing as one of Australia's leading universities in the field of teaching and learning was highlighted by the achievement of three finalists and a national award winner in the 2003 Australian Awards for University Teaching. New courses included undergraduate degrees in Nursing and Health Management, Exercise and Sports Nutrition, and a double degree in Human Movement Studies and Podiatry.
In 2003, the University developed an enhanced academic leadership program that focused on developing the education of students as a subject of scientific study, in other words, the science of teaching.
Customized links have also been developed between the specific capabilities required for certain professions and the generic capabilities listed in the portfolio. Work on embedding Indigenous perspectives into the curriculum continued in 2003 with a well-attended forum in June at which models of good practice and experiences were shared. The project is part of an ongoing series of reforms to the first-year experience at the Faculty of Science.
On the heels of his appointment, the organization of the unit was reviewed to ensure the best match with the needs of teaching staff in the University.
QUT monitors progress toward its teaching goals using three key performance indicators: social justice profile of graduates,
This report outlines the university's first annual progress report against the QUT Research and Innovation Plan 2003-2007. This re-focusing of research efforts is expected to realize tangible and innovative outcomes for the university and the wider community during this summit cycle. In the area of research ethics, the appointment of a dedicated research ethics officer represents a significant improvement in this important area of the university's risk profile.
During 2003, the University continued to work closely with other ATN universities to support the benchmarking of research performance.
QUT’s research goal is to advance and apply knowledge that is both germane to the professions and communities we serve, and relevant to the enhancement of economic,
In 2002, in response to Smart Country priorities and the federal government's publication of Supporting Australia's Capabilities: An Innovation Action Plan for the Future, the University shifted its focus from the old 'research' paradigm to a new research and innovation system, resulting in the development of a more comprehensive top-level plan. In 2003, the university committed $1.18 million to large, interdisciplinary, multi-faculty projects under the QUT Strategic Collaborative Research Program grant scheme. Two new CRCs have been established with QUT as the lead in the areas of interaction design and integrated engineering asset management, representing a commitment of more than $35 million from industry, the university and the Commonwealth over a seven-year period.
Under QUT's Strategic Industry Links scheme, QUT has supported more than $1 million of projects from the university's research budget, with approximately $2 million provided by industry partners.
QUT has three performance indicators it uses to measure performance against its research goals: external research income; research publications; and higher
In 2003, QUT continued to position itself around its contribution to the development of the city of Brisbane and its regions. Following a community service review in 2002, the community engagement agenda has been further developed through the ongoing review and improvement of the Community Service Database by the Community Service Advisory Committee. QUT made a significant contribution to the community through the activities of its staff and students in 2003.
QUT's aim is to contribute to the development of Australia's international responsibility and competitiveness, improving QUT's relationship with it.
QUT’s community service goal is to contribute to the development of Australia’s international responsibility and competitiveness, to enhance QUT’s relationship with
Some of the projects and initiatives recognized and/or supported by the University are documented below. In 2003, the university continued its strong contribution to the development of the city and region through innovative and responsive teaching and research. The ongoing review of community service at the University continued in 2003, focusing on the University's strategic direction as well as the quality of the community service database itself.
Below are the most important points from the 2003 financial statements in relation to the Resource Plan.
This report provides information on progress against the targets and
This represents an operating margin of 4.7 per cent, slightly below the QUT target of 5 per cent, but compares favorably with the sector-wide result of 4.3 per cent (2002). The profit result would have been higher if not for a number of one-off charges that impacted the accounts during 2003, including the write-off of previously capitalized equipment ($13 million) and a patent write-off due to contract renegotiations ($1.3 million). . Total revenue rose from $365.2 million to $409.8 million, an increase of 12.2 per cent largely due to additional Queensland Government financial assistance, strong growth in international student fee income and improved investment earnings.
During 2003, QUT's income from sources other than the Commonwealth Government (which excludes HECS student contributions) increased by $34.8 million or 24.9 per cent to $174 million.
