The Curriculum Design Accreditation and Publication (CDAP) Implementation project is the successor to the CDAP Investigation project. CDAP Investigation began in late 2019 and ran through 2020.
The CSU Course Design, Accreditation and Publication processes are currently supported by many systems that have evolved individually over time. The technology components include complex systems such as CourseSpace and CASIMS. Also included are smaller utilities and scripts. These scripts publish the Online Course Brochures (OCBs), the CSU Handbook, and the Course Availability List (CAL).
Investigation found significant gaps in data architecture and information flows. This is the result of individual system development over many years. Data issues include:
- gaps in data integrations between systems
- conflicting needs across downstream applications (e.g. needs for open text vs. structured data)
- lack of data quality controls (e.g. controlled language sets).
- The data issues are complicated by strict standards and legislative compliance requirements.
The CDAP program can support almost all the Charles Sturt University curriculum management footprint. This is expected to occur over time, as the size of that full body of work is extensive. Investigation recommended implementation as a series of projects (i.e. a program). This ensures timely progress and better accommodates annual budgeting processes.
The CDAP Implementation project is the first phase of the recommended program. In 2021, it seeks to replace the following:
- CASIMS
- CourseSpace
- Online Course Brochures
The CDAP Implementation project also will implement the Annual Course Health Check (ACHC) tool. This tool does not yet exist but is key to university compliance requirements.
The following systems will be retained until at least 2023:
- Subject Outline Tool (SOT)
- Subject Availability List (SAL)
- Course Availability (CAL)
Project Benefits
From a technology perspective, The CDAP program provides significant opportunity to uplift the CSU Curriculum Management capability by providing:
- A single, cohesive “source of truth” for Curriculum Management data
- A fully embedded, full coverage, data security model and auditing capability
- A contemporary technology platform that can be integrated well into the CSU technology environment
- “Low-Code” (non-developer) ability to extend capability by configuring new forms, workflows and reports From a user perspective the CDAP program an opportunity for simplified workflows and processes that look and operate consistently that are functioning with known and trusted datasets.
- The CDAP Investigation identified the CDAP program as having the following levels of estimated soft benefit uplift when compared to current systems:
- Data compliance – 43% improvement
- Efficiency – 44% improvement
- Experience – 43% improvement
The data compliance improvements come from a centralised data model and a consistent forms handling engine. These improvements can systematise information handling. For example, a single unified reference dataset, like a campus list, can be set for key information. All services can then use this dataset. The addition of sophisticated workflows and data control functions ensure high levels of data quality.
The efficiency improvements are realised through the workflow capabilities of the CDAP program. Workflows are an area where the CDAP program realises the advantage of being based on the ServiceNow platform. Workflows can be established to direct and automate many functions. This saves time spent on basic repetitive tasks.
The experience of the CDAP program is compelling. With a modern look and feel, screens are simple and clean and help is readily available. When compared to the multiple current interfaces some of which are more than a decade old, the experience uplift seen in the CDAP program will be significant.
Status
The CDAP Implementation project is in its initial discovery phases. It is anticipated that work on development will commence in early April.
If you have any queries in relation to the CDAP Implementation project they can be directed to Mike Charles.