Standardised business planning process for changes to courses from 30 March 2009

The University is currently undertaking a major review of the way it operates in order to improve the quality and efficiency of its services. Key outcomes of this review relate to the business case sign off procedures for changes to courses. From 30 March 2009 the following enhancements come into effect:

• a standard NTU business planning route for changes to courses (Reporting Proposed Changes to Courses forms - Major change / Modification / Minor Modification);
  and
• revised, standard templates for both of the following:
  1. financial information for changes to courses that have business implications, to be used as part of the business case for changes to courses (a Financial Evaluation form replaces the Costing Model Template from October 2011)
  2. changes to courses that have business implications (a Business Case Template).

Business planning process documentation and guidance has been updated for 2011 / 12 to accommodate the availability of the on-line Business Case Template for new course proposals.

The Academic Standards and Quality Handbook, (ASQH section three and section four) provides details on the academic approval processes for changes to courses. There are no changes to the existing academic approval processes.

The business planning process - making changes to existing courses
The document acts as a guide through the business planning process for changes to courses. The process focuses on the business sign off stages that need to be completed prior to the academic approval of a course, but reference is made to the interface with the academic approval process. This process is to be used for changes to courses from 30 March 2009.

Reporting Proposed Changes to Courses form ('change form')
Separate change forms for Major change, Modification and Minor Modification .

Guidance on how to complete the Reporting Proposed Changes to Courses Form
The new Course  change form is to be used for new course changes with effect from 30 March 2009.

The Business Case Template

Detailed guidelines on how to complete the Business Case Template
The new Business Case Template is to be used (where applicable - see guidance) for changes to courses from 30 March 2009. This cannot yet be completed on the Portfolio Database (the change process features in the next development phase).

Financial Evaluation Form
The Financial Evaluation form (replacing the  Costing Model Template from October 2011) is to be used for changes to courses (where applicable) alongside the Business Case Template from 30 March 2009. The template is updated regularly.