IT Services Operational Plan 2011-12 Summary of Key Developments for the Year Implementation of the planned migration from Blackboard to Moodle; Second phase of the School s web site redesign; Implementation of new storage facility with re-architected data and email services; Revision and development of IT policies and procedures, as well as a detailed IT business continuity plan; Showcases, drop-in sessions, and information sessions for new staff. The IT Services Operational Plan for 2011-12 follows the headings and refers to the objectives and risks in the IT Services Strategic Plan 2010/11-2014/15 (http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/its/help/policies/it_services_strategy.pdf). Research Continue to liaise with staff based at overseas sites through the Overseas Collaborating Institutions Committee and the newlycreated Wellcome Trust-funded post, and with Faculty IT staff, to establish where improvements can be made and provide the best advice to staff at those locations. Upgrade the existing HPC facility with additional capacity and a new head node. Objective 3 Risk l Objective 2 Risk j 1
Continue to pilot the existing collaborative platform to assess suitability, and to consider other options if necessary. Support the work of the Research Data Working Group and other initiatives in this area Continue to provide IT advice and support to the Library in the establishment and development of an institutional repository Work with Faculty IT staff to develop guidance for staff on procedures for applying for confidential research data (for example from the NHS) 4, 19 Objective 5 Risks i, n 1, 5 Risks i, n 6, 22 Risks b, h and from January 2012 From November 2011 Learning and Teaching Implement the planned migration from Blackboard to Moodle as the School s VLE for both the London-based teaching programme and the Distance Learning programme, working with the Moodle Migration Project Board, elig and the BLE Work with the Distance Education & Professional Development Office to refine the new Moodle web-conferencing system (discussion forums) replacing the previous WebBoard system. As a result of industry mergers, review options for the replacement of the existing virtual classroom solution (Elluminate). Provide effective management of the PC classrooms and mobile classroom systems, including a review of software levels. This includes classroom PC and laptop replacement as appropriate, and the possible expansion of LG30. Review current monitoring of printer output with a view to improving efficacy and the potential for print charging. Support for the wireless network accessed by staff, student and visitor laptops and mobile devices. 7, 13 Risks a, g, i Objective 8 Risks i,j 12, 13 Risks g, j Objective 9 9, 32 Risks a, i 9, 30, with implementation due for September 2012. By September 2012 and Summer 2012 By June 2012 2
Support for and development of the audio-visual and multi-media facilities in lecture theatres and classrooms, including the automatic lecture capture system. Participation in elig Working Group to evaluate options for the deployment of more open source software solutions. Continue to provide and enhance appropriate IT training, including the development of on-line training materials. Develop the elearning Roadmap for 2012-14; support staff in their use of the VLE and other technologies and evaluate new technologies for learning. Create a new training course(s) for staff on email good practice, GroupWise features, and email archiving in response to demand. 10, 12 Objective 11 Risk i Objective 14 Risks j, o 12, 13 Risk j Objective 14 Risk o By January 2012 Engagement Implement Phase 2 of the web site redesign Work with the Department of External Relations to create effective web site policies and procedures Continue to develop the CMS to meet the requirements of the web site as it changes and grows Recruit to the post created with Wellcome Trust institutional support funding to support ICT at key Overseas Collaborating Institutions and develop an appropriate support and advice service around that post. Provide advice and support to staff and to the Distance Education & Professional Development Office staff as appropriate in the development and delivery of open educational resources Play a full part in external committees and professional bodies as appropriate, including relevant Bloomsbury Groups. 15, 16, 17 Risk d 15, 16 Risks d, e Objective 16 Risk d 3, 18 Risks i, k, l Objective 20 Risks j, n Objective 21 Risks g, j By May 2012 From November 2011 3
Enabling Activities Move forward with the implementation of the new storage system in line with the new strategy of re-architected data and email systems, including backup and replication. 22, 24, m Implement institutional email archiving system Objective 23 Risks m, n Work with the consultants appointed to carry out the Keppel Street Objective 27 infrastructure renewal project to ensure IT input into this process Risk i Continue to update and create as necessary institutional IT policies Objective 23 and procedures (email policy, further Information Management & Risks b, h, m, Security policies). n Expand and enhance the IT Services business continuity plan. Objective 24 Work with key staff in Personnel and MIS access to network Objective 28 services for staff as the implementation of the new HR system Risks I, n progresses. Investigate external replication and business continuity options for the web site. Work with Estates to ensure generator power is connected to the 15-17 Tavistock Place data centre and operational Commence monitoring of data centre energy consumption as a first step in taking action to reduce that consumption Continue to implement network performance and monitoring application purchased last year. Review firewall provision and upgrade the name server and network address management environment Objective 24 22, 24, 27 Objective 25 Risk f 22, 6 Risk h 22, 6 Risk h Replace a proportion of edge network infrastructure Objective 22 Risk i By June 2012 through 2011-12 and beyond By May 2012 and by April 2012 From May 2012 February 2012 By April 2011 By March 2012 4
Rationalisation of the School s telephone service for improved service and resilience Establish the requirements of staff and students for remote access to network services and investigate how best to meet these requirements Continue and expand technology showcases and drop-in sessions, as well as IT briefing sessions for new staff Carry out a comprehensive review of email service provision, including options for the provision of email addresses for alumni Evaluate options for supporting business and personal mobile devices. Evaluate data backup alternatives as existing tape libraries near end-of-life. Ensure documentation for existing and new systems is complete and up-to-date, reviewing formats. 22, 24 Risks c, i 22, 30 Risks I, j, l Objective 31 Risks j, o 19, 22, 26 Objective 30 22,24 Risks c, n Objective 23 Risk b By January 2012 From December 2011 From March 2012 5