Project Summary
SCHOMS (Standing Conference for Heads of Media Services) have been successful in getting funding from HEFCE’s Leadership, Governance and Management Programme for a project on getting value for money for print. The project proposal was put together by Dr Anne Mumford, Director of Media Services at Loughborough University and Chair of SCHOMS who will act as project manager. The funding is £73,000 with the work taking place largely over the next 15 months.
The project is split into two phases:
Phase One
This phase is scheduled for an immediate start with all four strands moving in parallel and due to be completed by November 2006. The four strands are:
- Writing up case studies of good practice in the sector (and from other sectors)
- Assessment of technologies (hardware and software) for output management (desktop printers, fax machines, departmental copiers, central print).
- Consideration of procurement options for outsourcing print where appropriate and for purchasing technologies proposed in the second strand.
- Review of VFM studies in the sector.
An outline business plan and agenda for change will be produced from the results of the four strands.
Phase Two
4-6 institutions implement the changes suggested by phase one and are funded to write up their results (approx £5000 each) but not the purchase of hardware/software or staffing involved in change. This phases is scheduled for late 2006 and the first half of 2007.
The SCHOMS Executive will be the steering group for the project.
Each strand of activity will have an editor appointed. Dr Anne Mumford will be overall editor.
The proposal to HEFCE involved a two stage bidding process. The bids made under these two stages can be seen in the attached Word files