A full description of functions and financial reporting arrangements for entities controlled by QUT can be found in Volume 2 of the Annual Report. The information obtained and the subsequent analysis and review was a valuable contribution to the formulation and implementation in 2003 of the 2004-2008 Asset Management Plan. Planning and financing of information resources, information technology and capital resources were considered together in the budget for the coming year, with the inclusion of the Library resource allocation in the Asset Management Plan.
The Information Technology Strategic Management Committee, with the allocation of 2004 Asset Management Plan IT funding, attempted to achieve a balance in the funding of the maintenance of the existing IT infrastructure and innovative IT developments.
The objective is to provide the necessary information resources, technology,
Management processes, especially financial reporting, applicable to capital projects now also include investments in IT infrastructure. Consideration was also given to balancing investment across the three different streams to improve student experiences, streamline business systems and support a robust infrastructure.
Academic reliance on the CMD and the Online Learning and Teaching (OLT) system resulted in a 50 percent reduction in the number of student course packs produced in 2003. By the end of 2003, more than 79 percent of its unique current magazine titles were accessible electronically. Ongoing monitoring is required due to growth in the complexity, volume and nature of content and tools used in online education at QUT.
By the end of 2003, 49 per cent of all general teaching spaces at QUT were equipped with at least a computer and a data projector, allowing greater options for using technology in on-campus, face-to-face teaching.
QUT’s 2003–2007 Student Support Plan reinforces the continuous commitment to
Based on local action research, the program is structured around three elements of student needs that are linked to a successful student experience and reduced dropout rates. In 2003, the program continued to stimulate discussions among the university community on the three important FYE issues mentioned above. The program plays a role in guiding students both at the central and faculty level.
QUT Careers and Employment staff provided support, in the form of mentoring and the provision of equipment and meeting rooms, and sponsored the team nomination.
The Human Resources Plan aims to provide HR policies and encourage
Mentors prepare students for work after graduation by providing them with an appreciation of workplace culture and the challenges of the profession. It exposes future graduates to the outside world and ensures they connect with the real world in a meaningful way. The Careers and Employment Service further developed the job readiness scheme and industry inquiry scheme, and worked with the Technology, Information and Learning Support (TILS) Division to develop the graduate attributes website.
Another joint project, the student E-portfolio project, was developed and tested in 2003 ready for launch in 2004.
Many applications were received for the internal academic promotion scheme from lecturer to professor. Four were promoted to professors – Clive Bean, Greg Hearn, Lidia Morawska and Peter Timms – and eight to associate professors. The Aboriginal and Youth Employment Strategies draw on ABS data on national and state employment data to set QUT's employment targets for these areas.
Priority strategic issues for equity include dealing with poverty as a barrier to
The low-income Student Contact Officer network proved to be an important point of contact within faculties. Awareness raising activities such as the cultural diversity calendar, staff diversity network and cultural diversity training were continued. The MOU with the South East Queensland Regional Council of ATSIC remained in place, but agreed activities had not progressed significantly.
Four faculties have worked together to integrate Indigenous perspectives into their curricula, with the Faculty of Health receiving a major teaching grant for this initiative. The goals of the equity plan can only be achieved through university-wide efforts and the integration of equity practices into the core business and daily habits of staff. At the end of 2003, about 35 percent of employees and 50 percent of managers were capital trained.
One hundred and twenty managers and supervisors attended seminars on the updated complaints handling policies and procedures (three university-wide sessions and one faculty-specific). Retention and graduation rates for all equity groups remained close to those of other students. QUT was named an 'Employer of Choice for Women' for the second year by the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency.
Student equity data is routinely benchmarked against other universities, using DEST-defined parameters of access, participation, success and retention for each of the Equity student groups. In relation to staff balance data, QUT compares outcomes for female staff, both academic and general, with the performance of other universities, using parameters from the AVCC Action Plan for Women. This benchmarking is summarized in a single annual report compiled by QUT for the higher education sector, ranking all universities on around a dozen key parameters for the career development of female staff.
INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT Queensland University of Technology
Scope
Independence
Audit Opinion
P G SHIPPERLEY, FCPA
