 Yuraisha Chetty, Director: Institutional Research, Department of Information and Strategic Analysis (DISA)
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Introducing the Directorate of Institutional Research
Establishment and mandate
A new milestone in the history of the Department of Information and Strategic Analysis (DISA) is the establishment of the Directorate: Institutional Research (DIR), which was approved by the Management Committee in 2008. It has recently populated its vacant posts and formal operations commenced on 1 October 2009. This directorate has been mandated to conceptualise, manage, coordinate and report on an array of institutional research activities and initiatives to support planning, decision making and management at Unisa.
Purpose and activities
What is institutional research? Institutional research at Unisa can be understood as action-oriented and evidence-based research and analysis which will guide and inform planning, decision making and management at the institution towards the achievement of strategic goals. DIR will achieve this through quantitative and qualitative research and information analysis which is relevant, accurate and timely. Our activities will include, but are not limited to, environmental scanning; profiling of the higher education sector and the institution’s colleges and schools; undertaking institution-wide surveys; producing cyclical reports on applications, registrations, exam success, graduations, qualifications and staff equity; and undertaking self-initiated and management-requested ad-hoc projects.
A chart illustrating the sequential steps involved in undertaking institutional research activities and inititatives
As depicted in the chart, DIR will aim to undertake research and analyses that add value, meaning and context to information. This will enable senior management to understand the institution and its processes better, leading to more informed decision making and planning.
An important function of DIR will be to coordinate institutional research activities and initiatives across Unisa. Towards this end, DIR has had exploratory discussions with the Research Directorate about incorporating institutional research projects into the new research database.
Conclusion
DIR looks forward to making a valuable contribution to Unisa by fulfilling its mandate efficiently and effectively. |
